Famous Full Sail University Alumni

Darren Lynn Bousman was born on 11 January 1979 in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. He is a director and producer, known for Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008), Saw II (2005) and Abattoir (2016). He has been married to Laura Bousman since 2 January 2010. They have two children.

Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite (born 22 April 1982, commonly known as Kaká or Ricardo Kaká, is a Brazilian retired professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. Owing to his performances at Milan where he was an elite play-maker, Kaká is widely considered one of the best players of his generation. With success at club and international level, he is one of eight players to have won the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League and the Ballon d'Or.

Kaká made his professional club debut at age 18 at São Paulo in Brazil in 2001. After being named to the Bola de Ouro as the best player in the 2002 Campeonato Brasileiro, he joined Serie A club Milan for a fee of EUR8.5 million in 2003. In Italy, Kaká won a league title and was named the Serie A Footballer of the Year twice. In 2005, Milan finished runners up in the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final with Kaká as the top assist provider of the tournament, and named the UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year. Two years later, he led Milan to win the 2007 UEFA Champions League Final and was the tournament's top goal scorer. Kaká's pace, creative passing, goal scoring and dribbles from midfield saw him win the FIFA World Player of the Year, the Ballon d'Or, the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year and the IFFHS World's Best Playmaker awards.

After his success with Milan, Kaká joined Real Madrid for a transfer fee of EUR67 million. At the time, this was the second highest transfer fee (in euros) ever, behind only the EUR77.5 million (150 billion lire) fee for Zinedine Zidane. However, after four injury ravaged seasons in Spain, which saw his physical ability to dribble from midfield rapidly decline, he returned to Milan for a single season in 2013, prior to joining MLS expansion club Orlando City. He initially returned to his former club Sao Paulo on loan, before relocating to the United States in 2015, where he became a three time All-Star and won an MLS All-Star Game Most Valuable Player award prior to retiring in 2017.

Kaká made his debut for the Brazil national team in 2002, and was selected for their victorious World Cup squad that year, as well as the 2006 and 2010 tournaments, leading the latter tournament in assists. He was also a member of Brazil's 2005 and 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup-winning squads, winning the Golden Ball Award in 2009 as the tournament's best player.

In addition to his individual awards, between 2006 and 2009 he was named in both the FIFA World XI and the UEFA Team of the Year three times. In 2010, he was named in the A.C. Milan Hall of Fame. One of the world's most famous athletes, Kaká was the first sportsperson to amass 10 million followers on Twitter. Off the field, Kaká is known for his humanitarian work, where he became the youngest ambassador of the UN World Food Programme in 2004. For his contributions on and off the pitch, Kaká was listed by Time as one of the world's most influential people in 2008 and 2009.

At 19 Adam got his start in feature film making early with his directorial debut Home Sick, a slasher horror film starring Bill Moseley and Tom Toweles. However it was his second effort at 24 years old with the film Pop Skull that garnered him a talent to watch. Made for a budget of around 2000 dollars he managed to capture the attention of French Distribution company The Wild Bunch. The film went on to premiere at the prestigious Rome Film Festival and the American Film Institute Film Festival. His dark and sometimes abrasive directing/editing style has been compared to directors such as David Lynch, Darren Aronofsky, and Shinya Tsukamoto.

Steven C. Miller is a versatile filmmaker best known for his high-octane approach to action and horror films. He first made a name for himself with the indie horror film Automaton Transfusion in 2007, which was shot on a modest budget in just nine days. The film became a cult hit. He would go on to direct films like The Aggression Scale and Under the Bed, demonstrating his ability to deliver suspenseful films on tight budgets. In 2012, he took on the task of remaking the cult classic Silent Night, Deadly Night. His portrayal of the killer Santa has since become iconic and is a holiday must watch for horror fans to this day.

Over the next few years, Miller proved to be prolific and continued to grow in his work as a genre specialist. He has collaborated with Hollywood heavyweights like Bruce Willis, Sylvester Stallone, Nicolas Cage, Dave Bautista, Malcolm Mcdowell and John Cusack. Miller's ability to draw intense performances from his actors also shone through in his work with Aaron Eckhart in the gripping thriller Line of Duty, which was praised for its relentless pace and visceral action sequences.

His latest film, Werewolves, stars Frank Grillo and is set for a theatrical release on December 6. The film features creature designs by Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff Jr., known for their iconic work on the Alien and Predator franchises. The film continues Miller's signature blend of action and horror, cementing his reputation as a director who can seamlessly merge genre elements while keeping audiences engaged.

Alex Vincent was born in New Jersey. He first appeared as Andy Barclay in Child's Play (1988) when he was a six-year-old. Two years, later during the filming of Child's Play 2 (1990), the young actor endured long days and demanding action that would have tried the patience of many an older person. But Vincent persevered, winning the respect and affection of both cast and crew. In addition to his role of Andy, Vincent has appeared on television in commercials, daytime dramas, and in the feature film, Wait Until Spring, Bandini (1989). In high school, he tried to live down the image of a child star but two years later decided to give acting another try.

Bre-Z was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. She is known for Empire (2015), All American (2018) and 16 Bars (2020).

Based in Paris, Soufiane El Khalidy is an award-winning actor, filmmaker, and writer known for his charismatic screen presence and compelling performances in Hollywood and European productions. He has starred in acclaimed projects such as Ghosts of Beirut, NCIS: Los Angeles, The Eight, Riley Parra, Shockwave: Countdown to Disaster, and Mary alongside the Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins. His ability to portray complex characters with intensity and depth has established him as a rising star in international cinema.

Born with a passion for storytelling, El Khalidy pursued his education in the United States at Full Sail University, where he honed his skills in filmmaking and acting. He began his career in Los Angeles, immersing himself in the Hollywood industry and quickly gaining recognition for his work. His talent and dedication earned him a coveted spot for preliminary auditions at The Actors Studio in New York, a testament to his commitment to the craft.

El Khalidy's career includes collaborations with prestigious actors and directors. He starred alongside Lambert Wilson in Klandestin and Benoît Magimel in the diptych De Gaulle, showcasing his ability to hold his own among established stars. He has also worked with director Roel Reiné in Colosseum, proving his versatility across genres.

Beyond acting, El Khalidy is a skilled writer and filmmaker. He has written and directed critically acclaimed short films, including Flags and Masks Down and Colonized Mind. His films and scripts have been nominated at dozens of international film festivals, further cementing his status as a multifaceted artist.

One of his most notable literary works is his book, Les Riffs d'un Moroccan Rebel, a bold and introspective exploration of identity, rebellion, and artistic passion. The book blends elements of rock music, cinematic influences, and personal experiences, reflecting El Khalidy's unconventional journey as an artist navigating the crossroads between cultures. Often described as having the atmosphere of a Nine Inch Nails or Lenny Kravitz song, the book delivers an electrifying, poetic narrative about a free-spirited individual defying norms while searching for deeper meaning in art and life. The themes of freedom, music, and defiance resonate strongly with his own artistic ethos, making it a must-read for those interested in rebellious creativity and self-expression.

El Khalidy has also appeared in several high-profile music videos, blending his cinematic presence with the world of music. His ability to bring intensity and emotion to the screen has made him a sought-after performer for visually striking and story-driven music videos. Some of his notable appearances include clips from famous rock bands such as Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, One Ok Rock, Train and "Tatooine/Maintenance" by the french rapper, Jxsh.

Influenced by cinema and music icons such as Steve McQueen, Tom Cruise, David Fincher, Stanley Kubrick, Robert Redford, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, Trent Reznor, Chris Cornell, Prince and Lenny Kravitz, El Khalidy brings a distinctive blend of energy, mystery, and authenticity to his performances. Known for his striking looks and magnetic charisma, he has captured the attention of audiences and industry professionals alike.

El Khalidy is represented in France by Emmanuelle Bourcy (Marceline Lenoir Agency), and he continues to make waves in both Hollywood and European cinema. With his raw talent, artistic vision, and relentless drive, he remains one of the most exciting actors of his generation.

El Khalidy is trained in combat sports, stage fighting, cars and firearms handling, making him a natural fit for action-oriented roles. His athleticism and discipline have allowed him to perform many of his own stunts on screen.

Soufiane El Khalidy is married to the French actress Nadia Benzakour, who gained recognition for her lead role in The Princes of the Desert by Eric Barbier. The couple has been seen together at prestigious events, including the 2024 Marrakech Film Festival.

Born to Moroccan parents, El Khalidy has always embraced his heritage while building an international career. Though he has worked exclusively in Hollywood and European productions, his North African roots remain an integral part of his artistic identity. In Europe, he is known as a rising star with Hollywood appeal, having worked alongside prominent European actors and directors. In Africa, particularly within the Moroccan community, El Khalidy stands out as one of the most internationally visible actors of his generation, establishing a strong foothold in global cinema despite not working in Moroccan productions.

Ryan Connolly is known for Ballistic (2018), Proximity (2013) and Tell (2012).

JBeatzz is known for Just This Once (2022).

Nuh Omar is a director & writer, born on June 5th 1988 in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. His mother was a photojournalist, and his father was a business man. His family traveled frequently, and his parents separated in the year 2000. When he was at the age of 5, Nuh decided to become a film maker after being inspired by Jurassic Park. His family, the Kureishi family, was already involved in the entertainment industry, giving Nuh the chance to grow up learning about his field. In 2006, Nuh joined the New York Film Academy (NYFA)'s One Year Filmmaking course, and later was a part in the development of NYFA's very first Second Year Filmmaking Course. He then went to Full Sail University from 2008-2010, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in the Science of Film, and was named his class Valedictorian. Nuh has directed numerous shorts and promos for various companies and independents. From 2013-2014 he worked for IAL Saatchi & Saatchi in Pakistan, where he spent a year working on Procter & Gamble projects as a Creative on a global scale. He has since returned to directing & writing projects.

Sebastian Krys is known for Versus Tour: Alejandra Guzman vs. Gloria Trevi (2017), La Santa Cecilia: I've Been Thinking (2019) and The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo (1996).

London On Da Track is known for Uncle Drew (2018), Fatale (2020) and Rich Gang feat. Young Thug & Rich Homie Quan: Lifestyle (2014).

Alex Vincent was born in New Jersey. He first appeared as Andy Barclay in Child's Play (1988) when he was a six-year-old. Two years, later during the filming of Child's Play 2 (1990), the young actor endured long days and demanding action that would have tried the patience of many an older person. But Vincent persevered, winning the respect and affection of both cast and crew. In addition to his role of Andy, Vincent has appeared on television in commercials, daytime dramas, and in the feature film, Wait Until Spring, Bandini (1989). In high school, he tried to live down the image of a child star but two years later decided to give acting another try.

Fki 1st is known for The First Purge (2018), F9: The Fast Saga (2021) and American Honey (2016).

Brett Novak is known for Act of Valor (2012), The Devil Inside (2012) and The Grind (2010).

Stephen Beres is known for HBO Camera Assessment Series (2012), Who Killed the Electric Car? (2006) and The Poughkeepsie Tapes (2007).

Cordy Rierson is known for The Shadow (1994), Waterworld (1995) and Broken Arrow (1996).

Steve Cainas was born on 25 October 1971 in Tampa, Florida, USA. He is a production manager, known for Lost (2004), True Detective (2014) and Baby Driver (2017).

Hunter M. Via was born on 2 May 1976 in Charleston, West Virginia, USA. He is an editor and producer, known for The Mist (2007), The Walking Dead (2010) and Resemblance (2019).

Troy DeVolld was born in Zanesville, Ohio on November 17, 1970 to Robert and Gail DeVolld. He is a 1988 graduate of Brandon Senior High School in Brandon, Florida.

After briefly attending Flagler College as a Fine Art major, DeVolld was presented with the opportunity to write some television commercials for the Jefferson Mint. From there, he went on to write for shows like Prime Network's "Fight Night Showcase" and WB32 Tampa's "Billy's Bogus B Movies" before eventually enrolling at Full Sail University, a media school in Winter Park, Florida. A 1996 graduate of the film and video program at the school, he was later honored as the ninth graduate of the school to be inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2010.

DeVolld's career in national television began in late 2000, with a stint as a logger / transcriptionist on the Mtv show "Fear," where he rose to the level of producer quickly owing to the explosion of reality television spurred by the success of "Survivor" the same year. DeVolld then lucked into working on the celebrity reality smash "The Osbournes," and has continued to work steadily ever since -- earning a shared nomination for his work on Style Network's "Split Ends" in 2009.

In 2010, Troy began work on what would soon become the definitive text on reality television production, "Reality TV," which was released the following year by Michael Wiese Productions. The bestseller made its debut at number one on Amazon's Television Reference list. The second edition of the book repeated that success in 2016, even as Troy's second book, "And Another Thing: A Beginner's Guide to the Television Notes Process" made its debut. Both books have enjoyed success both within and beyond academic use.

DeVolld, in addition to his producing life, also lectures on reality and nonfiction production at universities and seminar series all over the world, notably with the TV Writers Summit in London and Tel Aviv and various University Film and Video Association events.

He is an avid collector of vintage television remotes and the current President of Alternative TV at The Big Picture Collective..

Larry D. Katz was born on 7 June 1972 in Miami, Florida, USA. He is an assistant director and producer, known for Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014), Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) and War for the Planet of the Apes (2017).

Andrew Coleman was born on 29 March 1975 in the USA. He is a producer, known for Half Lives (2024), Hollywood Houselift with Jeff Lewis (2022) and Interior Therapy with Jeff Lewis (2012).

Ric Viers is known for Aladdin 3477- I: The Jinn of Wisdom (2025), Aladdin 3477- III and The Boy Who Faced His Giant (2005).

TERRELL is an American YouTuber and former Producer for reality television and talk show productions based in Los Angeles, California. His channel mainly revolves around all things music (with a focus on singing) covering interviews with celebrity guests to singing competition show reactions. He was born in Mullins, South Carolina and resides in Los Angeles, CA.