SCAD alumni talk about making careers in television.
I am passionate about television. I enjoy watching TV and learning about all that goes into bringing great shows to our screens. Television becomes an even richer experience as I marvel at the plethora of jobs involved both in front of and behind the camera. SCAD alumni are launching careers all over the television industry.
I had the opportunity to speak to a few SCAD alumni at the 8th annual SCAD aTVfest. We talked about their jobs and SCAD’s role in helping them get there.
Meet Caleb Holland, Joanna Brooks and Dustin Berry.
Caleb Holland (B.F.A., film and television)
photo credit: Tracey Phillipps/So Many Shows
Job: EPK Cinematographer and Producer
For: Stranger Things on Netflix
Caleb likened EPK (electronic press kit) cinematography to his passion for documentary filmmaking. He explained that he works with publicity and is on set “to capture how everything is made from props to set dressing to direction.” Caleb performs interviews with different parts of the crew and gets footage of different scenes everyday. Ultimately, he designs a package that lets viewers “see how their favorite shows and movies are made.”
What do you credit SCAD with in launching your career?
“As an LGBTQ creator growing up in a community where that was not accepted, coming to SCAD was a place for me to be able to feel safe and to be able to become and develop into who I wanted to be. Being able to just be myself creatively and to pursue a career that I’m passionate about has been such a gift.”
Joanna Brooks (M.F.A., film and television)
Job: Writer
For: Dead Silent on Investigation Discovery
I talked to Joanna about the volume of re-writes that can be associated with writing for television. She pointed out that writers get notes from several sources like the showrunner, network and producers. She agreed that it can be easy to feel discouraged trying to get to the final version, but cautions aspiring writers to not take things personally. Joanna suggested that making changes is par for the course with writing or any creative process in television or film.
What do you credit SCAD with in launching your career?
“It’s really just been the connections. It introduces you to a network of people that you probably wouldn’t get at a state school or elsewhere. And it’s because of events like SCAD aTVfest and SCAD Savannah Film Festival where you get the opportunity to meet people in the industry. And it’s really friendships. If somebody finds you likeable, they want to bring you on set for 14 hours a day.”
Dustin Berry (B.F.A., film and television)
Job: Set Buyer
For: The Resident on Fox
Dustin explained that buying set pieces can vary greatly depending on the production. For instance, he shops differently for a period piece versus something set in current time. Also, productions with a lot of action may require that items actually be fabricated so they can get multiples. Dustin referred to his prior work on Godzilla and how they needed multiple copies of a prop because they get destroyed on camera.
Dustin enjoys his job especially because each project can vary greatly saying, “It’s never boring.” He may spend 12 hour days shopping for set, so he does not always get excited about doing his personal shopping.
What do you credit SCAD with in launching your career?
“Before I went to SCAD I was really just quiet, really shy, I was sort of like in my little bubble. Going to SCAD really brought me out of that bubble. And I met other creative people and I was like , ‘Wow this is great! We’re surrounded by so many different types of creative people.’ I think it’s helped me where I am now because it teaches you how to network and be outgoing and get your name out there. SCAD is good about shaping you as a well-rounded candidate for the professional world.”
Thank you to Caleb, Joanna and Dustin for giving us a peek into their jobs. I find it all very fascinating and it makes me even more appreciative of the effort that goes into creating great television.
More than 20 television shows were represented at SCAD aTVfest. The festival provides students a unique opportunity to learn from actors, creators and alumni in the television industry.
Learn more about SCAD at the college’s website.
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