WQED Film Academy Staff

Mary Ann McBride-Tackett joined Steeltown in 2016 and has served as the Community Outreach Manager, Director of the Indie Program, and Elly Awards Coordinator before stepping up as Program Director in 2019. Mary Ann graduated Summa Cum Laude from Point Park University as top graduating senior of the Cinema and Digital Arts program, with a concentration in screenwriting and directing and a minor in child development. After graduating, Mary Ann was a part of several local crews including those of Adventureland and She’s Out of My League. Following her production work, Mary Ann was recruited by Entertainment Partners, the leading provider of production accounting and support services to the entertainment industry in the world. Mary Ann served as the Pennsylvania state rep and Senior Account Specialist for the Tax Incentives Department – covering all things film tax incentive related. With nearly 20 years of industry experience, Mary Ann has worked on everything from studio features to short films, commercials, and television and currently serves on the board of Pittsburgh’s Women in Film and Media chapter. Mary Ann is thrilled to be surrounded by like-minded creatives and honored to be part of WQED Film Academy’s mission to grow and develop all of the amazing local talent here in Pittsburgh!

In the role of program coordinator, he grew and adapted the Film Academy program for instruction during the Covid-19 Pandemic–a period in which Steeltown had their largest group of students in program history.

A lifelong artist, Ian has training in various fine arts, from painting or ceramics, to mixed media works, but filmmaking and putting on a production was always a passion for Ian, to the point where it was probably a little weird. While some kids learned how to ride bicycles, Ian was watching videos about how to make zombie effects.

Ian graduated from Slippery Rock University with a Bachelors of Science in English, and went to work as a professional hockey writer and web content editor shortly after graduating. As a hockey writer, Ian covered events such as the NHL Draft and the NCAA Frozen Four, and was also frequently credentialed for Penguins home games.

Ian also works as a filmmaker in Pittsburgh, both as a crew person on larger productions in town, such as the upcoming Netflix show Archive 81, but also on independent projects he produces and directs both himself, and with his filmmaking partners.

He now serves as Program Manager, where he continues to find new ways to expand and grow the program at their new headquarters in WQED.

He later worked as the house videographer for various Pittsburgh non-profit performance institutions such as the Kelly Strayhorn Theater and Pittsburgh Savoyards.

For 5 years Edwin Huang traveled around the country as the Technical coordinator in charge of streaming for Div III Hockey league- live streaming over 1000 games. Freelance Clients include Academy Award Winning Participant Media, Brothers Brother Foundation, and The Hillman Foundation. Recently Edwin won Pittsburgh’s “Best Virtual Performance” as a videographer for “Milton” in the City Paper for 2021.

Trisha worked for WTAE as a News Editor for 8 years, and was part of the 4the412 project. 4the412 was a lifestyle and entertainment channel that featured Pittsburgh artist, events, and businesses. Trisha’s focused on the music scene and created her own series 412nes. The position allowed her to expand her capabilities and define her career direction.

Trisha also works as a freelance video editor and graphic designer. She creates her own video and art content as SpaceBat Productions.

Trisha graduated from Point Park University with a Bachelor’s degree in Animation and Visual Effects with a focus in post-production and editing. Previous to Point Park, Trisha earned an Associate’s degree in Multi-Media and Graphic Design from the Erie Institute of Technology.

Trisha is a proud wife, aunt, step mom, dog mom, and friend. Trisha and her spouse Andy are always coming up with new creative ideas. They are remodeling and making home improvements to their home they bought in 2021. They recently started learning the drums and guitar.

Trisha is excited to share her life experiences and knowledge with others, as well as learn from their experiences and point of view.

He talks about the early struggle with school, “it was tough looking for a college and the one I graduated from sent me a denial letter before I had gotten started. This was tough for me because I really liked the school. I took it a step further, and went to an orientation I wasn’t supposed to go to and met with the admissions director which lead to getting into a program leading to the college.”

“Media production is something that I’m very passionate about, while in North Allegheny Senior High School I was Co-Director of our morning television show and media team. I spent most of my time focused on my schooling and working with my gospel choir A capella group. During the last year of college I worked with a close friend on a student-run campus group called “Live and Loud”. We searched the local Bowling Green area for music artists to record and create music videos. After graduation, I worked freelance in videography. I also worked with EX Transportation; providing reliable transportation for inner city children to make it to and from school.

Soon enough I had made it to WQED Film Academy! My mentor pushed me to find professional work so I could learn more in the film industry and that landed me at WQED Film Academy’s doorstep. Mary Ann McBride-Tackett was more than happy to talk with me about the industry. That talk lead to my filling the opening with WQED Film Academy, and here I am!