Jacob Poag is a 22-year-old filmmaker and founder of S.T.E.P. Studio Inc., the first independently run student film studio in the United States, now based in Atlanta, Georgia. He founded the company at just 16 years old with the goal of creating meaningful opportunities for young filmmakers to gain real-world experience in the industry.

S.T.E.P. (Student Team Entertainment Production) is a nonprofit organization created by students to give aspiring filmmakers who have just started in the industry hands-on opportunities in film production while engaging them in an active film and business environment. Under Poag’s leadership, the award-winning studio has expanded along the East Coast, growing to six branches and employing over 60 team members.

The studio stands out as both a production company and a distributor, providing filmmakers under the age of 30 with a rare opportunity to develop their skills while also gaining access to distribution channels-helping to launch their careers in the industry.

Poag directed the studio’s first feature film, Dalton: The Story of Survival, marking a major milestone in the company’s early success. As the studio has grown, it has expanded into live-action filmmaking, with its first release in this category being Tickets. Through his leadership and vision, S.T.E.P. continues to establish itself as a pioneering force in student-led filmmaking, dedicated to delivering entertainment to global audiences while empowering the next generation of creators.