Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Caldwell '12

December 19, 2023

The Alumni Spotlight is a place to hear from the School of the Arts alumni community about their journeys as artists and creators.

A graduate of Columbia University’s MFA Film program, Jessica Caldwell '12 produced Electrick Children which premiered at Berlin and SXSW 2012 and was distributed in 2013. Her short film work has premiered at Sundance, Telluride and Tribeca. Jessica produced Stephen Elliott’s Happy Baby, which participated in the US Works in Progress lab in Wroclaw, Poland. Jessica participated in IFP’s No Borders International Co-Production Market, Narrative Film Lab and was selected for the 2014 Rotterdam Producer’s Lab and Cannes Producer's Network. Jessica is currently working on Showtime's new series Billions starring Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis. AWOL, premiering in competition at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival is her third feature film production.



Was there a specific faculty member or peer who especially inspired you while at the School of the Arts? If so, who and how?

It’s impossible not to be completely won over by iconic producer Michael Hausman, “Buffalo Mike”, within minutes of talking to him. I’m honored to have learned from him. His stories teach you how to operate as a producer, how to act in our business, and try to be a good person at the same time. He’s one of a kind.

How did attending the School of the Arts impact your work and career as an artist?

The network of people I met at Columbia was the foundation of all my original collaborations and projects.

What were the most pressing social/political issues on the minds of the students when you were here?

Women in the industry maybe? I think it’s still an important issue! It’s getting better slowly but surely. I’m proud to be part of the strong female alumni from CU. We still have a ways to go. 

What was your favorite or most memorable class while at the School of the Arts?

If I could take Malia Scotch Marmo’s screenwriting workshop once a week for the rest of my life I would.