Career Update: Media Production DC TV (Public Access Corporation of the District of Columbia)

I am pleased to announce I recently accepted an intern position as a Production Assistant / Editor with DC TV.  This role is part of the media production crew with this Washington, D.C. based public access television station.  Thus far, I worked as a PA for a piece shot on a local food bank and edited spots aired on television.  I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work alongside such a talented group with a vested interest in the community.  DC TV provides opportunities for members of the community to be SEEN and HEARD. 

DC TV provides local programming created by and for DC communities, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Providing a platform for individuals to share their own stories is one of the unique aspects that stuck out to me as an applicant.  I am eager to learn more about broadcasting and television production, while also being afforded the opportunity to share insight from my previous experiences.

Some of the responsibilities associated with the position are as follows:

  • Assist with producing, filming, and editing video content which adheres to standards for HD Cable Television channels, streaming and online channels and social media platforms
  • Production Assistant on field-based shoots, edit content to produce engaging narratives
  • Conduct research topics using video archives, the internet, library archives and other sources to find b-roll
  • Assist with all components of production and post-production, mic guests for in-studio shoots

Click here to learn more about Public Access Corporation of the District of Columbia (DC TV). I am certainly excited to join the team, wish me the best of luck Fall 2019.

2018 Recap – The Art of Sales for Creatives

I hope you enjoyed the holiday season. I wish you all a successful, healthy and prosperous 2019.

In recent weeks, I’ve been going through my interview footage to create a supplemental reel.  I filmed a lot of interviews and documentary-style videos, however, I never include it in my reel because I don’t want to blend it with narrative works.  This is just my preference … I like a cohesive reel with comparable footage.

Nonetheless, I came across one of the videos I completed over the summer for Jill Lotenberg.  I provided her with the footage and won’t repost the interview here but it was an interview with Ryan Serhant from Million Dollar Listing: New York which airs on Bravo.  He is a famous real estate agent, also an actor and producer.  This interview had so many business gems with the art of sales, and how this can be beneficial for creatives. 

As creatives, we work on building and strengthening our craft, expanding offerings and further skill development.  With 2019 on the horizon, I also plan to put my best business foot forward.   I figured I’d share some of the golden nuggets here, both for myself and for the benefit of others since “sales are sales” and this information is easily transferrable and applicable to various industries.

Ryan Serhant pitched Bravo at least 50 different shows, some of which admittedly weren’t that great, but he continued to try.  You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take!

  • Be consistent, never give up, refine your strategy
  • Reach out, “put it out there” – send personal emails and constant reminders
  • Create industry list, maintain contact, offer incentives, adjust rates as needed
  • Use networking, email solicitation, advertising, social media

Serhant opened up the discussion by stressing the importance of creating a niche and finding what works for YOU. 

  • “Look for clues, find your inspiration”
  • “Find what works and milk it, exploit it”
  • Assist with branding, solicit business

Another important item addressed in the interview is GROWTH.  Serhant stated he would not be where he is today if he insisted on doing everything by himself.  He values a strong team and makes a point to hire type-A people who are better than him. 

  • Collaborate, offer opportunities, share responsibilities

Research and planning are also important factors.  Those who “fail to plan, plan to fail.”  Social media activities should be planned out for the week and posted during optimal times based on analytics.  For him, around 2pm on weekdays works best.

Certificate of Appreciation, Merry Christmas from INSPI

This past weekend I attended a Christmas Party / Potluck at INSPIMIND.  I completed a Video Production / Multimedia Internship with them this past summer.  I drove all the way up from Glassboro to Paterson during finals week to bring my Guyanese Chow Mein dish.   As expected, I had a total blast and I commend this organization because I identify with their mission and will continue to support the cause.  To my surprise, both the Outreach & Retention Team, and the Programming & Research Team awarded me with Certificates of Appreciation.  Happy Holidays!

Photography Credit – Photo Shoot Published

My work assisting Jill Lotenberg on the cover of Mann Publications for the August and September issues were published.

Joe Wilen, Advantage TitleThis is for my work on the photo shoot of Joe Willen of Advantage Title. This memorable shoot took place on beautiful and scenic Northport, Long Island. I actually didn’t expect to receive published photo credit considering this was part of an internship, but this is actually quite awesome. Learn more about Mann Publications.

INSPIMIND – Motivational Student Leaders: THANK YOU

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank INSPIMIND for allowing me to work with their non-profit educational leadership organization this summer.  Being a content creator is truly a wonderful experience when capturing imagery of positive deeds intended to uplift underserved communities.   I enjoyed the time spent engaging with students at Becton Regional High School, Montclair State University, William Paterson University and others.   The programs on College Readiness, Drug and Substance Abuse, Peer Pressure, Mental Health, Stress Management, Depression and Anxiety will certainly benefit the outreached students. 

Although the internship has come to an end, I will continue to patronize events and contribute however possible.  Special thanks to the production team, and founder Wilfredo Betance for being welcoming and providing an excellent educational experience.   Learn more about INSPIMIND.

Career Update: Photo & Video Intern

I know this seems like Deja Vu. No, you aren’t seeing double. Yes, I scored a second internship. I was selected to work as a Photography and Videography intern with award-winning commercial photographer, Jill Lotenberg.

This opportunity is particularly exciting because I’ll be shadowing a female entrepreneur with an established base and carved niche. Personally, I started out in the freelance capacity, and admittedly, I wasn’t very familiar with pricing policies, cancellation policies, scheduling, building a client base etc. So this opportunity will allow me a hands-on intuitive experience where I’ll get to use my on Canon EOS DSLR. I’ll be strengthening my proficiency in CaptureOne and the Adobe Creative Suite.

I won’t have time to spend on the beach this summer, but I’m looking forward to drone shoots, yacht shoots and capturing footage of New York’s movers and shakers in real estate.

Learn more about Jill Photography. Check out a few shots Jill caught of me on-set.

 

Career Update: Film Production & Multimedia Intern

INSPIMIND LogoI am pleased to announce I accepted a summer internship with INSPIMIND in Paterson, NJ. In this position, my major duties include coordinating video production activities, editing footage, adding subtitles to videos, promoting on social media platforms, photography, planning & scheduling shoots, and collaborating with both the Production Team and Content Development Team.


Things kicked off to a great start last week with a video shoot at Henry P. Becton Regional High School in East Rutherford, NJ. We ended the evening with a team-building hike at Mills Reservation in Upper Montclair / Cedar Grove. One of the things that struck my interest with this organization is its ongoing commitment to the community. INSPIMIND aims to continue the cycle of higher education and foster leadership, particularly with young minorities. I’m thrilled to be able to document its activity through film and social media, while exploring SEO and developing an online visual strategy to promote INSPIMIND as it reaches out to colleges/universities, high schools, and middle schools.