Stephens Alumna who worked on John Travolta’s Cannes-bound directorial debut returned to campus to speak to Film students
Stephens College Digital Filmmaking students recently had the opportunity to learn from alumna Chelsea Turner, a Class of 2012 graduate who returned to campus to speak with Chase Thompson’s Summer Film Institute class.
Turner offered guidance on students’ short film Alpha Gal while sharing insights from her career, including her work on Propeller One-Way Night Coach, John Travolta’s directorial debut premiering at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.
Since graduation, Turner has worked across the film and television industry, from serving as production designer on The Mortuary Assistant to working in the art department and as a photographer on the 2014 film Godzilla. She shared with students what it has been like building a career and finding her place in the industry.
The visit connected students with an alumna whose career now spans Stephens productions, independent films, large-scale set builds and international cinema.
Learning from someone who has been through the program
“Stephens was awesome for me because the professors were so flexible and encouraging with us that they really promoted us working on actual sets, to get actual experience and meet people who would hire us,” said Turner.
Turner also spoke about how meaningful it was as a student to hear from working professionals, especially alumni, because it made a career in film feel possible.
That perspective resonated with sophomore C.J. Ward, who said hearing from a Stephens alumna actively working in the field helped ease some of the uncertainty students can feel about entering the industry.
“Sometimes I have fears about what the future looks like for the film industry and what my place is,” Ward said. “So, it’s cool hearing her doing all the above and then finding out what she really wanted to do. It’s good to hear there are options and an industry waiting for us.”
Ward added that seeing someone who came through the same program go on to do major work in the industry helped instill confidence.
“It’s odd to see someone who went to your same school go out and do really big things,” Ward said. “So, it did instill some confidence in all of us.”
Solving Creative Challenges Together
For SFI Students, Turner’s visit offered practical support at a crucial point in the production of a project they have been working on all year.
Sophomore C.J. Ward and the SFI team brought Turner detailed questions tied to Alpha Gal, a short film that students began developing in the Fall semester and are now preparing to film this spring.
Alpha Gal, developed through collaboration among students in Screenwriting, Acting for Camera and Filmmaking, has grown into a short film set to begin production May 4. The project explores the idea of someone using a tick-borne illness as a weapon.
Students brought Turner questions about practical effects, set dressing, and how to transform limited spaces on a modest budget.
“They were looking for ideas for their ticks — the real and fake ticks — and how they wanted to do that,” Turner said. “As well as decorating pretty white rooms with very little budget, which is a very typical art department problem.”
For Ward, who has helped develop the project from script to production planning, the visit connected classroom learning to professional practice.
“It’s really cool to see it coming to life now,” Ward said. “After several months of planning and preparation—including ordering props and assembling materials—we begin shooting on May 4.”
A Stephens Connection That Lasts
For Associate Professor of Film, Chase Thompson, Turner’s return to campus reflected the kind of alumni connection that has long been part of the Stephens experience.
“It’s extremely rewarding to see Chelsea carve her own path as a filmmaker and artist, and I can’t wait to see her work on the big screen,” Thompson said.
Thompson said having Turner back in the classroom — not only speaking to students but actively helping solve design challenges tied to Alpha Gal — made an immediate impact.
“She’s still the same amazing person I remember from our time in the classroom,” said Thompson. “Seeing her think on her feet and share ideas with students on how to art direct our spaces was a treat. We are already implementing her suggestions.”
Thompson hopes students took away both practical inspiration and a broader perspective on what can come after graduation.
“I hope that they see one of their own out there doing the thing she loves and believe they can find their way too,” said Thompson. “I also hope they see how much their films can improve through art direction. It is such an important part of making beautiful films. We have everything we need to do that here; you just need to put in the work like Chelsea has done.”
Preparing Students for What Comes Next
As the SFI team prepares to bring Alpha Gal to life this spring, students move forward with practical tools, renewed confidence, and insight from an alumna whose career has taken her from Stephens College to the international stage.
