ANNE RUSSELL
Program Director, Film Production Master of Fine Arts | Full Sail University
Anne Russell has spent more than a decade helping shape the future of film education in Central Florida, building a career that bridges professional production experience with forward-thinking academic leadership. As Program Director of the Film Production Master of Fine Arts at Full Sail University in Winter Park, a position she has held since 2014, Russell oversees the program’s educational direction and operations. Her impact extends within focus areas dedicated to students, faculty, and curriculum, in addition to support of graduates as they prepare for careers across the entertainment and media landscape.
Under her guidance, Full Sail’s Film MFA program has earned national recognition, appearing on recent prominent industry lists such as MovieMaker Magazine’s “30 Best Film Schools in the U.S. and Canada, 2025” and TheWrap’s “Top 50 Film Schools of 2025.”
A key part of her focus at Full Sail has been to embrace and drive innovation. Russell was a co-ideator of Studio V1, the university’s on campus virtual production facility, which allows students to work with cutting-edge tools that mirror those used in today’s film and television industries. She also contributed to the program’s designation as an Apple Distinguished School, a recognition that highlights excellence in innovation, leadership, and educational technology. Currently, her curriculum work is focused on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies into filmmaking practice—an effort aimed at preparing students for the next generation of storytelling.
Beyond her academic role, Russell is deeply engaged with the broader film community in Florida. She serves on the executive board of Film Florida, a statewide nonprofit organization that advocates for the growth and sustainability of the film, television, and digital media industries. Having previously held the role of Treasurer, she now serves as Second Vice President, contributing to strategic initiatives that support industry professionals and expand production opportunities across the state.
Before transitioning into academia, Russell built a career in documentary and unscripted television production. She produced and directed content for a variety of well-known programs, gaining hands-on experience in storytelling, production management, and collaboration. Her credits include work on series such as Bravo Profiles, Dancing with the Stars, and The Bachelor, experiences that continue to inform her teaching and leadership style. Russell’s academic background reflects her diverse interests and global perspective. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in German from Oregon State University and earned her Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Production from the University of Southern California. This combination of humanities and technical training has shaped her holistic approach to film education.
In addition to her work at Full Sail University, Russell is involved in current film projects as an executive producer. She is working on an upcoming feature documentary about Hawaiian musician Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole, collaborating alongside fellow executive producer Jason Momoa and director Jennifer Akana Sturla. The project underscores her continued connection to the creative industry and her dedication to meaningful storytelling. Through her leadership, innovation, and industry engagement, Anne Russell continues to influence both the present and future of film education.
3300 University Blvd., Winter Park, FL 32792 | 407-679-0100 | FullSail.edu