Meet Morgan Washington: Aspiring Entertainment Lawyer and Gorilla Creative Film Scholarships Recipient

For Morgan Washington, everything changed at sixteen, in the middle of New York City. Armed with birthday money and a brand-new DSLR, Morgan stepped into the B&H Photo store for the first time and walked out with more than just a camera. That purchase marked the beginning of a new way of seeing the world.

“It was probably one of the best things to happen to me in my formative years,” Morgan shared. During that trip, she roamed Brooklyn with friends, capturing the energy of the city through street photography and video. From the Brooklyn Bridge to crowded sidewalks and slices of pizza eaten outside corner bodegas, every moment felt worth preserving. What started as a gift quickly became a creative outlet and a source of clarity. Behind the lens, Morgan found both freedom and direction.

Back home, that spark turned into momentum. She enrolled in every photography and film class available, initially gravitating toward street photography before discovering a deeper love for conceptual work. “I realized I could combine visual storytelling not just through filmmaking, but through having a piece of art captured in just one picture,” she explained. That realization helped shape her artistic voice and reinforced her belief that storytelling can live within a single frame.

Now pursuing a double major in Film & Media Studies and Legal Studies at UC Berkeley, Morgan has continued to explore multiple roles within production. From cinematography and set design to writing, each experience deepened her appreciation for collaboration. But it was during a senior thesis film that her interests expanded beyond the camera.

Taking on casting and marketing responsibilities alongside cinematography, Morgan discovered the impact of shaping a project before it ever reaches the screen. Casting sessions allowed her to scout talent and build creative relationships that continue today. Leading social media campaigns and campus marketing efforts sparked an interest in content strategy and audience engagement. It was her first real look at how behind-the-scenes leadership can elevate a story just as powerfully as the visuals themselves.

As her perspective matured, so did her ambitions. A conversation with a mentor introduced her to the world of entertainment law, revealing a path that could bridge her creative instincts with advocacy. After shadowing entertainment lawyers at Netflix, Morgan saw firsthand how legal teams support everything from casting decisions to production logistics.

Her passion today centers on protecting creatives in an industry rapidly evolving with artificial intelligence. “My biggest motivation is to protect creatives as the rise of generative AI poses a potential threat to their jobs,” Morgan said. Through research on AI image generation and its potential impact on photographers, she has begun examining how emerging technologies intersect with artistic ownership and originality.

Looking ahead, Morgan plans to work in the film and television industry as an entertainment lawyer, supporting authentic, diverse storytelling while ensuring that original voices remain at the center. She is committed to helping creatives navigate an industry that demands both innovation and integrity.

We are proud to recognize Morgan Washington as a Gorilla Creative Film Scholarships recipient and excited to see how her journey continues to unfold. You can see more of her work on her portfolio site. Aside from supporting her through the scholarship funds, we will be conducting a personal AMA where she can spend time talking with the team at Gorilla Creative to learn more about video production from working professionals. Congratulations, Morgan!