student – BibbyFame Digital, LLC: Photo, Film & Interactive Media

WINNER: 2020 Clarion Award – Briana M. Andrews Receives Prestigious Association for Women in Communications (AWC) Award for Women in TV and Film Interactive Media / Mini-Documentary.

July 21, 2020July 21, 2020 by Briana M. Andrews, posted in New Media Production, Portfolio

The Association for Women in Communications (AWC) announced Briana M. Andrews as a WINNER of the 2020 Clarion Award in the Student Wildcard category for her Women in TV and Film, Interactive Media / Mini-Documentary project. Read Press Release.

Winning a Clarion is a great honor and achievement; this award-winning entry will be recognized during a fall virtual event. As one of the most prestigious competitions of its kind in the country, the 2020 competition attracted entries from 20 states and two countries, with entries judged by teams of experts from all aspects of the marketing and communications fields.

This interactive media project and short documentary was created during a New Media Practicum course at Rowan University, led by Writing Arts Professor Rachael Shapiro. Andrews utilized social media as a promotional avenue and culminated with the creation of a short documentary to display individual efforts toward increasing diversity and inclusion in film. This includes behind-the-scenes footage from the Andrews’ produced To Each, Her Throne web series, and the Daughters of Solanas dramedy short from the New York iteration of the Women’s Weekend Film Challenge. Find excerpts from the project at www.womenintvandfilm.com.

Entry Title: “Women in TV & Film – Interactive Media / Mini-Documentary”
Entry Category: Student Wild Card
Organization Name(s): Rowan University
Entrant’s Name(s): Briana M. Andrews

Screen Capture, Clarion Award, Interactive Media Documentary, Women in TV and Film, Rowan University RTF CCCA, Student Wildcard Category, AWC Membership, Association for Women in Communications

Founded in 1909, the Association for Women in Communications has nearly 1,200 members worldwide. AWC champions the advancement of women across all communications disciplines by recognizing excellence, promoting leadership and positioning its members at the forefront of the evolving communications era. For more than 40 years, the AWC Clarion Awards have recognized small business, large corporate, nonprofit, agency and government communication specialists internationally who demonstrate excellence in clear and concise communications. For a complete list of Clarion Award winners this year, please visit: www.womcom.org/clarionwinners.

Career Update: Media Associate (Social, Digital Content Production)

June 30, 2019January 10, 2020 by Briana M. Andrews, posted in Biography, Personal

I recently accepted a summer project / temporary role through August 2019 with an innovative STEAM academy in Northern New Jersey. In this role, I’ll act as photographer/videographer/editor for in-house production: social media content, short-form videos and slideshows. My responsibilities will include coordination, production and post-production of strategically planned marketing photos/videos across two company locations serving Bergen County, New Jersey and Rockland County, New York.

This short-term opportunity is ideal since I am relocating to Washington, D.C. in late August. This academy teaches kids how to code and program smartphone apps, film and edit digital movies and develop digital inventions. I will manage the social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), utilize scheduling software (Buffer), shoot photos and videos (Canon DSLR), and edit (Creative Suite, Movavi). I’m happy to partner up with this company because STEAM = STEM + Media Arts. In recent years, I volunteered extensively at Liberty Science Center as an ambassador, while also training and mentoring new volunteers. I support learning methods that increase critical thinking and offer hands-on learning experiences. It is particularly important that young children, especially girls are exposed to opportunities to use knowledge and skills in ways that are practical and applicable to the real world.

Little Ivy Academy Summer Camp Counselors & Staffers (Summer 2019)

Please note, I will still accept freelance photography and videography projects. Feel free to reach out for special pricing and seasonal studio shoots.

Education Update: Officially a Rowan University Graduate, #RowanPROUD – Dean’s List, Cum Laude

May 26, 2019June 30, 2019 by Briana M. Andrews, posted in Biography, Personal

I am officially a graduate of Rowan University! Earlier this month, I completed my final undergraduate semester with a 3.9 GPA and 3^rd consecutive placement on the Dean’s List. Overall, I secured a degree with cum laude Latin honors. I also managed to complete my degree in only three years resulting in savings of approximately $30k (not TUH-DAY Sallie Mae). I received a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Radio, Television and Film with a Production concentration, New Media minor and Public Relations and the News certificate of undergraduate study.

I selected Rowan University because I wanted a hands-on television and film production degree, complimented by a new media communication program. Rowan’s College of Communication and Creative Arts has a revered documentary program and I wanted to take classes alongside a group of students with roots in the Garden State that I feel represent the future of the industry. I have no buyers-remorse and I am #RowanPROUD. I made the most of my college experience and I’m excited for this next chapter in life.

Campus Involvement:

Student Representative: Photo-Voice Cultural Dialogue Series (Fall 2017)
Peer Referral and Orientation Staff (PROS) – Office of Student Leadership Programs (Spring 2018)
Transfer Mentor – University Transfer Services (Spring 2018)
Digital Content Contributor – Office of Student Affairs (Fall 2018)
Leadership Committee – Resident Hall Association (Fall 2018)
Media Festival Associate / Event Photographer – College of Communication & Creative Arts (Fall 2018)
Epistoleus (PR & Social Media Chair) Theta Mu Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (2018-2019)
Historian – National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. (NPHC) (2018-2019)
Initiated Member – Sigma Zeta Chapter, Order of Omega (Greek Honor Society) (Spring 2019)

Thug Motivation: Drama Short – Written and Directed by Briana M. Andrews

April 15, 2019April 16, 2019 by Briana M. Andrews, posted in Personal, Portfolio

I am pleased to introduce you to Thug Motivation. This is a drama short-film written and directed by (me) Briana M. Andrews, Rowan University senior and owner of BibbyFame Digital, LLC. The shoot took place over the weekend, and it was a awesome demonstration of teamwork and resourcefulness.

BTS Social Video Clip – Thug Motivation shoot

This story is an actor’s plea for “less thug, more motivation.” The protagonist, Kevin, played by Howie Jones, senior Computer Science major at Rowan University expresses frustration because he is a classically trained actor, however, he’s routinely cast and sent on auditions for demeaning roles which he reluctantly accepts. During this contentious meeting with the casting director, he lashes out about degrading role offers and visualizes inspirational, thought-provoking roles that contribute to humanity.

Gang-members and thug roles are disproportionately played by black actors. However, this isn’t reflective of the actual demographics of American gangs. While Thug Motivation shares the story of one actor, it serves as a launchpad for discussion on casting directors engaged in type-casting, limited role opportunities, inadequate African-American representation in film and potential societal implications from such imagery.

Production Title: Thug Motivation
Union/Non-Union: Non-Union
Production Type: Independent / Student
Project Length: Short (5 minutes)

I submitted this screenplay for consideration earlier this semester and in recent weeks, I presented the look-book and defended the film concept. There was no budget for this film, however, campus resources were at our disposal for equipment. For the film setting, we converted an 8-max group study room at Campbell Library into a convincing office location. I am extremely proud of the entire team. I also appreciate their open-mindedness and willingness to wear several hats to pull this off successfully.

Crew Group Photo – Thug Motivation Short – Rowan University Film Production II RTF

Director / Writer: Briana M. Andrews
AD: Ryan Baitinger
DP: Bill Kosturko
Producer: Kyle Cann
Prod. Manager: Anthony Mitchell

Inducted: Order of Omega National Greek Honor Society

March 28, 2019 by Briana M. Andrews, posted in Personal, SGRHO

Briana M. Andrews – Order of Omega Induction Ceremony – March 25, 2019

On Monday, March 25, 2019, I was inducted into Rowan University’s Sigma Zeta Chapter of Order of Omega. Order of Omega recognizes juniors and seniors who have exemplified high standards in the areas of scholarship, leadership, and involvement within their organizations, campuses and communities. It functions as an adjunct to traditional organizations and members are selected from the top 10% percent of students within the fraternity/sorority community.

Logo / Crest for Order of Omega – Greek Leaders Honor Society

There are 570 chapters of Order of Omega chartered throughout North America with the common goal of recognizing student-leaders and I am proud to be included in this elite group. It also means a lot to me to represent both my organization and the NPHC on this platform.

Group image of Inducted Students, Sigma Zeta Chapter of Order of Omega at Rowan University on March 25, 2019
Certificate awarded to Briana M. Andrews Induction Ceremony – Order of Omega

Black Female Filmmaker Series: Interview Featuring Briana M. Andrews from BibbyFame Digital, LLC

March 22, 2019April 22, 2019 by Briana M. Andrews, posted in Personal, Women In TV & Film

Happy to share news that I was interviewed and featured for the #BlackFemaleFilmmakerSeries

#BlackFemaleFilmmakerSeries Socials Graphic – Briana M. Andrews

This was a pretty in-depth interview and I had a great time opening up and sharing information about my journey and what’s to come. This series was curated and published by Alana Marie Woodson, a St. Louis-based filmmaker, storyteller and digital content creator. I’d like to encourage you all to check it out.

Find out how I got my start as a filmmaker, if I ever dealt with imposter syndrome and what I classify as my best work to date. Find out what’s on my film bucket-list and hear why I think other it’s important not to get “pre-occupied with optics.” I also describe my personal, female-centric artistic style and provide advice and words of encouragement to other young and/or aspiring female filmmakers.

Here is an excerpt from the interview transcript where I detail why I feel like it is important to have our voices represented:

“There is value in each of our experiences; women need to find our own voices, control the narrative and take ownership of our portrayal in television, film and new media. These industries need to tune into and be empathetic to the needs of various audiences. The film industry cannot be a monolithic arena and expect to be relevant with diverse communities. Film has to serve our communities, and reflect it.”

I’d like to give a special shout-out to Alana Marie for using her platform to provide a forum for other female content-creators during Women’s History Month.

All the best!

DEAN’S LIST: Cheers to the Fall 2018 Semester

January 2, 2019March 11, 2019 by Briana M. Andrews, posted in Personal

Winter break is in full swing, grades were finally posted today and YAY, I made the University Scholar list again – Dean’s List, Fall 2018.

This academic achievement feels extra special since this semester was so tough. With hands-on production courses, all of the REAL work takes place outside of scheduled class hours. Essentially, it’s a full time job! But you know me … I was also volunteering, booking freelance projects, taking hours at the portrait studio and I’m also on the Theta Mu chapter’s executive board. I was “booked and busy” but on top of my game in all respects.

“Last Call” – Final HTML Narrative

December 12, 2018March 11, 2019 by Briana M. Andrews, posted in Assignments, New Media Production

Below is the link to my final Interactive HTML Narrative, “Last Call.” This was completed by me (Briana Andrews) and Chris Rivera. My reflection is included on another post.

“Last Call” – Click Here

Unity3D, Semester Reflection – RTF 03394 – New Media Production

December 12, 2018March 11, 2019 by Briana M. Andrews, posted in Personal

Over the past few weeks, I looked into the various ways Unity3D has been used in the industry. One of the things I found most appealing and interesting about the possibilities and uses of this platform is mobile technology. Unity3D accounts for 50% of mobile games.

Check out this clip of my first rodeo in Unity. This game is unpublished, still a work in progress and I’m still learning how to use the game engine. I call this game “Runna Boy.” Eventually, I’ll work on developing an infinite runner game (think Subway Surfers and Temple Run). This New Media Production course was great overall, because in addition to working my usual Adobe Apps (Premiere Pro,PhotoShop), I was able to delve into Fuse, Mixamo, Unity and work in HTML tocreate an interactive narrative.

DRAFT – Runna Boy Subway Jamal Unity 3D Game – Unpublished

December 12, 2018March 11, 2019 by Briana M. Andrews, posted in Assignments, New Media Production

Please note, the game “Runna Boy Jamal Subway” is no longer being submitted as my final project. Rather, this is a display of my progress in creating the game. This process is very time consuming and I couldn’t complete within the time confines of the semester. My final, an interactive HTML narrative created on Wix along with partner, Chris Rivera is here.

This video shows me playing the game on the backend. Initially, I thought I’d be able to use a standalone player or export for play and publishing through Google Drive or DropBox. However, I recently learned they discontinued that functionality. I registered for an account on Wooglie, a Unity 3D game portal. However, you have to complete a process of being accepted as a developer before you can publish. Ultimately, the semester is ending and I am running out of time to complete the Unity game. You won’t be able to see it in final form, but through this screen grab video, you can see my progress.