Kathy Bruner is a Professor and Department Co-Chair in the Art, Film & Media Department at Taylor University. With over 30 years of experience in nonfiction storytelling, she specializes in documentary filmmaking, video production, and scriptwriting. Education: MFA in Filmmaking, Vermont College of Fine Arts MA in Telecommunication, Baylor University BA in Broadcast-Communication and Journalism, Asbury University Her career highlights include executive-producing student documentary projects accepted by over 200 film festivals, and directing award-winning documentaries like "Last Year at the Crossing". She is recognized for her teaching excellence and currently works on a short documentary about an artist/professor. Scientific Awards: Taylor's Distinguished Professor Award (2018) Dr. Joe Burnworth Award for Teaching (2010) Lovingly hosting students at her Upland home, Kathy mentors the next generation of visual storytellers while balancing family life with her husband John and son Andrew.
Ignacio Lasierra Pinto serves as Professor and Director of the Audiovisual Communication degree program at the Faculty of Communication and Social Sciences, Universidad San Jorge. He teaches core courses including Cinematic Scriptwriting, Direction and Staging, Audiovisual Scriptwriting, Company Practices, Audiovisual Narrative, and Audiovisual Production, demonstrating deep integration within the academic structure. His academic credentials include: PhD in Communication, Universidad San Jorge (2017) Master's in Fiction Scriptwriting for Film and Television, Pontifical University of Salamanca (2008) Master's in Film, Television and New Technologies, Rey Juan Carlos University of Madrid (2010) Dr. Lasierra Pinto's research centers on character construction and design methodologies for television and film fiction, with specialized analysis of landmark series like The Wire. His parallel investigation into staging techniques across audiovisual media bridges theoretical frameworks with practical production demands, positioning him at the intersection of academic scholarship and industry practice. His scientific recognition includes: Over fifty awards at national and international film festivals for audiovisual works Best Screenplay Award, Government Delegation in Aragon Script Competition (2006) Best Screenplay Award, Government Delegation in Aragon Script Competition (2010) Professional advisory activities and research grant holdings are not documented in available sources, though his decade-long service as film critic for Cine para leer publications and participation in cinematic committees demonstrates significant industry engagement.
Mario Rivelli is a Professor at Ababo's School of Comics and Illustration, where he has served since the program's creation. He teaches core courses including History of Comics (ABST48), Comic Art I/II (ABPR20), and Creative Writing and Visual Storytelling I (ABPC67), covering narrative structure, editing, drawing techniques, and Italian comics history with emphasis on 2000-2025 graphic novels. His research integrates comics theory with practical artistry, focusing on visual storytelling mechanics, historical evolution of Italian comics, and narrative techniques from scriptwriting to final production. Courses emphasize hands-on development through black-and-white illustration, mezzotint, character design, and collaborative projects culminating in published works or exhibitions. Professor Rivelli's contributions to comics have been recognized with major industry awards: Caran d'Ache Boscarato Micheluzzi Read Me Out Loud Cento Prize Andersen With a professional career spanning four decades since 1985, he has authored works for publishers including Giunti, Einaudi Ragazzi, Mondadori Junior, and Rizzoli while co-founding magazines Fuego and Mondo Naif. His editorial experience includes roles at Telemaco Edizioni and Kappa Edizioni, bridging academic instruction with industry practice through guest lectures and real-world project frameworks.
Lucy Brown is Professor of Film & Television and Assistant Head of School for Screen at the University of Westminster's School of Media and Communications. An award-winning practitioner with over 25 years' experience, she has directed and produced content for BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Nickelodeon, and Disney, contributing to BAFTA- and RTS-winning programs. She serves as Deputy Chair of the National Association for Higher Education in the Moving Image (NAHEMI) and was elected to CILECT's Standing Committee on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in 2024. Her research centers on inclusive screen education, collaborative creativity, and gender representation in media industries. Key interests include practice-based production research, unconscious bias in creative development, and the intersection of screen practice with social justice. She has pioneered initiatives addressing structural inequalities through projects examining casting processes, editorial representation, and pandemic-era production adaptations. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on gender equity across film/TV sectors, with evolving methodology from theoretical frameworks (2019-2020) to actionable industry solutions (2021-2023). Her work bridges academic research and industry practice through documentary production, editorial board service for Representology: The Journal of Media and Diversity , and leadership in global policy dialogues. Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy UN Women CSW68 Delegate (2024) CILECT Standing Committee on EDI (2024) Founder/Director of Women in Screen Organizer of Trailblazing Women On and Off Screen conference series As academic leader, she welcomes PhD supervision in screen practice, documentary, screenwriting, and collaborative creativity. Her grant-funded initiatives include the Trailblazing Women conference series promoting gender equity across higher education and screen industries. She founded Women in Screen and serves on the editorial board for Representology , advancing research on media representation through partnerships with the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity.
Beth McCann serves as Lecturer in Screenwriting and Programme Leader for the MA Film Production at The University of Salford's School of Arts, Media and Creative Technologies, with additional affiliation to the Creative Technology Research Centre. Her educational foundation includes: MA Screenwriting for Film, Television and Radio McCann's research examines film-to-television adaptation mechanics, with specialized focus on self-adaptation challenges where creators transition their own cinematic work to episodic formats. Her scholarship investigates narrative restructuring, pacing transformations, and creative decision-making when stories cross mediums. This academic work directly informs her practical screenwriting consultancy through Scriptwriting North, which has supported hundreds of writers in developing industry-ready narratives. She actively bridges academia and industry through collaborations with BBC Writers, Northwest Vision and Media, and BFI Film Hub North. Her award-winning short film production experience provides tangible insights into storytelling execution. As Programme Leader, she shapes curriculum that integrates theoretical adaptation frameworks with hands-on production techniques, emphasizing authentic voice development for emerging filmmakers.
Dr. Pavel Prokopic is a Lecturer at the University of Salford within the School of Arts, Media and Creative Technologies. He specializes in experimental film, directing fiction, and innovative filmmaking practices, with a particular focus on how technology can expand cinematic storytelling while maintaining emotional connection to the audience. His research interests span film performance, affect theory, film philosophy, cinematography, and the intersection of traditional filmmaking with new technologies. Dr. Prokopic leads two major research initiatives: Nested Cinema (www.nestedcinema.com) and the International Network of Experimental Fiction Filmmaking (www.ineff.org), and is affiliated with the Creative Technology Research Centre at Salford. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on immersive cinematic experiences, affective approaches to filmmaking, and the philosophical underpinnings of film as an art form. His work shows a progression from his AHRC-funded PhD research on 'Affective Cinema' toward increasingly sophisticated explorations of multi-platform storytelling, spatial cinema, and the integration of emerging technologies like VR with traditional filmmaking practices. His notable achievements include: Award in Creative Media Research from the International Journal of Creative Media Research Publications in prestigious journals including Leonardo (MIT Press) Exhibitions at the Grosvenor Gallery, Stephen Lawrence Gallery, and Victoria & Albert Museum Collaborations with BBC R&D and the British Council Dr. Prokopic actively supervises PhD students and has developed teaching approaches informed by his practice-based research. His Nested Cinema Co-creation project (2025) demonstrates his commitment to advancing female inclusion through immersive experience innovation and storytelling with students at the University of Salford.
Laura Cortes Selva serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Social and Human Sciences at Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Spain, teaching across three undergraduate programs: Bachelor's in Audiovisual Communication, Bachelor's in Journalism, and the Dual Bachelor in Audiovisual Communication and Journalism. Her research centers on Audiovisual Communication and Advertising, with specific expertise in Cinematic Narrative, Scriptwriting, and Audio Technology. She actively contributes to the field through membership in the Audiovisual Communication and Advertising Observatory, focusing on practical and theoretical aspects of media production and advertising strategies. Cortes Selva has maintained continuous teaching assignments from 2023/2024 through 2025/2026 academic years, instructing core courses including Audio Technology (3610/1832), Cinematic Narrative (3593/4882), and Scriptwriting I: Technical (6142/4481). During 2023/2024, she additionally taught Advertising and Public Relations (1829) for Journalism students, demonstrating comprehensive coverage of audiovisual media disciplines.
Jose Luis Vicente Ferris serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Social and Human Sciences at Miguel Hernández University of Elche. He concurrently holds two key administrative positions: Director of Electronic Publishing under the Vice Rectorate for Research and Transfer, and Director of the Institutional Chair (Cátedra Miguel Hernández). His teaching spans undergraduate programs in Audiovisual Communication, Journalism, dual bachelor's degrees, the Master's in Teacher Training for Secondary Education, and the Doctorate in Social and Legal Sciences. His research expertise centers on Spanish Literature and its intersections with journalism and communication. Course coordination in Language: Oral and Written Expression , Scriptwriting I: Literary , Cultural Journalism , and Literature and Journalism demonstrates specialization in literary analysis, media studies, and language pedagogy. He also contributes to professional development through the Master of Continuing Education in Journalism and Democracy, emphasizing democratic memory frameworks. As Director of Electronic Publishing, he oversees institutional digital dissemination initiatives. His tutorial schedule (Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 13:00-15:00) operates via email confirmation from Office 011 in the Torreblanca Building at Elche Campus. No information is available regarding graduate student supervision, research grants, laboratory affiliations, or scientific awards.
Bogomil Kalinov serves as an Assistant Professor (PhD) in the Department of Cinema, Advertising and Show Business at New Bulgarian University. He is a core faculty member for the Cinema and Television bachelor's program, teaching foundational and advanced courses in film production. Contact details include email b.kalinov@nvictus.eu and phone 0888988527. His research focuses on practical filmmaking methodologies across documentary and feature production. Expertise spans Documentary Film techniques, Screenwriting for genre/low-budget cinema, Directing workflows, Mounting (Editing) processes, and Television Show development. Teaching emphasizes hands-on project execution from scriptwriting through final production. Dr. Kalinov's course portfolio demonstrates comprehensive engagement with cinematic creation: leading Winter/Summer Schools, supervising pre-shooting and filming periods for feature films, and instructing specialized seminars in TV production and trailer creation. His work bridges theoretical knowledge with industry-standard production practices.
Dr. Philip Braithwaite serves as a Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Central Lancashire within the School of Psychology and Humanities. An accomplished playwright and academic, he bridges creative practice with scholarly research in science fiction, utopian studies, and climate change theatre. Braithwaite's research interests span creative writing, science fiction studies, utopia and dystopia, politics in science fiction, cultural studies, and climate change theatre. His work demonstrates a particular focus on British science fiction television from the 1970s-80s, examining shows like Doctor Who and Blake's 7 through political and cultural lenses. He actively explores the intersection of climate crisis narratives with theatrical performance, contributing to anthologies focused on environmental issues. His publication record reveals a consistent trajectory across multiple creative and scholarly formats. Braithwaite produces both academic analyses of television genres and original creative works, particularly climate-focused plays. His scholarship often examines how science fiction reflects political realities, while his creative output directly engages with contemporary environmental concerns through dramatic form. The recurring themes in his work include genre analysis, political commentary through science fiction, and climate change narratives. Braithwaite is an active member of the Utopian Studies Society and Climate Change Theatre Action, demonstrating his commitment to both scholarly communities and practical artistic responses to global challenges. His dual role as practitioner and academic creates a unique position from which he contributes to both creative writing pedagogy and cultural analysis.
Frederick Lewis serves as Professor and Director of Screenwriting & Documentary Storytelling Programs in Ireland and Spain at Ohio University's Scripps College of Communication, School of Media Arts & Studies. His career uniquely bridges 14 years as a professional producer/director in public television (PBS documentaries, corporate video, and Division I sports broadcasting) with academic leadership in experiential media education. His research centers on documentary studies and biographical narrative production, with acclaimed works on Rockwell Kent and Paul Laurence Dunbar—both screened at the Library of Congress and earning regional Emmy Awards. Lewis pioneered Ohio University's '419 Productions' program, which operated for 18 years training students in industry-modeled filmmaking cycles that raised over $500,000 and produced 62 short films. He also directs annual study-abroad programs in Ireland and Spain, having taken 250+ students overseas since 2011. Scientific recognition includes: Two regional Emmy Awards for documentary excellence Ohio University's Presidential Teacher Award for transformative pedagogy Arctic Studies Fellowship at Uummannaq Polar Institute Writer-in-Residence appointments at Landfall artist retreat (Newfoundland) Lewis champions 'learning by doing,' structuring courses like the 48-hour 'Shootout' competition (300+ student participants annually) and international workshops for U.S. government entities in Malaysia. His former students now work at Lucasfilm, DreamWorks Animation, and Scott Free Productions. Current projects include a definitive Rockwell Kent biography drawing on Greenland research and continued expansion of Ireland/Spain storytelling programs.
Kenneth Rife serves as Professor and Director of Communication Programs within the College of Arts & Sciences at Columbia International University, where he has taught since joining the faculty in 2007. His instructional portfolio includes video and film production, graphic design, scriptwriting, and public speaking courses. His academic credentials include: PhD in Communication from Regent University (2019) MA in Communication — Film and Video Production from Regent University (1995) BA in Art with Graphic Design emphasis from Radford University Dr. Rife's professional focus centers on communication through religious media production, combining evangelistic messaging with cinematic techniques. His expertise spans multi-media presentations, television series production, and graphic design for missionary contexts, with significant contributions to faith-based visual storytelling. His professional recognition includes: NRB Award for Best Individual Video (1995) for "Prison to Praise" As founder and president of Starshell Media Ministries (established 2000), he mentors students while producing content that bridges academic training with missionary application. His 20-year tenure with Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ) provided foundational experience in visual media direction for evangelistic purposes.
Daniel Acle Vicente serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Audiovisual Communication and Advertising at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Salamanca. His academic background includes a PhD in Audiovisual Communication alongside undergraduate degrees in Philosophy and Literary Theory/Comparative Literature from the same institution, complemented by prior professional experience as a television scriptwriter and director. His research investigates interdisciplinary intersections between philosophy, literature, and cinema, alongside television's role in shaping contemporary sociocultural frameworks. Core research domains include: Philosophy and Cinema Semiotics and Audiovisual Communication Literature and Cinema Television and Sociocultural Models Current teaching responsibilities cover Audiovisual Narrative, Dialogue Creation, Narrative Languages, Social Communication, and Methodology, reflecting his dual expertise in theoretical frameworks and practical media production.
