- Graduation Year: May 2015
- Major: Media and Cinema Studies
- Minor: Theatre
- Hometown: Bethany, IL
- Hobbies: Football, filmmaking/writing, stand up comedy, skydiving, craft beer brewing
Campus Activities
- Acacia Fraternity
- College of Media Student Ambassador
- 107.1 WPGU
Internship | Key Production Assistant at Dreamscape Cinema
Duties
I was responsible for taking care of many day-to-day tasks including setting up the “home base” at each set, aiding in crowd control on busy production sites, and fulfilling any production related duties. I also got the privilege to work hands on within the Grip and Electric department along with the head of the Special Effects department.
What did you most enjoy about your internship?
What I enjoyed most about my internship was being completely immersed in the filmmaking experience. This was my first experience working on a feature film set and I was immediately thrown into the fast paced mix on day one. I was also extremely blessed to be surrounded by a great crew who I still keep in contact with to this day.
What was the most difficult aspect of the internship?
The most difficult aspect of my internship was the long hours, usually between 12-15 hours a day 6 days a week. I knew before I accepted the job the commitment I would be making and that this would be a make or break experience for me. Luckily, I ended up loving it.
How did your experience at ILLINOIS and in the College of Media prepare you for your internship?
I think that the structure of the College of Media and the University as a whole prepared me even more than the content of some of my classes. I did go in with a general knowledge of film, film history, and film production, but because I go to such a large and diverse school I have learned to be extremely outgoing and personable.
How has your internship prepared you for a career?
Not only did this internship have me performing many of the duties that I will be performing as I work my way up in this industry, but I also made many connections and friends that have offered to help me as I continue to work and grow.
What recommendations do you have for other students about doing an internship?
Go into an internship, or job if you’re lucky enough to get one, with an open mind, a big smile, and an extremely resilient work ethic. My friends thought I was insane when I said I was working 90 hours a week in the summer, but I took everything in stride and I now have numerous jobs lined up for the coming months.