When Chrysander Mandragora started their MFA in Digital Filmmaking at the Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII) he had a vision: to push the boundaries of storytelling by blending film, and 3D animation. What he didn’t expect was how quickly they’d be working with the same cutting-edge technology that’s driving the future of Hollywood.
“Learning Unreal Engine at this level is changing everything for me,” Chrysander says. “It’s one thing to hear about virtual production and see its uses—it’s another to be in the studio, using the tools in real time, and realizing you can create entire worlds without ever leaving the soundstage.”
Chrysander isn’t alone in that realization. The MFA in Digital Filmmaking has once again earned Silver Level Unreal Academic Partner status, a distinction awarded by Epic Games to top-tier programs that provide industry-standard training in Unreal Engine. With virtual production transforming everything from blockbuster movies to indie films, CMII is making sure its students are ready to step straight into the action.
A key driver behind the program’s success is Jeasy Sehgal, CMII’s Professor of Practice and a leader in Unreal Engine education. His courses—with topics ranging from game engine pipelines to experimental cinematics—aren’t just about teaching software. They’re about rethinking the way stories are made.
“Unreal Engine is revolutionizing filmmaking,” Sehgal explains. “It’s allowing directors to shoot scenes with dynamic lighting, realistic environments, and real-time feedback—things that would have taken months in post-production before. Our students aren’t just learning how to use it; they’re using it to create entirely new forms of storytelling.”
The program’s success isn’t just about institutional recognition—it’s also about the people leading the charge. This year, CMII’s faculty earned two of the most coveted credentials in Unreal Engine instruction.
Ola Gardner, a lecturer in game design, achieved Silver Unreal Authorized Instructor status after completing Epic Games’ rigorous certification process. Meanwhile, Sehgal himself earned the prestigious Gold Authorized Instructor Partner credential, a designation reserved for an elite group of educators worldwide.
“Owning this certification means a great deal to me, as it reflects the high standard of instruction we strive for at CMII,” added Gardner. “With Unreal Engine at the forefront of innovation in digital media, I am excited to help students master the technology and gain a competitive edge in the industry.”
For students like Chrysander, that training is already paying off. “Unreal Engine has completely changed how I approach storytelling. I’m able to create immersive environments, able to rapidly prototype characters and scenes, am experimenting with real-time rendering, and working on projects using skills that feel like the future of entertainment.”
And when it comes to mentorship, Chrysander credits Sehgal’s guidance as a pivotal part of their journey. “Professor Sehgal has been formative to my growth’s trajectory. I wouldn’t have been pushing myself to learn Unreal Engines deeper processes if not for him. I’ve obtained a firm understanding of Metahumans, Virtual Production Pipelines, and Environment Design thanks largely in part to his guidance.”
With Unreal Engine driving the future of entertainment and CMII’s faculty leading the charge, CMII’s MFA in Digital Filmmaking isn’t just preparing students for the industry—it’s helping shape what the industry becomes.
For more information about CMII’s MFA in Digital Filmmaking, visit https://cas.gsu.edu/program/digital-filmmaking-virtual-production-visual-effects-concentration-mfa/.
About the Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII)
The Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII) is a leading hub for media arts education and innovation, dedicated to preparing students for careers in the ever-evolving creative and media industries. Through cutting-edge programs, industry partnerships and state-of-the-art facilities, CMII offers a dynamic environment for students to explore their creative potential and pursue their passion for storytelling and media production.