Skylar ``Blue`` Sanders (B.A. '22)
As an undergraduate, Skylar “Blue” Sanders (B.A. ’22) fully utilized Georgia State’s film program. Acquiring valuable experience, she provided voiceovers for GSU projects and worked on various film sets across Georgia. Now back to pursue a master’s in communication, she aspires to establish her own publishing company aimed at giving a platform to marginalized voices in the media.
Interview by Zohra Basmadjian
Tell me about yourself.
I graduated from Georgia State in 2022 and started my graduate studies last spring. I got my bachelor’s degree in film and media, and for my master’s, I’m studying communication with a concentration in digital media strategies. I am also a graduate research assistant.
I have many interests. I like learning about different things and experimenting, especially with the arts — film, music and writing. I have explored many of those areas, and I enjoy branching out and getting all that I can out of them.
What is your favorite part about your graduate assistant role?
It allows me to be more involved because I wasn’t during my undergraduate years. I like that it gives me structure. Before I had the position, I wasn’t on campus as much because most of my classes were online. Now that I am on campus more, I’ve recorded some voiceovers for Georgia State programs and I’m also building more connections with my old professors because they come by the equipment checkout to say hey.
Why did you choose Georgia State?
When I graduated high school, I was looking for film programs and wanted to be close to home. I was born and raised in Atlanta. When I toured the Georgia State campus, the Creative Media Industries Institute intrigued me with its resources for film students. I also appreciated the diversity of Georgia State. I felt like other universities I looked at weren’t hitting that mark. So, I decided on Georgia State because of the opportunities it offers and its partnership with the Georgia Film Academy (GFA), which I ended up enrolling in.
What are some of the opportunities Georgia State has afforded you?
I did the Quebec study abroad program last summer, which was an amazing experience. It was my first time leaving the country and I got to practice journalism in Canada.
Because of the partnership with the GFA, I could take classes with them and finish my production certification. I interned at Trilith Studios and worked on the show “Agatha All Along.” I worked in the costume department, and they brought me on as a full-time production assistant. That would not have happened without Georgia State and their connection with GFA.
Tell me more about your experience at the Georgia Film Academy.
Their courses gave me more hands-on experience. The film classes at Georgia State are more theory-based until you reach higher-level courses. However, I got a good mix of film theory and hands-on experience by taking courses at GFA and GSU, which helped me better understand film.
I recommend it to everybody. It’s such a good program. I learned so much and they are real with you about the film industry.
What do you hope to accomplish after you get your master’s degree?
I want to have my own magazine. I’d like to have a print and digital publication and platform voices that aren’t heard in mainstream media. I’m also interested in doing documentary work. That’s important to me, too.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
College is a time to explore your interests and figure out what you want to do. Joining clubs and associations is something I wish I had done more of. And also creating a portfolio. Once you graduate, you will be in the real world, and potential employers will want to see your work. So, when you’re in your classes, make sure you’re making projects you’re proud of — that you would like to put in a portfolio.