Syracuse University Professors Earn Emmy Nominations
The short film Spiral, produced by faculty and students, received nominations in two New York Emmy Award categories.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Autism
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Syracuse University professors David Tarleton and Adria Dawn were nominated for New York Emmy Awards for their short film Spiral. The 14-minute project explores the mental health struggles faced by college students.
Why it matters
The project highlights the stressors impacting university students today while serving as a practical tool for academic filmmaking and social advocacy. It demonstrates the intersection of student collaboration and professional storytelling within the campus community.
The production spanned 14 minutes and was completed with a total prop budget of $200. It was developed within the framework of a spring 2025 Acting and Filmmaking for Social Change course.
The players
David Tarleton
He is a professor at Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts who focuses on film and media production.
Adria Dawn
She serves as a professor in the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University and works extensively in acting and filmmaking.
The details
Produced by Syracuse University faculty, the film was shot over six days during spring break in 2025 with significant contributions from students who managed script feedback, casting, and crew duties. Although the film garnered nominations for Best Director and Societal Concerns, it did not win during the ceremony.
Timeline
The film was shot over six days during March 2025.
A rough cut of the film was screened in April 2025.
The film was ready for a complete screening in September 2025.
New York Emmy Award nominations were announced in July 2026.
The awards ceremony took place on October 10, 2026.
The Big Picture
The project follows the standard recognition patterns established by the 2026 New York Emmy Awards ceremony. It highlights the growing integration of university-led creative work within professional industry awards.
The film provides viewers with an accessible look at mental health challenges, potentially encouraging students to seek support services. It highlights the importance of open dialogue regarding wellness within high-pressure academic environments.
The takeaway
Using creative mediums like film can effectively bridge the gap between academic research and public mental health awareness. Students interested in advocacy can utilize similar collaborative project models to highlight social issues on their own campuses.
Further reading
Find more campus-related health initiatives and projects on our Syracuse Autism page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Orange.
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