SCADFILM ‘In Focus: True Crime’ event to bring genre into focus
Tracey Phillipps
Get up close and personal with the true crime genre at SCADFILM event In Focus: True Crime.
The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) offers a rich calendar of events through its SCADFILM programming. Next up on the heels of SCAD TVfest comes In Focus: True Crime on March 6. The single day event brings multiple sessions with true crime genre industry experts from Happy Face, How I Escaped My Cult, podcasting and more. All four sessions will take place in the SCADshow venue in Midtown Atlanta.
Key Art for Happy Face with Annaleigh Ashford as Melissa Reed and Dennis Quaid as Keith Jesperson, season 1, streaming on Paramount+. Photo credit: Paramount+
On the agenda for In Focus: True Crime
Beyond the Screen: Using Storytelling to Educate, Empower, and Engage
1:15 a.m. at SCADshow, Stage 2
Examine the opportunity to benefit the people and communities impacted by programming that tells real life stories of crime. While a production makes money from sharing true crime stories, there are also philanthropic opportunities to have a positive influence on those left behind from those crimes.
Panelists to include Ioli Filmeridis, social impact advisor, Littleton Road Productions; Ashley Michel Hoban, showrunner, Dr. Death season 2, and director, executive producer, and writer, Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy
Behind the Mic: Examining True Crime Podcasting
2:30 p.m. at SCADshow, Stage 2
CBC Podcast executive producers Cesil Fernandes and Chris Oke will offer insights regarding the ethics and authenticity that are important to true crime podcasting. The presenters will also explore different artistic aspects involved in producing a true crime podcast, elements such as sound design, audio structure and field recording techniques.
Presenters to include Cesil Fernandes, executive producer, CBC Podcasts; Chris Oke, executive producer, CBC Podcasts
Stories of Survival: The Making of How I Escaped My Cult
5:15 p.m. at SCADshow, MainStage
Attendees will screen an episode of How I Escaped My Cult (Freeform) followed by Q&A with David Karabinas, executive producer for the series and CEO of Texas Crew Productions. The series captures stories of those who have experienced the oppression and trauma of modern-day cults as shared through their own perspectives. Discussion to include aspects of investigation and how to portray the complexity of the stories being shared.
Panelist David Karabinas, executive producer, How I Escaped My Cult, CEO Texas Crew Productions
Facing the Past: Navigating Crime and Trauma in Storytelling in Happy Face
7:30 p.m. at SCADshow, Main Stage
The Happy Face series on Paramount+ shares Melissa G. Moore’s compelling real-life story of growing up as the daughter of a serial killer. Moore has also told her story via autobiography and podcast formats. Melissa G. Moore and series showrunner Jennifer Cacicio will be on hand to talk about producing the series and share extensive insights on the premiere episode.
Panelists to include Melissa G. Moore, executive producer; Jennifer Cacicio, showrunner, writer, and executive producer
Tickets for In Focus: True Crime
Tickets for individual sessions can be reserved online via the SCAD Box Office. The price for the general public is $10 per session. Entry is free for SCAD students and SCAD card holders.
SCADFILM produces year-round programming with festivals and events. SCAD is the only university to boast professionally run casting offices, which operate from both the Atlanta and Savannah campuses.
SCAD, dubbed “The University for Creative Careers” has a global presence with over 18,500 students studying across 110 different degree programs including both undergraduate and graduate studies. Learn more about the university at SCAD’s website.
