University of North Georgia (UNG) film students Andrew Byrd, Mark Harris and Jacob Monahan all participated in a study abroad in summer 2023 in Italy where they created a short film together as they all pursue degrees in film with a production concentration. When they returned stateside, they were offered an internship with Syfan Logistics in Gainesville, Georgia.

"Mark, Jacob and Andrew are excellent examples of talented and passionate UNG filmmakers that have already found success in a professional environment," James Mackenzie, associate director of film in the School of Communication, Film and Theatre and associate professor of film and digital media, said. "This is the first time UNG film students have worked at Syfan."

The idea of the partnership came from Dan Bacus, director of community and academic outreach at Syfan, when the logistics company wanted to make an ad for Camp Logistics.

"We brainstormed some ideas to better advertise that in the community, and one of the answers was let's do a high-energy video ad," Bacus said.

After a meeting with Dr. Jeff Marker and a tour of the film production facility at UNG's Gainesville Campus, three "outstanding" interns put together the video, Bacus said.

Mackenzie said that as Syfan sought to utilize production students as a part of a larger marketing and communication initiative, it became clear that an internship opportunity was a fantastic place to start.

"We brought them on for our summer internship, and they had a very successful summer with us completing several projects going far and above what we initially expected," Bacus said.

The interns also completed a few internal video projects for Syfan Logistics, Byrd said.

The trio went to Italy in the summer of 2023 with faculty members Mackenzie and Andrew Salerno to study Italian neorealism, a post-World War II trend that focused on creating stories aimed to show the reality of post-war Italy. The students worked with nonprofessional local actors for their film.

"The purpose of the study abroad was to film a documentary," Harris, a senior from Kennesaw, Georgia, said. "An essential part of that project was to find actors. Because the group all worked together on the film, we all grew close."

Syfan approached UNG to create a promotional video for Camp Logistics, and the internship moved forward in May 2024.

Upon completing the internship, the three will head to Pennsylvania to assist Salerno with a feature length film project. Harris will do lighting and some acting, and Monahan will be assisting with the camera. Harris will be the chief lighting technician or gaffer, he said.

"We're very excited for it," Monahan, a Suwanee, Georgia, resident, said. 

Harris and Byrd have been friends since childhood, often making films as children. Monahan has been onboard since the 2023 study abroad.

"Working together on projects just feels right. We're all close and feel the same way about filmmaking, so I don't think it's too shocking for me that we're still together working," Monahan said.

The plan is to remain together as long as possible, Harris said.

"We love making films. We've written and directed a few films at UNG. We want to pursue that in the future, but our current plan is to stick together as long as we can and continue to do corporate videos, either here at Syfan or elsewhere, then step out into the industry," Harris said.

The group is appreciative of the opportunities they have experienced.

"I was just thinking that this is crazy. I'm doing what I love to do with film, and I'm doing it with three of my closest friends, and I get paid to do it. I just think it's an incredible opportunity and it's hard to fathom I'm in this position, which is something that rarely happens for people," Harris said.

Monahan echoed his sentiments.

"I want to emphasize that the UNG film program is a fantastic program, and it allows students a lot more hands-on and collaborative experiences with other film students. The study abroad was fantastic," Monahan said. "I’m so grateful for Syfan letting us on their team. Syfan's an amazing place to work, and it's providing incredible opportunities for us."

Byrd said the experience has encouraged him to take opportunities.

"It's important to take any chance you get to help further your career," Byrd said. "This is going to help us push our careers forward. We've learned so much while being here."