HPU ALUMNA REBECCA TERESIA PARTNERS TO LAUNCH PIONEERING NEW FILM STUDIO

HPU double-alumna Rebecca Teresia continues to make waves in the entertainment industry by partnering to launch 24 Collins Studios, a new film production concept in the Bay Area designed to empower indie filmmakers alongside Hollywood veterans. Teresia, a Finnish-born, Hawai'i-based producer and founder of SISU Media, attended the studio's red-carpet launch event in March 2026 as one of just three founding members.

The 40-acre facility is built around a dedicated filmmaker's ecosystem, combining diverse film locations, full production services, and onsite accommodations in a single destination. Think of it as a turnkey studio, one designed to open its doors to emerging and established filmmakers alike.

"I am extremely humbled to be part of 24 Collins Studios," said Teresia. "This new studio makes filmmaking truly accessible. Now, indie creators can focus on the story without unnecessary logistical hurdles. For years, I have had a dream to produce and bring international film to life, as well as bring some of those projects to Hawai'i, where the talent pool is exceptional. I studied at HPU and lived in Hawai'i, immersed in a new, different, and diverse culture. I learned a great deal and fell in love with Hawaiian culture and believe I have a unique background to serve as the liaison between the Hawaiian and Finnish cultures."

24 Collins Studios strategically eliminates the logistical challenges that often stall independent productions: scouting locations, securing permits, and coordinating crew housing. The serene grounds feature a private lake and vineyard, a rustic barn and grand manor, diverse indoor and outdoor sets, and onsite housing for a production crew of up to 60 people.

"The facilities are in a class of their own with immense potential," said American director-producer Sunny Zhao, known for the film "The Gift." "Versatility is vital visually, but it's also the deciding factor in budgeting. It makes completing a film financially possible."

24 Collins' reach extends far beyond California. Through the founders' networks, productions can seamlessly transition to the New Mexico desert via Roswell Film Studios or access the beaches and rainforests of Hawai'i through Teresia's local connections.

The Honolulu connection is central to Teresia's vision. Through SISU Media, she has spent more than 15 years building a bridge between the islands, the mainland, and the international film community. Her credits include "Junho," an award-winning Korean American feature that won awards at film festivals across three continents; "Wake," a Cuban American short directed by Emmy-nominated director Avi Youabian; and "Shaka, A Story of Aloha," now streaming on Apple TV. Her upcoming slate includes an anticipated feature comedy called "Finns in Hawaii."

Success in Hollywood as a foreigner takes what Teresia calls "Finnish Sisu," a mix of relentless persistence and a dash of American audacity. Through SISU Media, she continues to challenge industry norms, proving that meaningful global cinema can come from small countries as well as major studios.

Teresia studied international business and finance at HPU, graduating in 2015 with her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. It was during her MBA studies that she took her first steps in film, renting equipment through HPU and connecting with Associate Professor Peter Britos, Ph.D., the University's program chair for cinematic production, who encouraged her to explore the craft. She earned her MBA in 2018. The foundation HPU helped build, equal parts business acumen and storytelling instinct, is what Teresia carried to San Francisco, then to film sets across three continents, and now to SISU Media.

To learn more about Teresia and SISU Media, click here.