nia love, an associate professor at Florida State University’s (FSU) School of Dance and an alumna (M.F.A. ’92), was recognized for her work at the 41st Bessie Awards Ceremony. College of Communication and Information (CCI) Digital Media Production (DMP) graduates Chloe Mueller and Ashlee Hubert captured immersive 360° and underwater footage, featured in love’s award-winning work, UNDERcurrents, during her 2022 Maggie Allesee National Center for Choreography (MANCC) residency. 

“I found out about this opportunity through Dr. Andy Opel, in his Immersive Video Production class,” said Chloe Mueller, who shared her favorite part about contributing to the project. “We really got to learn a lot about her background, and inspiration behind the project. Because of that, I felt like it was easier to understand her vision and help to create it.”  

Mueller explains the project aims to create a more immersive storytelling experience using 360° cameras. “Personal stories and personal backgrounds; to be in space and to see those experiences in a 360 perspective really brings you into the story and brings you into what she’s capturing”.  

Ashlee Hubert shares a similar sentiment about the chosen medium.  

“This was the first time I was brought in for a project as a production assistant and a 360-degree immersive expert,” said Hubert. “Seeing nia’s excitement as she reviewed the footage and imagined how to use it for her project made me feel more confident in my ability to work in film.” Her experience highlights how the project became a meaningful opportunity to grow both technically and creatively. 

“My main role was introducing her to the 360° camera and help nia feel comfortable using it,” she adds. “I also worked with her to film different shots that would translate well for the dome experience.” 

The team spent three days working on this project in Cape San Blas, Florida. Mueller stated it gave her the opportunity to expand her experience beyond camera work. “I was also able to help as a production assistant, which gave me valuable behind-the-scenes experience,” she said.  

The work will be displayed in August 2026 at the FSU Museum of Fine Arts’ Floating Metal exhibition. Hubert hopes the audience will notice the variety of media love uses to enhance storytelling.  

Digital Media Production students continue to turn classroom skills into professional storytelling that expands what’s possible in immersive media. 

Editor’s note: Per request, the name “nia love” should appear in all lowercase letters.