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InEd Studios crew and actors on set in the studio

Innovative Education Studios: Creative expertise across USF and beyond

USF’s Innovative Education Studios is widely known for producing and transforming content for online programs and courses across the university. However, its creative team extends its creative expertise beyond these core focuses, partnering with various departments and colleges within USF and even tackling a few projects outside the university.  
 
While online programs remain InEd Studios' top priority, these external collaborations allow the team to broaden its impact on USF, delve into new subject matter, explore unique filming locations, and experiment with new techniques. 

POWERING DREAMS

Among the team’s most recent achievements are two impactful projects produced for USF’s Muma College of Business. 

A student standing on campus wearing glasses

One project, a visually captivating brand video, tells the heartfelt story of a young woman’s journey from elementary school to high school and finally to her enrollment at the USF Muma College of Business. The story follows the path of an inspired child with an entrepreneurial spirit whose dreams evolve over three pivotal life stages. Designed to resonate with prospective students and the community, this film showcases how ambition can lead to groundbreaking achievements and how USF’s business school provides the tools and support to turn goals into reality.  

What makes this production unique is its collaborative nature. Partnerships with Pizzo Elementary School, local casting and talent agencies, and internationally acclaimed copywriters, resulted in a project that connects with viewers on a personal and aspirational level.  

PORTRAITS IN PATRIOTISM

As a part of a civics literacy excellence initiative for the Florida Department of Education, InEd Studios produced the Portraits in Patriotism series. Documentary-style episodes explore democracy through the eyes of immigrants who fled totalitarian governments – from Venezuela’s Maduro regime to the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, Romania under Soviet occupation, and the current struggles in Haiti.  

Ildiko Trien sitting on her couch

One film tells the gripping story of Ildiko Trien, whose childhood in Romania was abruptly disrupted by the rise of communism. Forced from her home, her family faced devastating challenges, including her father’s imprisonment in a brutal gulag. Against overwhelming odds, Trien’s resilience carried her through unimaginable hardships, from displacement to survival within a traveling circus, ultimately leading to her escape to freedom.  

This project required in-depth research, sensitivity in storytelling, and the ability to translate complex geopolitical events into accessible, engaging narratives for younger audiences.

By highlighting these first-person accounts, the series celebrates resilience, civic responsibility, and the transformative power of freedom.  

“It was deeply fulfilling to see this work not only adopted into educational curricula but also recognized for its excellence in storytelling and impact,” said Gary Granger, senior producer for InEd Studios.  
 
Through Trien’s story and those of others in the series, Portraits in Patriotism inspires students to appreciate the value of freedom and the strength of the human spirit, leaving a lasting impression of the importance of democratic principles.  

USF BASKETBALL

InEd Studios recently partnered with USF Athletics to produce an exciting introductory video for the Men’s Basketball team, showcasing the players’ talent, energy, and team spirit, with high-energy game footage and individual player highlights.  
 
This project allowed student-athletes to engage directly with the production process, offering them a behind-the-scenes experience in high-tech video production. For many athletes, this was their first opportunity to work with cutting-edge video equipment, giving them a unique perspective on the creative process.  

Basketball player surrounded by fans

InEd Studios worked closely with USF’s Athletics team, allowing athletes to see how their performances were captured and brought to life on screen while fostering teamwork and creative collaboration beyond the court.  
 
This project exemplifies the strength of the partnership between InEd Studios and USF Athletics, blending technical expertise with the athletes’ dynamic energy and offering a new way to connect with their audience.  

IT ALL STARTS HERE

Another project celebrates the stories of remarkable USF MBA alumni who embody the program's transformative potential. Through the lens of these exceptional graduates, it showcases how the MBA program opens doors, builds confidence, and propels careers to new heights.   

The video highlights four alumni: 

  • Andrew Bustamante – A former CIA operations officer turned Fortune 500 advisor, Bustamante leveraged his MBA to build a thriving personal brand. With visuals ranging from coaching leadership classes to podcast production and family life, his story is a testament to the boundless opportunities created by the MBA program.
  • Amanda Ortiz – Ortiz used her MBA to pivot into a new industry and excel in NYC. Her story of grit and determination, combined with the iconic backdrop of her life in the city, highlights the program’s role in helping students achieve ambitious career goals.  
  • Atim Muhammad – From humble beginnings to becoming a successful director, Muhammad’s story showcases the life-changing power of USF’s MBA program. As a Tampa local, his connection with the community and the college enriches the narrative of upward mobility.  
  • Lindsey Stewart – As a Tampa Bay Lightning team member and an active Humane Society volunteer, Stewart’s story highlights career switches, community impact, and dynamic professional growth.   
A man recording a podcast in a studio

“These projects reflect the transformative journeys that unfold at the USF Muma College of Business,” said Granger. “From childhood dreams to career reinventions, these narratives inspire us all to see what’s possible when ambition meets opportunity. By weaving together heartfelt narratives with exceptional creative execution, we’re proud to spotlight how the college helps individuals pursue and achieve their greatest potential.” 

With these productions, InEd Studios continues its commitment to crafting compelling, purpose-driven content that inspires audiences and amplifies the stories of educational transformation.  
 
Interested in working with InEd Studios? While the team prioritizes supporting USF’s online programs and courses, other departments and offices are encouraged to explore potential joint projects. These partnerships not only advance the university’s goals but also expand the creative reach of Innovative Education. Explore the team’s portfolio to see more of InEd Studios’ work.  
To get in touch with InEd Studios, contact Gary Granger at garygranger@usf.edu.  

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About Department News

USF Innovative Education is a powerhouse of creativity and collaboration, offering a range of faculty-related services including learning design, multimedia development, technology integration, and support for teaching and learning. We help faculty transform courses into dynamic learning experiences, providing training and support for various programs. We work with both experienced and new faculty, assisting them in integrating technology and staying up to date with educational trends.