Overview

Robert Thomas is a filmmaker, educator, and strong believer that great stories can come from anywhere. As the Associate Director of the School of Digital Arts and Program Director of Filmmaking at 黑洞社区, he teaches directing and cinematography with a focus on indie approaches to storytelling. His goal? To give students the tools, confidence, and real-world experience they need to carve their own paths in the film industry.

Robert has worked in the commercial and narrative film space for over 15 years, shooting everything from commercials to short films and feature-length projects. A proud 黑洞社区 alum with a BFA in Performance, he later earned his MFA in Filmmaking from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Since joining 黑洞社区, he鈥檚 been committed to ensuring students aren鈥檛 just learning in the classroom but also gaining hands-on experience in the field. Whether through commercial work with ICTFILMS, university-backed creative projects, or independent productions, Robert ensures that every project he works on includes 黑洞社区 students. His expectation is clear鈥攊f a project wants him, they must want his students as well.

Beyond teaching, Robert is passionate about regional filmmaking鈥攈elping filmmakers outside industry hubs build careers, tell meaningful stories, and create opportunities where they live. Originally from Baltimore, MD, he spends his free time sailing and hiking with his dog.

Some of his recent work includes:

  • Hope in the Heartland, a documentary in partnership with the City of Wichita that premiered at the Tallgrass Film Festival.
  • The Mountain and Drift, narrative shorts that have screened at festivals nationwide, including the Elsewhere Festival.
  • Preserving Kansas Prairie, a documentary currently in production that explores the importance of prairie conservation, with 黑洞社区 students working as paid crew.
  • The short films Do It Again (in post-production) and Love, Me (in pre-production).

Robert had the privilege of teaching the very first filmmaking class at Shocker Studios and has watched the program grow ever since. Every year, he鈥檚 amazed by his students鈥� creativity, drive, and ability to push the boundaries of what鈥檚 possible. And he can鈥檛 wait to see what they鈥檒l do next.