Travis Cloyd is an award-winning immersive experience creator, filmmaker, and media executive dedicated to pioneering next-generation storytelling and experiential content. As the director of D.R.E.A.M.S. (Digital Research Entertainment Arts Media Storytelling) and producer in residence at CalArts, Cloyd brings a wealth of expertise in emerging media, entertainment technology, and global enterprise innovation to the forefront of the Institute’s digital evolution.
A fourth-generation Santa Claritian, Cloyd has deep roots in the region and a lifelong appreciation for CalArts’ legacy as a pinnacle of creativity and innovation. His career spans collaborations with government agencies, Fortune 500 enterprises, top academic institutions, and A-list talent, working across film, immersive media, artificial intelligence, virtual production, and location-based entertainment.
Previously, Cloyd served as the global futurist and professor at Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, where he led the Metaverse and Global Enterprise master’s program. Also, on the AI Committee, he helped shape the institution’s approach to generative technology and enterprise innovation. His expertise has been recognized by Time magazine, Forbes, Rolling Stone, Variety, and CNBC’s Meet the Press, positioning him as a disruptor at the intersection of education, entertainment, and emerging technology.
Cloyd is a member of the Producers Guild of America and actively contributes to the New Media and International Committees. He also serves as an ambassador to the Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC), advocating for innovation and transparency at the intersection of technology and entertainment. Beyond his creative and academic pursuits, he is an investor in cutting-edge immersive media programs, driving forward new forms of digital engagement and storytelling.
In addition to his role at CalArts, Cloyd leads the D.R.E.A.M.S. (Digital Research Entertainment Arts Media Sciences) program at Florida International University (FIU), where he previously co-directed the iSTAR (Immersive Studio for Altered Reality) program and was honored with the FIU Medallion, the university’s highest distinction, in 2021.
With a vision to spark innovation, empower students, and build bridges between entertainment, education, and emerging technology, Cloyd is committed to ensuring D.R.E.A.M.S. becomes a leading force in experiential learning, shaping the future of creative industries on a global scale.
