In this episode, we sit down with Tai Cummings, the instructor behind Cypress Bay High School’s powerhouse TV production program, CBTV. Tai shares his journey from working in advertising and sports media—earning championship rings with the Miami Heat—to shaping the next generation of filmmakers. He opens up about the challenges of stepping into teaching without a traditional film background and how he embraces learning from his students while fostering their creativity.
We dive into his biggest filmmaking advice—why accent lighting is the key to making any film look more professional—and discuss the importance of pushing students to think outside the box. Tai also shares how he encourages students to take creative risks, like he did when bringing Funko Pops to life in a CW commercial. Plus, we talk about creating a safe space for young filmmakers, building a strong program culture, and the value of mentorship in education.
