Jackson Coppins
Coming to Georgia State wasn’t Jackson Coppins’ first choice. But four years later, the soon-to-graduate film and media major says it was his best decision yet. Here, he shares how his experiences shaped his appreciation for the university and how they’ll serve him in the future as he pursues a career in the world of film.
Interview by Jordan Ferguson
Tell me about yourself and how you got to Georgia State.
At heart, I've always been an artist. Before I found my passion for acting and filmmaking, I was good at drawing and painting. Funnily enough, I was supposed to go to North Carolina A&T State University to study architecture and engineering. When COVID happened, I had a lot of time to sit and meditate on what I wanted and, lo and behold, I found myself at Georgia State University as a film major.
What types of opportunities have you had at Georgia State, specifically through your film and media major?
The good thing about Georgia State and being in Atlanta is that I’ve noticed much of the film industry is coming here. Because of Georgia State, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in classes such as GFA [Georgia Film Academy] 1000 — Introduction to On-Set Film Production. I’ve also had the opportunity to go into studios where they make big-budget films. I’ve gotten to work with equipment, gain hands-on experience, and network with professors and individuals who are in the industry themselves.
Since my concentration is acting, I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of many student-led and independent films. I’ve appeared in three shorts, “Color Karma” (2023), “Scar Tissue” (2022) and “Supercut” (2022). And I was on set earlier this year for a short film that we’re going to make into a feature at some point, depending on funding.
What has the experience been like going to different sets and working with equipment filmmakers use?
Amazing! Being on set and exploring what I wanted to do — those 12-hour days — put everything into perspective. It can be very tiring, but once I could endure that, I thought, “Yeah, this is where I want to be. This is my passion and what I want to do with my life.”
How has Georgia State set you up for success?
I can only say amazing things. Between the curriculum and excellent education, and having professors who are artists actually working in the industry, I’ve always felt supported. I’m being advised by people who not only know what they are talking about but also live that life outside of the university.
For example, when School of Film, Media & Theatre Professor Olubajo Sonubi directed me and my castmates in “Bunmi & Babajide Much Ado in Lagos,” he talked to us about how to present and market ourselves and how to take advantage of different opportunities, like going to graduate school or furthering our education. It’s that type of mentorship and advice that’s really helpful, and I’m so grateful to have gotten it from Georgia State.
What are your postgrad plans?
I will continue to work in the film industry, acting and auditioning. I have a lot of other projects lined up. I have to practice patience. It’s easy to want everything to come now, but I like to stay grounded and present and focus on one step at a time rather than the end goal and the steps I have to take to get there.
What word would you use to describe your experience at Georgia State?
Enriching. I’m immersed in the school’s culture and I’ve taken classes that have given me hands-on experience. This is a fantastic university, and I’m getting an excellent education. I’m networking with people and doing the things I want to do. And there is a lot of opportunity here in Atlanta. I’m glad things worked out the way they did. I had to figure out what I wanted to do, and I’m so happy things have led me here.
