Meet The Crew
Lead Teaching Artist
Nathan W. Fullerton
Nathan W. Fullerton has been teaching filmmaking since 2004, starting as an Instructor for Apple. Nathan is a Certified Apple Trainer for Final Cut Pro, has won awards for directing and cinematography, and has had films screened at multiple film festivals (including mentoring a team of teenagers whose film was screened at the prestigious National Film Festival for Talented Youth). In addition to dozens of short films and hundreds of marketing, training, and advocacy packages for major corporations and schools, Nathan’s credits include Cinematographer for the movie Scream Park, and (at different times) Director, Editor, and Cinematographer for the live action parts of the internationally broadcast Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.
Nathan is an expert in the technical aspects of digital filmmaking and loves nothing more than passing on that knowledge to others.
Program Director
Trisha Hosac
Trisha Hosac is a Pittsburgh-based film educator, producer, and editor dedicated to mentorship, creative collaboration, and building community. As the founder of Spacebat Productions, she works behind the scenes to guide film and podcast projects from concept to completion, with a focus on helping new and emerging creatives grow their skills and confidence. Trisha also manages a hard rock band "Dematus" and has a deep love for music, storytelling, and connecting people. She’s passionate about creating opportunities for students to network with filmmakers, musicians, and local events—bridging creative worlds and helping talent find its place.
Teaching Artist
Michael R. Petyak
B.F.A. Musical Theater Performance, Magna Cum Laude; Shenandoah University, M.F.A. Theatre Arts - Pedagogy (Class of 2026); University of Idaho. Filmmaker who has worked on numerous local and national SAG-AFTRA films and television series including: Outsiders, Replicate, Turn: Washington's Spies, Juniper & Lamplight, Child Warfare, Fort Pitt Motel, and many more. Can most recently be seen performing stunts in Netflix's Rustin. Proud member of AEA/SAG-AFTRA/IATSE and Adjunct Professor of Theater at Seton Hill University. IMDB: Michael R. Petyak. Thanks to everyone from the Film Academy team on continuing through adversity and having him onboard to continue the magic that is Film Academy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania!
Teaching Artist/Outreach Manager
Ian Altenbaugh
Bio Coming Soon
Creative/Event, Maintenance
Andrea Heart
Andrea is a creative force with a talent for turning ideas into reality. Whether it’s art, mechanics, construction, or design—if you can dream it, she can probably build it. With a passion for supporting others, Andrea brings big-picture thinking and hands-on skill to every project. She’s especially drawn to mentoring and helping students and community members bring their visions to life, often dreaming up fun, impactful events that foster connection, creativity, and collaboration.
Teaching Artist
Edwin Huang
Bio Coming Soon
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Alyssa Pearson
Bio Coming Soon
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Joe Wilson
Bio Coming Soon