October 2025 News
Annual Screenwriting Spotlight Highlights 2025 Graduates
Screenwriting Alumni from the AFI Conservatory Class of 2025 attended the annual Screenwriting Spotlight for an opportunity to pitch their projects to 73 agents, managers, industry executives and producers. Hosted at the Writers Guild of America, the event proved oversold and reports are that several deals have already been made.
AFI Thesis Pitch Raises Over $150,000 for Emerging Talent
Our remarkably talented AFI Conservatory Fellows had the exciting opportunity last month to pitch their thesis films to a group of generous donors. Thanks to their incredible support, more than $150,000 was raised to fund these projects—over double than that of last year! Congratulations to team NORTH BY NORTHRIDGE (FKA JESS & MAE – THE END OF A LOVE AFFAIR) for taking home the night’s top prize.
Reserve a Space at the Lawrence Herbert Alumni Center
Planning a meeting, table read or rehearsal? As an AFI Conservatory Alum, you can book our versatile conference and multi-purpose rooms at the Lawrence Herbert Alumni Center. Please review the updated campus access website and request a campus visit.
Join the AFI Alumni Network on Backlot
Looking for collaborators, industry insights or opportunities to mentor fellow AFI Alumni? Stay connected with the latest happenings in the AFI community by signing up for AFI Backlot. It’s your space to share, connect and strengthen our creative network!
Request an AFI Email
Need an AFI email address to streamline communication with fellow Alumni or assistance with your AFI Alumni account? Our Alumni Affairs team is here to help – contact us today!
AFI FRIDAY UPDATE
Zach Morrison (AFI Class of 2024) was awarded the Rexford Metz Student Heritage Award at the 2025 ASC Student Heritage Awards, which took place at the ASC Clubhouse earlier this week. Morrison won for the AFI Thesis film THE WITCH PICKER AND THE HARE.
We are proud to learn that Alicia Robbins (AFI Class of 2003) is one of the newest members of the American Society of Cinematographers. Robbins’ work includes GREY’S ANATOMY, BRIDGERTON and QUANTUM LEAP (2023), as well as the feature films BABYSPLITTERS and THE WEDDING INVITATION.
The final episode of HBO’s TASK, created by AFI Alum Brad Ingelsby (AFI Class of 2005) and featuring work from Alum and production designer Keith P. Cunningham (AFI Class of 1990), airs this Sunday. Ingelsby told Esquire he’s open to a second season: “If people respond to TASK and keep responding to TASK, I’d love to tell more stories about this place, because I love writing about this place.”
BAD BOY, which features the work of cinematographer Daniella Nowitz (AFI Class of 2014), has been nominated for Best Drama Series at the International Emmys.
AFI Alum and Faculty member Jesse Wigutow (AFI Class of 1999) was interviewed about his latest film TRON: ARES, which topped the box office last weekend.
Justin Bull (AFI Class of 2005) wrote the screenplay for THE CUT, a new boxing drama starring Orlando Bloom. Directed by Sean Ellis, the film premiered at TIFF and will debut on Paramount+ on November 1.
In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, AFI Alum Ari Aster (AFI Class of 2010) discusses script-to-screen changes on EDDINGTON, including cutting a real-life Big Tech CEO character.
Roxy Toporowych’s (AFI DWW+ Class of 2024) feature film debut, JULIA BLUE, is now available to rent or purchase on Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video in the U.S. and Canada.
HAL & HARPER premieres on MUBI this Sunday, October 19. The series showcases the talents of several AFI Alumni, including producer Thomas Hartmann (AFI Class of 2018), production supervisor Sarah Hyunji Park (AFI Class of 2022), and 2nd assistant director Ira Storozhenko (AFI Class of 2020).