Alumni Live: The Podcast

Current student Caitlyn Shaw talks with Alumni Mike Judd (1999) about his work as an Assistant Director and Director on “Young Sheldon”.  Mike discusses the daily life and challenges of an Assistant Director on a popular television series. Sharing insights on the winding path of moving from Michigan to Los Angeles, working as a production assistant on major feature films, and navigating the process of becoming a union member.  LINKS Mike Judd IMBD To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship GVSU F/V Alumni: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gvsufilmvideoalumni

GVSU film student Marin Roth talks with her dad, Representative John Roth (R), co-author of the Multi-Media Jobs Act. They talk about the positive impact the bill will have on the Michigan economy and film students in particular while offering advice about what everyone can do to help the bill pass. Relevant Links About the Multimedia Jobs Act: https://mifia.org/multimedia-jobs-act-details  About Representative John Roth The House bill package can be found here (HB 4907, 4908)  The Senate bill is here If you want to find out who your Representative is so you can write them, click here. Find your Senator here.  To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship GVSU F/V Alumni: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gvsufilmvideoalumni

Host Randy Strobl (‘12) talks with Tim Dailey (‘08), about his journey from VFX Artist to Academic Dean of Exceptional Minds. Exceptional Minds is a nonprofit academy and post production studio for people with autism. Links: Exceptional Minds: https://exceptional-minds.org/ Tim Dailey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-dailey-23428862 To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship GVSU F/V Alumni: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gvsufilmvideoalumni

Current student Elena Chiu talks with award-winning, multiply Disabled, queer, horror and documentary filmmaker Ariel Baska about their short films, “Our First Priority,” and “Shining in the Dark,” the challenges they face as a disabled filmmaker, their podcast, “Ride the Omnibus,” and how to create a more accessible industry. Website: https://arielbaska.com/  Ride the Omnibus: https://www.omnibusride.com/episodes FWD-Doc: https://www.fwd-doc.org/ Accessibility Scorecard: https://www.fwd-doc.org/film-event-accessibility-scorecard-2023 FEAW (Film Event Accessibility Working Group): https://feaw.org/ IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12439350/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justaskabaska/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielbaska/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruinmysky  To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship GVSU F/V Alumni: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gvsufilmvideoalumni

Current senior Jeff Staub talks with Alumni Michele Terpstra, Director of Digital Content at Toolfarm.com, about AI and tools for filmmakers. They talk about what AI is, recent legal issues surrounding it, how it will affect the film industry, and whether students should be taught how to use it and the ethics surrounding it. AI tutorial: https://www.toolfarm.com/tutorial/a-i-tools-for-video-pros-filmmakers-content-creators-indepth/  To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship GVSU F/V Alumni: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gvsufilmvideoalumni

Current FVP senior, Jeff Staub, talks with Geoff George, a cinematographer and Education Outreach Chair with the Michigan Film Industry Association (MiFIA), about the Multimedia Jobs Act introduced in the Michigan legislature. Geoff explains how the film incentive worked in the past, how it's different now, and why it's so important to bring it to Michigan. MIFIA: https://mifia.org/  Write Legislators: https://mifia.org/take-action  Join MIFIA: https://mifia.org/joinus  About the Multimedia Jobs Act: https://mifia.org/multimedia-jobs-act-details  About Geoff George: www.geoffgeorgedp.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffreygeorge/  To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship GVSU F/V Alumni: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gvsufilmvideoalumni

Alumni Michele Terpstra talks with alumni Wendy Jo Carlton about her career writing, producing, and directing award winning LGBTQ themed films. Wendy Jo explains the distribution process for an indie film, why she doesn't write coming out stories, how to succeed as an independent filmmaker, her thoughts on AI, and why she likes creating web series. LINKS: Wendy Jo's Website: https://www.juicyplanetfilms.com/ IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0138238/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juicyplanetfilms/ Jamie and Jessie are Not Together trailer: https://vimeo.com/58852665 Easy Abby season one: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc-afh1yK0_SynyZdcVFbGSUQt-n49UlZ Easy Abby season two: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc-afh1yK0_RN3oxecHCdLNLZvKDM2cna Good Kisser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2x58d9yb88 Hannah Free trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dihna458hkM To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship GVSU F/V Alumni: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gvsufilmvideoalumni

Host Randy Strobl talks with Grand Valley State University alumni Jaz Edwards, Jamie Bartkowicz, and Jim Taylor about their experiences with unions. Jaz explains how she joined IATSE Local 476 in Chicago, Jamie explains why she hasn't joined a union, and Jim explains what it means to be on the Casual List for a union.  This episode was recorded prior to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Jaz Edwards links:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaz-edwards-05997a176/ Jamie Bartkowicz links:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bartkowicz/ https://www.theessentialartdepartment.com/ https://www.tead.blog/ Jim Taylor links:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtaylor49505/ https://elephantav.com/ https://www.instagram.com/elephantav9529/ https://www.facebook.com/Elephantav/ Union resources: https://iatse.net/ West Michigan: https://www.iatse26.org/ To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship GVSU F/V Alumni: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gvsufilmvideoalumni

Host Randy Strobl talks with Grand Valley State University alumni Dan Campbell about his work as a freelance feature film producer at Blue Falcon Productions. They discuss how Dan's experience as a Marine influenced his approach to college, his first paid job after graduation, his experience working on the Summer Film Project, and the satisfaction of starting his own production company. Dan Campbell Links: Blue Falcon Productions: https://www.bluefalconproductions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluefalconprods Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueFalconProductions/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bluefalconprods The Incantation: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5361596/ IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3628074 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-campbell-93511655/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dan.campbell.9440 To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship GVSU F/V Alumni: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gvsufilmvideoalumni

Host Randy Strobl speaks with Brad Mead about his journey from LA TV series Assistant Editing to Editor which started with his internship with ACE (American Cinema Editors). To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

Host Jake Wiegand (‘21) speaks with alumni Jon Flis (‘02) about the many jobs available to film and video majors in the world of broadcasting. Jon is the Director of Marketing for WZZM 13 On Your Side. Jake works for Jon as a Marketing Producer. Jon's YouTube Channel: youtube.com/promoguy To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

The Women in Cinema Mentorship Program is a female-run mentorship program connecting female alumni in the film/media industry with current female students in the GVSU film program.  Today we connect with a mentee, Kira Mason ‘23, and a mentor, Sara Jo Tchozewski ‘16, from the first year of the program. Hosted by Katie Dehn ‘06, the mentorship director.  If you are interested in becoming an alumni mentor please reach out to the GVSU Film and Video Alumni facebook page. GVSU F/V Alumni: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gvsufilmvideoalumni Women in Cinema Laker Link : https://gvsu.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/wic Women in Cinema Instagram: https://instagram.com/gvwomenincinema Women in Cinema Mentorship Program Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gvsu_fv_wic_mentorship/ Women in Cinema Mentorship Program Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/gvsu.women.in.cinema.mentorship.program To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

Studies show that mentorships can have a big impact on a mentee's salary, career path, and overall happiness in their careers.  Today, Katie Dehn talks with Gerry Cooke about the benefits of mentoring for students and the professional mentors that volunteer to mentor.  Gerry has spent almost a decade as a mentor and is currently the director of mentorship for the Seidman school of business mentorship program.  Katie is the director of the Women in Cinema mentorship program for female students in the film/video program at GVSU. Seidman Mentorship Program: https://www.gvsu.edu/seidman/mentorship/ Women in Cinema: https://gvsu.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/wic GVSU F/V Alumni: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gvsufilmvideoalumni To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

Host Randy Strobl speaks with alumni Holly Tumbarello about how informational interviews were the key to building her career. Randy Strobl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-strobl-40223895/ Holly Tumbarello: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollytumbarello/ To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

To view a video of this episode complete with archive photos and videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzHtUTZprWU Alumni and faculty talk about the 40 plus year history of the Grand Valley Film & Video Production major and what has made it unique. Part 1 explored the early years of the Arts and Media major at William James College, which was part of Grand Valley State Colleges. Part 2 explores the transformation of the Arts and Media major to the Film and Video Production major at Grand Valley State University's School of Communications, and eventually the Department of Visual and Media Arts. Faculty and alumni talk about the Summer Film Project, the Lip Dub, and group experiences like bonding over late night edits or 12 hour film. RELEVANT LINKS: GVSU LIp Dub directed by Greg Kort and Chris Coleman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yn5L3gsCHgQ Cinesthesia - The Grand Valley Journal of Cinema https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/cine/ PARTICIPANTS (in order of appearance): Randy Strobl John Philbin Toni Perrine Girbe Eefsting Gregg McNeill Katie Dehn Kirie Quackenbush Stephanie Choriatis Grayson Beras Mary Graff Ashley Kelly Loughlin Tim Sundt Greg Kort Kim Roberts Michael Piotrowski To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

To view a video of this episode complete with archive photos and videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzHtUTZprWU Alumni and faculty talk about the 40 plus year history of the Grand Valley Film & Video Production major and what has made it unique. Part 1 explores the early years of the Arts and Media major at William James College, which was part of Grand Valley State Colleges. Part 2 explores the transformation of the Arts and Media major to the Film and Video Production major at Grand Valley State University's School of Communications, and eventually the Department of Visual and Media Arts. Faculty and alumni talk about the Summer Film Project, the Lip Dub, and group experiences like bonding over late night edits or 12 hour film. RELEVANT LINKS: Barbara Roos documentary about William James College: An Unfinished Conversation:  https://vimeo.com/user749003 Article by Deanna Morse about William James: An Unfinished Conversation https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1459&context=gvr PARTICIPANTS (in order of appearance): Randy Strobl Tim Sundt Gregg McNeill Girbe Eefsting Stephanie Choriatis John Philbin Toni Perrine Video clip of William James College: An Unfinished Conversation by Barbara Roos, featuring an interview with Deanna Morse Karen Kleinheksel Jeffrey Miller To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

Host Randy Strobl leads a discussion with Alfredo Peters about opening a studio and launching Higher Faculty, his YouTube channel with 69.7K subscribers as of Nov 2022, all while balancing work and family life. Higher Faculty on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HigherFaculty To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

Alumni Randy Strobl talks with Karl Koehle and Kirie Quackenbush about working in the game industry. Videos referenced in the episode:  The Sims 4 - StrangerVille: Investigation Trailer UW-Stout "Umbrella Mondays" game trailer To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

In this profile episode, Mary Graff Ashley talks with host Randy Strobl about her experience creating promos and behind-the-scenes content for King Kong, The Hobbit, and Lost. Mary currently works for Walt Disney Television in Los Angeles. Here's a link to the Peter Jackson King Kong Production Diaries mentioned on the show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-wZmh4Jc5g To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

Host Katie Dehn speaks with alumni Jil Szewski about how to deal with sexual harassment on a production set. Jil works in the Art Department on shows such as Bel-Air and How to Get Away with Murder. She is a member of IATSE, and owns Blue Revised, a company that provides resume, cover letter, and interview consulting specifically for the motion picture and television industry. Jil Szewski on IMDB Blue Revised To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

Host Katie Dehn leads a discussion with Jamie Bartkowicz, Scott Sheppard, Kelly Loughlin, Talon Rudel, and A.J. Bedard about moving to LA after graduating from GVSU. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

Join Michele Terpstra, GVSU Film/Video Alumni Board Member, for a conversation with Sarah Ford, a GVSU Class of 2018 alumni, about how she collaborated with Eric “Callab” Carter and other local artists to create a music video during the beginning of the pandemic. Here's a link to the music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfx3wZ01Mmw To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

In this Alumni Live Profile episode, host Randy Strobl interviews Chris Gagnon to see what the film and video alum has been up to in recent and distant years. Chris talks about the time he video blogged riding a bicycle from coast to coast in the United States with his brother and his current work making videos with his neighbors in Malawi. Chris Gagnon's YouTube Chris and Amari's Patreon site To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

Host Joe McCargar talks with alums Bryen Hensley and Sean Quashnie about the intricacies of working in production, broadcast, and post production sound. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

Joel Potrykus, class of 1999, talks with Charles Beale and Jake Bowen, both class of 2011, about their experience in the world of making movies with small budgets and “Studio Fest” the unique film festival they created. Here's the link to StudioFest: https://studiofest.com/ To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

Host Stacy Walsh (& Then Write) interviews Jeremy Howe (Young Sheldon) and George Kitson (Agents of Shield) about their work as writers for television. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

Host Kelly Loughlin (LA) talks with other alums Chris Randall (GR), Tre Jackson (Atlanta), and Jesse Routhier (NYC) about how to land Production Assistant jobs and what to do to make the best impressions on set. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

Host Sarah Nawrocki talks with filmmakers Deanna Morse, Jackson Ezinga, John Otterbacher, and Joel Potrykus discuss their experiences with film festivals. They emphasize the importance of entering and attending film festivals as well as how to research and enter festivals. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

Host Randy Strobl leads a discussion about advice for prospective students interested in GVSU's Film & Video Production Major. We hear from students Jazrielle Couran, Cody Thammavongsa, Jordan Skutar, Josh Geyer, and Ariel Sosa, as well as faculty Kim Roberts and Julie Goldstein. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

Host Randy Strobl discusses the most important things to know about filmmaking with GVSU student Ariel Sosa. Ariel explains how GVSU's film & video program allowed him to become a better and more efficient filmmaker. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

Host Randy Strobl invites GVSU professors Julie Goldstein and Kim Roberts to explain the Film & Video showcases where students show their work to an audience. Students Ariel Sosa and Josh Geyer discuss how it feels to watch their films on the big screen and the importance of these events. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

GVSU Professor Suzanne Zack talks about the Film and Video Alumni Network and how it helps students during and after college. Along with the Alumni Live livestreams and podcast, they have created an alumni book, hosted reunions, and created opportunities for students to job shadow in LA and NYC. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

With host Randy Strobl, GVSU students Ariel Sosa, Josh Geyer, Jordan Skutar, and Cody Thammavongsa talk about various on-campus clubs for film & video students and how they're beneficial. Clubs such as GVTV and Cinematography Club offer hands-on experience outside of the classroom, and the Grand Valley Film Academy showcases students' work. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

Host Randy Strobl invites GVSU students Cody Thammavongsa to discuss his sports video job on campus, as well as Josh Geyer and Jordan Skutar to explain their work with the GVSU Promotions Office. They emphasize the importance of these opportunities and how they will help you get jobs in the industry after graduation. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

Host Randy Strobl invites GVSU students Josh Geyer and Jordan Skutar to discuss their film & video internship experiences and why they are beneficial. Furthermore, Professor Kim Roberts explains how GVSU connects students with these opportunities. They also highlight the assistance that students can receive at GVSU's Career Center, like resume and portfolio help. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

Host Randy Strobl chats with GVSU student Jazrielle Couran about her experience creating videos for clients in her classes. She explains the process, which begins with applying for projects, and discusses her initial worries going into the class about the pressure of creating for clients. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

Host Randy Strobl discusses film studies at GVSU with Professor Spencer Everhart. Students learn about the evolution of ideas in film history, its place in cultures around the world, and how to analyze and write about films. Spencer explains how this study of film makes students better filmmakers and how GVSU students can get more involved with this practice outside of the classroom. Cinesthesia - GVSU's online film journal To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

Professor and filmmaker Joel Potrykus discusses his scriptwriting classes at GVSU with Host Randy Strobl. Students learn about the elements of a script, how to write in different genres, and what to do after completing a script. Joel also explains the assignments, from writing a 10-page script in Scriptwriting 1 to a feature-length one in Scriptwriting 2. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

Randy Strobl leads a discussion with GVSU students Jordan Skutar and Josh Geyer about post production in the Film & Video major. They explain the different areas of post production taught at GVSU, like audio, graphics, and the theory of editing. Furthermore, they discuss the editing software that GVSU offers, like Pro Tools and the Adobe Creative Cloud. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

With Host Randy Strobl, professor Julie Goldstein discusses animation and new media classes in the GVSU Film & Video major. She explains what students learn, from stop motion to rotoscoping, and names apps and other free tools that anyone can use to get started in animation. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

Host Randy Strobl discusses the beauty of documentary filmmaking with GVSU students Ariel Sosa and Jordan Skutar. They explain in-class and real-world experiences. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

Host Randy Strobl invites film and video production majors Jordan Skutar, Josh Geyer, and Ariel Sosa to share their experiences in fiction filmmaking at GVSU. Professor Joel Potrykus explains the unique opportunities that Grand Valley offers, such as the summer film and shooting on 16mm film. Summer Film Project Website To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship

Grand Valley State University film and video alumni share career advice and experiences. Created by alumni for students and alumni of Grand Valley State University. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Alumni Live: The Podcast To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship