Beth Ashby

Cinema and Television Directing MFA '23

Columbia energy feeds creativity says recent recipient of an MFA in Cinema and Television Directing.

What would you say has been the most surprising thing you learned at Columbia? 

The most surprising thing I learned at Columbia is how much the energy of others feeds me creatively. The swirl of activity that drives a film from development to post-production is a truly staggering thing to witness, and I’m perpetually amazed by the collaborative symbiosis that occurs amidst such a large group of people from so many different perspectives to make one work of art. 

What individuals or programs at Columbia were helpful to you in reaching your goal of graduating? 

My thesis advisors, Professor Wenhwa Ts’ao and Associate Professor Ted Hardin, pushed me to reach further for the truest version of my story; I’ve encountered so many professors who’ve gone above and beyond to answer questions and foster me through the maze that is figuring out my approach to this industry and art form.

What are your plans for after graduation?  

I plan to continue freelancing and working towards pre-production on my first feature.

If you were going to sum up your experience at Columbia in one sentence, what would you say? 

I spent more time at Columbia than I’d planned, but I came out with far greater work, friends, and collaborators than I’d dreamed.