From RA to film producer: How Residential Life helped me create LSU’s first feature film

When I first became a resident assistant (RA) at LSU, I didn’t expect the experience to shape the biggest project of my college career. However, the leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills I developed through working for Residential Life became the foundation of my role as a producer of “Mysterious Behaviors,” LSU’s first-ever feature-length film.

I’m a senior, soon to graduate with a B.S. in psychology with a screen arts minor, and over the past two years, I had the opportunity to help lead more than 100 students in bringing a full-length movie to life. We filmed across campus, including at Nicholson Gateway Apartments, which offered a natural and relatable backdrop for a college story.

Filmmaking relies on coordination, adaptability, and teamwork. All of those skills were developed and tested during my years working in Residential Life.

Floor Meetings to Set Calls

As an RA, I have to plan and coordinate community events, manage resident concerns, and respond quickly when things don’t go as planned. That experience translated directly to filmmaking, where schedules shift, unexpected challenges come up, and success depends on how well a team works together.

Running floor meetings helped me develop clear communication and leadership habits. Presenting housing tours and leading workshops gave me the confidence to speak to large groups, which prepared me for moments like introducing our film at the New Orleans Film Festival and two additional Louisiana film festivals.

Even the administrative side of the RA role has proved valuable. Completing room inspections and tracking incident reports has taught me how to stay organized and manage details. Those same skills helped me handle production paperwork for the film.

Behind the Camera and Beyond

In addition to being an RA, I also work as a communications intern for Residential Life. That role has helped me understand how to tell stories visually and professionally. Whether I am filming a campus tour video, shooting new housing tour content, or photographing an event, I learned how to think creatively while collaborating across teams.

Through the internship, I have also built relationships across campus and gained the confidence to scout filming locations, pitch ideas, and coordinate with multiple departments. It was those connections that made filming in real student rooms in Nicholson Gateway possible and added to the film’s authentic college atmosphere.

Teamwork Makes the Difference

Producing “Mysterious Behaviors” was a team effort in every sense. It took dedication from students in editing, cinematography, directing, and more. My job was to help keep the vision and budget on track and support the people behind it.

The experience reminded me that winning teams at LSU are not limited to athletes on the field. They are in residence halls, classrooms, and creative spaces. This film exists because of students who brought their talents together, supported each other, and pushed through challenges to create something meaningful.

Residential Life gave me a foundation for that kind of teamwork. It helped me grow into someone who could lead, collaborate, and stay calm under pressure. Those are the same skills that carried me through every stage of this film.

I’d like to thank Glen Pitre and the screen arts students I worked alongside throughout this process.

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