The inaugural production of PMA Studios wrapped up with the premiere of Milkshake Kiss in the Kiplinger Theatre on Friday, May 2, marking a significant milestone for Cornell's Department of Performing and Media Arts. The short film, written by Audrey Pinard '25 and directed by Justin Lee ’26, brought together more than 50 students, faculty, staff and industry professionals in an unprecedented collaborative effort.
Under the guidance of Jeffrey Palmer (Associate Professor), Doorim Kim (Lecturer), and Carolyn Michelle Smith (Visiting Lecturer), the production transformed the Schwartz Center's Flex Theatre into a vibrant 1950s-style diner, showcasing the team's impressive set design capabilities.
The ten-week film production process gave students practical experience in multiple disciplines, including directing, cinematography, and acting, beginning with comprehensive pre-production planning. Under Palmer's guidance, students learned crucial aspects of directing and producing, including script breakdown and scheduling, while collaborating with directors of photography to develop detailed shot lists and storyboards. Acting students benefited from Smith's expertise in character development and on-set coaching, gaining valuable first-hand experience in professional film set dynamics. And Kim led weekly camera tests and technical training sessions on handling cameras, lighting, and sound gear. Through these regular practical exercises, students developed the skills and confidence to troubleshoot technical challenges efficiently during actual production.
Notable contributions also came from professional guest speakers including producer Becky Korman, director Ellie Foumbi, and cinematographers Otto Piboon and Gareth Manwaring, who shared invaluable industry insights during the course. The project, which spanned over ten weeks, involved intensive weekend shoots in March and culminated in its world premiere to a packed theatre.
To document this groundbreaking initiative, PMA Studios has also produced "The Making of Milkshake Kiss," a behind-the-scenes mini-documentary that captures the creative process of the production. This documentary offers viewers an intimate look at the collaborative spirit and dedication that went into bringing this project to life.
The project demonstrated the power of collaborative filmmaking, with students working alongside industry professionals to handle everything from pre-production planning to post-production editing.
PMA Studios' successful launch with Milkshake Kiss has set a strong foundation for future productions, establishing a new tradition of professional-grade filmmaking at Cornell University. The project has not only produced a compelling short film but has also created a valuable learning platform for aspiring filmmakers and industry professionals.
The film is now being prepared for submission to various film festivals, carrying the creative vision of Cornell's PMA department to broader audiences. This inaugural success promises exciting possibilities for future PMA Studios productions and continues to strengthen Cornell's position in film education and production.
The next PMA Studios production is scheduled for spring 2027, with more information to be released in January 2026. We encourage students to join our student mailing list to stay updated on upcoming projects and announcements.
Transcript of "Making of Milkshake Kiss"
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Introducing…PMA STUDIOS, a new collaboration of students, faculty, staff and guest artists to write, produce and direct a professional movie production! We invite you to join us on this exciting journey to movie magic!
What is 1611: PMA Studios? PMA Studios is a production company, a class and an event. Led by three professionals of the field, Jeffrey Palmer (Producer, Director, Documentarian), Doorim Kim (Independent Filmmaker), and Carolyn Michelle Smith (Actor), students will develop, cast, and shoot a short film written by one of their peers. Along the way special guests will illuminate the inside of the studio system, from production to photography to post-production.
Students will focus on one aspect of the production but will gain knowledge of the entire process. We are looking for students interested in all aspects of movie making: Actors, Directors, Assistant Directors, Producers, Directors of Photography, Grip and Lighting, Sound, Set Design, Production Assistants, and Writers.
Important Information!
This class will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5pm – 8pm, starting Wednesday, January 22nd and ending Wednesday March 26th. Film Production will happen the weekends of March 15th-16th and March 22nd-23rd. Students MUST commit to these times to participate.
PMA Studios Script Contest Winner
We are thrilled to announce the winner of the script contest!
Congratulations to Audrey Pinard '25, whose script titled "Milkshake Kiss" has been selected as the winning submission. The PMA Studios team is excited to begin production on this fantastic script in the Spring semester.
Stay tuned for updates as we bring "Milkshake Kiss" to the big screen!
Guest Lecture Series
PMA Studios presents three distinguished guest speakers who will share their invaluable expertise and industry insights. The students will have an exceptional opportunity to learn from leading professionals in the film industry.
Featured Speakers:
Becky Korman [Producing]
Ellie Foumbi [Acting for Camera]
Otto Piboon [Cinematography]
PMA Studios Film Screening
Friday, May 2, 5:00 pm, Kiplinger Theatre
Join us as we celebrate the premiere of Milkshake Kiss, the first film by PMA Studios! This exciting new collaboration brings together students, faculty, staff and guest artists to write, produce and direct a professional movie. Don't miss this special screening as we showcase their incredible work!
From empty space to movie magic! ✨🎬 Watch this amazing timelapse of our PMA Studios students and staff transforming the Flex Theatre at the Schwartz Center into a film set of a diner.
PMA 1611 PMA Studios Faculty Spotlight
Jeffrey Palmer is a PMA Associate Professor and an award-winning filmmaker and media artist. His first feature film, N. Scott Momaday: Words from a Bear, premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival and aired nationally on the PBS series, American Masters. In 2020, the film was nominated for an Emmy. He is currently working on his second feature film Ghosts and completing a project for the Barack Obama Foundation and the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Doorim Kim is a PMA Lecturer and works across various media, including film, video, and animation. Her films have been showcased at prestigious festivals like the Mise-en-scène Film Festival in Korea. As the director of TOFU Studio, Doorim focuses on the interplay of image and sound, creating works that invite introspection through symbolic imagery and rich soundscapes. Her debut feature film A Whale Who Drinks a Fishbowl highlights her storytelling vision.
Carolyn Michelle Smith is a PMA Visiting Lecturer, actress, and producer from Washington, DC. She stars in Paramount+’s The Chi and the upcoming season of HBO Max's And Just Like That. Her TV credits include Russian Doll, House of Cards, and Law & Order, with film roles in He’s Way More Famous Than You and Familiar Touch. As an educator, she co-directed Lena Waithe's Hillman Grad Mentorship Lab. As a founding member of Juilliard's Black Alumni Association, she advocates for diversity and empowerment within the arts.