Mark Schimmel brings real-world experience and heartfelt guidance to the next generation of filmmakers at UCF.
By: Majdulina Hamed | Published November 3, 2025
From directing award-winning short films to mentoring the next generation of filmmakers, Visiting Lecturer in the Nicholson School of Communication and Media, Mark Schimmel, has built a career defined by creativity, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the power of storytelling. Schimmel’s path to filmmaking began with a desire to make an impact through visual storytelling.
He says his early projects focused on environmental awareness and animal rights before expanding into public service announcements and narrative films.
“My journey into filmmaking was born from a desire to make a meaningful difference in the world through my creative talents,” Schimmel says. “Storytelling became a way for me to inspire change—one frame, one message at a time.”
Throughout his career, Schimmel has worked across nearly every genre, collaborating with renowned figures. He says these experiences profoundly shaped his creative philosophy.
“Working with Woody Harrelson reinforced the idea that speaking out and standing up for what you believe in truly matters,” Schimmel says. “Collaborating with Russell Wilson and Trevor Brazile introduced me to faith as a creative force; it’s both empowering and humbling.”
He explains that each collaboration has deepened his belief that storytelling can uplift, heal, and inspire collective action.
“Working with George Strait taught me the quiet strength of kindness and humility,” he says. “And through my work with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Special Agent Tim Santel, I was reminded that collective voices can protect those who cannot speak for themselves.”
Schimmel’s most recent works demonstrate both his artistic range and his human-centered storytelling.
His short film, The Musician, which he wrote, produced, and directed as part of his MFA thesis, earned more than a dozen awards at international film festivals, including Best Short Film and Best Lead Actress at the Global Nonviolent Film Festival.
“The Musician was a passion project born from my fascination with the beauty and anonymity of street performance,” Schimmel says. “I wanted to tell a story that highlights empathy and the power of human connection.”
The film follows a world-renowned violinist who reconnects with the healing power of music after an encounter with a street child. Starring acclaimed violinist Anne Harris, the film’s emotional depth and musical artistry have resonated with audiences worldwide.
In contrast, The Paralytic, a science fiction horror film starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers, marks Schimmel’s latest project. Planned to be released in 2026, the film was shot in the United Kingdom and Indiana, with a UCF student joining the production team as a hands-on assistant.
“My involvement stemmed from a genuine desire to help another filmmaker realize his vision,” Schimmel says. “It became both a creative and personal milestone.”
At UCF, Schimmel brings his real-world experience into the classroom, blending technical instruction with professional insight.
“I believe students benefit as much from hearing about mistakes and challenges as they do from hearing about success stories,” Schimmel says. “My goal is to help them avoid the land mines I’ve stepped on and prepare them for the realities of a competitive industry.”
He integrates industry tools, props, and networking opportunities into his courses, often connecting students directly with professionals across the entertainment world.
“I want my students to see the industry not as a distant dream, but as a community they’re already part of,” he says.
One of Schimmel’s proudest teaching moments came when a student he mentored joined a professional film set he was producing.
“The director mentored him closely, letting him rotate through multiple departments,” Schimmel says. “It was an authentic glimpse into how filmmaking really works, and experiences like that often become career-launching moments.”
(Photo courtesy of Mark Schimmel. Russel Wilson and Schimmel on location in Seattle for Banfield PSA)
Schimmel continues to receive messages from former students who have gone on to remarkable success.
“One of my former students recently told me she was meeting with Spike Lee,” he says. “Another is now a Creative Executive at Lionsgate. Those calls are the real awards, the proof that sharing knowledge can spark the next generation of filmmakers.”
For UCF Students who want to pursue a career in filmmaking, Schimmel offers his advice.
“Have patience. Be true to your work. Focus on the solution, and not the problem,” he says. “You’ll have highs and lows, but no one can ever take away your talent or your education. When all else fails, have faith.”
With several projects in development, including the upcoming faith-based film December to Remember, and a growing legacy of student success, Schimmel continues to bridge artistry, empathy, and education. His work exemplifies the UCF spirit: creativity with purpose, and storytelling that moves the world forward.
“Each film I make is another opportunity to learn, collaborate, and tell stories that matter,” he says. “At UCF, I’m fortunate to share that process with students who are just as passionate about creating impact through film.”