student profiles
Bonnie
BTMM MA Program
Expected Graduation: 2009
Interests: pop cultural history; film and television; comedy;
women’s studies; media and cities; 1930s America; food.
As an undergraduate at Sarah Lawrence College, I studied
theatre and film from both an artistic and an academic
perspective, making super8 and 16mm films and participating
in a variety of theatre works. I continued to pursue the
arts after graduation by working with a local arts group to
create interdisciplinary performances and installations. I
also worked as the Education Outreach Coordinator for a New
York-based nonprofit organization devoted to the promotion of
filmmaking in developing countries. My work there exposed me
to a variety of films from around the world, and sparked my
interest in studying the role of the arts in society.
When I decided to go to graduate school, I was looking for a
Masters program where I could explore different interests
before committing to a single field of study. I chose the
Temple BTMM program because it allows me to combine scholarly
and production-oriented work, and to study both traditional
and new media. I also wanted the flexibility to take courses
in other departments. So far, I have been very happy with my
decision to come to Temple; the faculty is supportive and the
students are given a lot of freedom to study what interests
them.
This semester, my research has centered around gender and
television, and I have worked as a TA for television
production and media theory courses. I plan to use my time
here to consider whether I’d like to pursue a PhD or work in
a more hands-on capacity with media. Either way, I think I
am building a strong foundation here for my next step.
Kyle
Major: BTMM (TV,video production)
Graduating in May of 2008
As a senior now at Temple, I look back and realize how fast my college years have gone by. But I then look at all that I have done during those years and how many opportunities I had, and I feel satisfied, at least to a degree. Obviously you can always get better at what you do, and there will always be more and better opportunities waiting, but I feel that I have made good steps in advancing myself into what I want to do for a career.
I guess you can say I took advantage of the time I had at Temple. That’s what I recommend to incoming students. Grab any opportunity you can while it’s easy to access. Temple does a great job of helping you search and preparing you for these opportunities, but it is not responsible for obtaining them for you, you are. Plus, one opportunity can lead to many others that could be more suitable for you. It all starts with your desire and motive, and then Temple will supply you with the tools to advance. Then you make it happen.
Here’s what I have been able to do so far just throughout my college years:
Every semester I have taken at least one production class. Ever since my freshman year I have been volunteering at Temple Update, the TV news program on campus, and have moved up the ranks to director and student executive producer. I have been hired (meaning paid) by Temple to shoot various lectures, ceremonies, and graduations.
Last year, I was hired as full-time paid intern at the Philadelphia Eagles, where I shot, edited, produced, and directed video productions for the website. This was the best experience so far. I started in training camp, and spent almost everyday throughout the season with the team. On game day, I shot every home game on the field, and traveled to half the away games, including New Orleans for the playoffs, stayed in the team hotels and flew on team flights. Basically, it was freaking awesome.
After my freshman year, I was hired by Ch. 69 News (Berks Edition) as a Videographer (photog) for the summer. And for the last few autumns I have shot Friday night high school football for their Big Ticket show. Also, for the past few summers, I have been employed by the Reading Phillies camera crew shooting video during games.
Then, for the first part of this past summer, I spent eight weeks in LA, through Temple’s SCT Los Angeles internship program. It’s basically like a study abroad program, just within the US. There, I got an internship with a company that does documentary and reality-style TV programming, called GRB Entertainment. This was a great experience, not only to meet people in the business in LA, but also to experience the west coast and make good friends. The Temple intern program also provided the interns with opportunities to meet and network with Temple graduates who are working in the industry in LA. The Temple professors in charge of the program were great in helping students find their internships and gave great lessons on what it takes to make it in the business. I would highly recommend this program, or any other study abroad program Temple has to offer.
I have also done video work for WHYY and a national PBS network based out of San Francisco. Some of these opportunities came through Temple, or with Temple’s help, but again ultimately it is you who is responsible for acting on them and making it happen. Good luck, and have fun with whatever you choose to do.
Michelle
Major: BTMM
Minor: Spanish
Expected to Graduate: May 2009
Interests: Movies, Ice cream, Traveling, Photography and Videography Favorite Temple Class (so far): I enjoyed learning Dreamweaver, a web design software, in the CIS 55 lab. The class definitely sparked my interest in web design. However, I just started Intro to Television Production and Intro to Audio Production this semester, which I’m really excited about.
Aspiring Career: I’d love to be a music video producer and work in television production in the future. I also hope my career allows me to travel. What are you doing to secure your dream career? I try to be involved with as much as possible. This semester, I received an amazing opportunity: an internship in New York City with MTV. I’m helping with the True Life show performing duties similar to a production assistant.
What made me choose Temple? I chose Temple University because I admire its diversity. I also figured that more opportunities would be available for me if I attended a school in the city.
Advice for new students: Try to get involved as early as possible and send out as many resumes and applications as you can. I never expected to hear back from MTV after submitting an online application. It’s also essential that you find something to keep you motivated. It’s up to you to wake yourself up at the break of dawn for those 8:40s, and you’re the one who has to force yourself to sit down and study. However, you still need to make sure there is time for fun and friends.
I definitely recommend that you look into a study abroad program. This summer, I participated in Temple’s Program in Oviedo, Spain. It was an incredible experience. It’s important that you don’t miss out on the amazing memories that college has to offer.
Anthony
Major: BTMM
Expected to graduate: 2009
Favorite class at Temple so far: With the excellent teaching staff many classes have been at the top of my list, but so far Intro to TV Production was number one. I was able to learn proper techniques inside the studio and gain practical on-air experience.
Dream career: To be a sports reporter or broadcaster in the Philadelphia region.
What are you doing now to secure your dream career?
I have been involved with the main newspaper on campus, the Temple News, as well as volunteering occasionally for the Temple Update.
What made me choose Temple? I primarily chose Temple for the excellent communications school here and its proximity to my hometown.
What advice would I give to new students striving to succeed?
Get involved with as much as you can, and to make as many connections as possible.