Tessa double-majored in Communication and Spanish, then went on to American University where she received a Master's Degree in International Communication. Currently, she is the Communications Officer/Web Content Coordinator for The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. in Washington, D.C.
Tessa double-majored in Communication and Spanish, then went on to American University where she received a Master's Degree in International Communication. Currently, she is the Communications Officer/Web Content Coordinator for The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. in Washington, D.C.
Topics: communication, degrees in communication, communication degrees, media, spanish, international communications, washington d.c., study abroad, public relations
Jared and me circa 2007.
So, what are you up to these days?
Topics: college, communication, digital media, broadcasting, filmmaking, degrees in communication, communication degrees, video, videos, media, media studies, public relations, social media
Last summer, I lent my skills as a videographer for two days worth of shooting for their video series, Early Literacy Quick Clips. These videos, which were created for the Fred Rogers Center Early Learning Environment™, use real world examples to illustrate best practices in early literacy in a variety of settings.
I shot the videos in a handheld direct cinema style for a variety of reasons.
- I wanted the videos to feel fluid and natural.
- I was able to react quickly to what the children and their caregivers were doing.
- I felt a tripod would distract, intimidate and possibly frighten the children.
The videos were produced by Jude Shingle, a talented artist/filmmaker and an Early Career Fellow for the Fred Rogers Center. He and I worked together to craft the look of the videos. It was a pleasure working with him. He was cheerful, energetic and open to any ideas thrown at him. Here is Jude introducing the videos (yes, that is my voice preceding Jude).
The experience of going to these daycare centers was also very rewarding. To see the time, effort, energy and enthusiasm put out by these caregivers gave me a greater appreciation for the work they all do. We were there for two days, and I left exhausted. They do this EVERY day.
Take a few moments and check out all of the Early Literacy Quick Clips (and please pass them along to anyone who might find them useful).
Topics: digital media, video, videos, media, pennsylvania, fred rogers, ele, child care, daycare, fred rogers center, Pittsburgh
Bearcat on the Street 3.0 | Advanced Multimedia Production
The students "on the street" were Carly Marsh, Eric Arbore, Charlie Kurtz, Nick Higgins, Pete McGee, Dillon Monier, Max Schrenk, Krissy Mazzenga, Rory Mitrik, Josh Spellman and DP Harris.
Here is a playlist featuring the series in its entirety.
I call this series version 3.0, because it is the third iteration of the Bearcat on the Street videos.
The series was originally produced in 2009 by students such as Ale Muzika and Sarah Ralutz. Here is one of the more popular episodes produced by them.
The series was revived the following year by students such as Sadie Stresky, Jeremy Smith and Rob DiVincenzo. Take a look back at some of their work.
I hope to continue producing this series as part of my Advanced Multimedia Production course. The videos are at their best when they are made for student by students.
What was your favorite episode?
Topics: college, communication, digital media, broadcasting, filmmaking, degrees in communication, communication degrees, video, videos, media, pennsylvania, media studies, internet marketing, public relations
On Friday, April 12, I hosted former student Eddie Coughlan, Broadcast Coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. On game days, he shoots bench audio and game action and is part of the broadcast team that travels with the Ravens and produces, shoots and edits five TV shows per week.
Topics: communication, digital media, broadcasting, degrees in communication, communication degrees, video, videos, media, media studies
An Introduction to Screenwriting | The Steeltown Writers' Pitch
The Writers' Pitch is the first of three events that culminate with the awarding of up to $30,000 in funding for one or more of these scripts.
I was fortunate to be a presenter last year, which was a very exciting and nerve-wracking experience. And even though the script I submitted this year was not selected, I will admit, it was a far more relaxing experience to just be in the audience.
(The image above is from last year's presentation. The presenter is Nathan Hollabaugh, who recently wrapped production on the film based on the script he pitched. I am hidden behind the curtain stage right.)
Not being selected is always disappointing, but this year, it was a bit of relief since I don't know how prepared I could have been for the pitch because I am currently wrapping production on the script I submitted last year: The Birthday Present.
My experience in the audience was relaxed, but also a bit on the surreal side. Worlds were colliding as I sat in between classmates from Chatham and a Communication student from here at Saint Vincent. Also in the crowd was Randy Kovitz, a professor of mine at Chatham, and Kris Veenis, a fellow Bearcat videographer. I had a hard time figuring out who I was - student, teacher, classmate, colleague, writer, filmmaker.
And that was the best part of the experience; the coming together of all of these worlds for the common purpose of a mutual love of filmmaking.
Anna, the student who made the trip out with me, hopes to enter next year, and used the experience to learn how to better craft her ideas into a script. My hope is that next year, I will be there with more students watching her give her pitch.
The Producers' Pitch is on April 20th, and I am looking forward to it because they will be screening a trailer for my film! Hope to see you all there.
Topics: communication, digital media, filmmaking, media, media studies, screenwriting, Pittsburgh
One of my favorite videos is the Wimmer Scholarship Prize Patrol. In my time here at Saint Vincent, I have been a part of four of them. Below you'll see our own Shawn Gouch awarding a full scholarship to Alexander Pawlikowski, a senior at York Catholic high school two weeks ago.
Topics: college, communication, digital media, broadcasting, viral, video, videos, media, news, scholarship, pennsylvania
Topics: communication, digital media, viral, video, videos, media, media studies, internet marketing, public relations