D r. Richard Tavernaro (’85) was intrigued with psychology as a teen, so he majored in it. His education from Georgia College & State University proved helpful in a variety of professions, including as a teacher, coach, counselor, actor and award-winning director and producer.

After experiencing career burnout while working in education, a twist of fate led Tavernaro to the film industry.

“I fell into acting on a dare from my friend who’s an actress,” he said. “If you dare me to do something, I tend to jump on it.”

She gave Tavernaro the information to become an extra on the set of the movie “Fast Five” (2011).

“I wasn’t an extra very long because actor Gregory Allen Williams, who I've partnered with to make several films, grabbed me and asked, ‘Richard, why are you doing this?’ And I replied, ‘I'm enjoying it,’” Tavernaro said. “[Williams] said, ‘No, no, no. Why are you an extra? You need to be a principal actor.’”

“He mentored me,” Tavernaro said. “About six months later, I called my actress friend and said, ‘Guess what came in the mail today? My Screen Actors Guild eligibility letter.’”

“I hate you,” she said. “It took me 14 years to get that!”

From On-Camera to the Director's Chair

He put his efforts into learning about the film industry by spending a significant amount of time on set. Between takes, instead of waiting for the next scene, he’d hang out in video villages where the producers and directors are watching the monitors that register what the cameras see.

“I’d just watch and learn,” Tavernaro said.

From there, he earned his way into becoming a member of the Producers Guild of America.

Today, he spends approximately 50 percent of his time producing, 30 percent directing, 10 percent acting and 10 percent producing Film Racing and the Film Festival.

Tavernaro purchased the Film Racing brand and brought it from New York to Atlanta. He holds three film racing competitions a year. The 24-hour competition ran in December 2024. A 72-hour competition — a horror film race — will occur in March, and a 100-hour film race will take place in June. Then, the Film Festival is held in August.

He has won several director and producer awards for his films. He’s surprised every time his name is announced.

“There are so many good films out there,” Tavernaro said. “I just never expect to earn the Best Film Award or the Best Director Award. When they call my name, it catches me off guard because for the judges to say mine is the best of them all is very humbling.”

The Influence of Georgia College Faculty and Curriculum

Whether working as a teacher, counselor, therapist, coach, actor, film director or producer, having the ability to analyze others’ thoughts and behaviors taught Tavernaro to speak to them in an effective way.

“Depending on the person, you must adjust the way you communicate with that individual,” Tavernaro said. “That particular person may need comforting.”

He especially enjoyed his interactions with his psychology professors who knew how to connect with students. Dr. John Lindsay, professor emeritus, was his advisor, and Dr. Greg Jarvie, former professor of psychology, had a huge impact on him.

“They were more like my friends than professors,” Tavernaro said. “This experience carried over to my interactions with others on the job.”

At Georgia College, he was a member Psi-Chi — the International Honor Society in Psychology — and ROTC. After college, he became an officer in the U.S. Army. He served six years of active duty and 14 years in the Army Reserve.

“Psychology and logic are about critical thinking,” he said. “You must do your research and stay open minded.”

His most treasured accomplishment at Georgia College was conducting research that was published. Tavernaro was surprised to see his name listed alongside two professors on the published research paper he presented at a statewide conference.

His film “Voices” recently won Best Film, Best Director and Best Writing Awards. “Voices” is ultimately about suicide prevention.

“I've accomplished so many things, because I jump at every opportunity that’s presented,” Tavernaro said. “My goal in life is to experience everything the world has to offer.”

“The biggest inspiration in my life has been my parents,” he said. “They live their lives to the fullest, experiencing everything. They never told me I had to do something. They expected me to do my best in whatever I did and supported every decision I’ve made.”

“What I enjoy most are the people,” Tavernaro said. “The entertainment industry is such a diverse community, and I learn a lot from different individuals within the film industry.”