Kyle Sykes
Award-Winning Director | Stanford & USC Alum | Film MFA Expert
Studied at University of Southern California
Worked at Innovative Artists
Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.
Kyle's Offerings
Custom hourly · $129/hr
Get help with Application Strategy, Editing, and .
Kyle’s Master’s Programs Qualifications
Welcome to my profile! I'm Kyle Sykes, an award-winning director with a rich background in film and media studies from Stanford University and an MFA in Directing, Cinematography, and Film Production from USC's School of Cinematic Arts. My journey in the film industry has been marked by prestigious internships at HBO and roles such as Director of Photography for The Hollywood Reporter, where I collaborated with renowned talents like Viola Davis and Adam Sandler. As a fellow of the 2022 Deutsche Bank Frieze Los Angeles Film Award, I was recognized as a distinguished minority filmmaker. I am passionate about helping aspiring filmmakers and media professionals navigate their master's program applications, leveraging my experience in both academia and the industry. Let's connect to craft a compelling application that showcases your unique story and talents!
Kyle can help with:
Application Strategy
Editing
Essays
General Exploration
Interviews
Letters of Recommendation
Resume
School Selection
Work Experience
Intern
Innovative Artists
August 2023 - January 2024
Interned to support the managers of Martin Lawrence, Awkwafina, Kenya Barris, Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Script coverage and casting director support. Vetted feature films and tv pilot episodes as potential projects. Provided feedback to directors and writers. Script Coverage, TV Production and +15 skills
Director of photography
The Hollywood Reporter
August 2022 - September 2025
I was the Director of Photography for The Hollywood Reporter on their round tables series: Directors, Actors, Actresses, Producers, and Writers. This allowed me to work with and photograph celebrities such as Adam Sandler, Viola Davis, Alejandro González Iñárritu. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/vcategory/roundtables-4462/ Broadcast Production, TV Production and +20 skills
Chief Marketing Officer
Habit Money
March 2021 - March 2022
Written Communication, Corporate Finance and +16 skills
Editor
Airbnb
July 2019 - March 2021
Written Communication, TV Production and +17 skills
Education
University of Southern California
Master of Fine Arts - MFA, Directing, Cinematography, and Film Production
2021 - 2024
Activities and societies: Board Member, African American Cinema Society. Teaching Scholar, Visions of Diversity. International Scholar, Beijing China. Adobe Premiere Pro, Cinematography and +9 skills
Stanford University
Bachelor's of Arts with Honors, Film and Media Studies
2009 - 2013
Activities and societies: Black Performing Arts Center & Institute for Diversity in the Arts Photographer/ Fellow, Stanford Students in Entertainment, Board Member, Stanford Marketing Group Intern Interests & Hobbies: Photography, Skiing, Traveling, Jazz Music, and Weight Training
5 Reviews
Overall Rating