Tanaseth Tulyathan, whose friends call him “Pong,” came to Ross School in the summer of 2014 from Bangkok, Thailand, and graduated just four short years later. He went on to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Art in Film and Television from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). In this edition of the Alumni Spotlight, Tanaseth candidly shares his experiences firsthand.

“My journey began in 2014 when I attended Ross Summer Term at the age of 14. My parents enrolled me to help improve my English skills and expose me to new experiences that were unavailable in Thailand. Ultimately, I completed my entire high school education at Ross and graduated in 2018. Ross School was where I discovered the path I envisioned for myself. At such a young age, no one has a clear understanding of their identity or future aspirations. However, Ross School provides a platform for students to explore and establish their unique voices. 

“At Ross, my passion for filmmaking consumed me. Consequently, I devoted most of my time to learning about the art of filmmaking. Among all the experiences, my fondest memories were in film class, senior projects, and Field Academy. My senior project allowed me to write and produce my first official short film, which was a significant accomplishment. Additionally, Field Academy provided an unparalleled opportunity to travel and immerse myself in foreign cultures.”

Music video directed by Tanaseth for the song"Forever," by Korean artist George.

Today, Tanaseth works as a freelance commercial, film, and music video director. Collaborating with a diverse mix of clients, he oversees the production process while working closely with talent and tech personnel. Once filming wraps, he works to ensure the finished product aligns with the client’s original vision. During post-production, Tanaseth refines the storyline, edits footage, and works with color grading and sound design to achieve the best results possible. 

“My initial exposure to filmmaking occurred during my freshman year in 2015 when I had the opportunity to observe my roommate creating a narrative short film for one of his classes. Witnessing the profound impact that film can have on people inspired me to explore the medium further and pursue film school. Looking back at my time at Ross School, I didn’t fully appreciate the abundance of opportunities available to me. Ross School's education offers a plethora of resources that you may not be aware of until they are gone. Discover your passion and pursue it with determination to achieve happiness.” 

Tanaseth reflects on the importance of being multifaceted as a filmmaker, “Creating a successful film requires extensive knowledge and experience in various fields, ranging from architecture and interior design to fashion, mathematics, acting, lighting, writing, marketing, and more. In essence, film encompasses all aspects of life. A compelling story cannot be crafted without adequate research and firsthand experience.” 

Tanaseth's "The Promised Land," is available to watch on Vimeo.

"Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working on many exciting projects. I am heavily involved in [creating] music videos back in Bangkok, Thailand. I am excited about the impending release of one of my latest works––a music video that I directed for a well-known indie Korean artist, as well as a famous Thai artist.” 

Tanaseth’s works have also been recognized by the Atlanta Film Festival and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Student Production (Emmy) Awards. One of his favorite projects to date was a short film titled “The Promised Land,” which was featured at the 2022 SCAD Film Festival. Tanaseth enjoyed bringing this personal story to life as he got to examine just how well his story resonated with many other international and Thai students in America.

Excited to see where filmmaking takes him next, Tanaseth encourages our students to “discover your passion and pursue it with determination to achieve happiness. Don't let anyone decide your path; take control of your life and make the most out of it.” What will he create next? Visit Tanaseth's website to stay up-to-date on his latest projects.