Sally Peterson - Columbus, Ohio

Sally Peterson
Film Connection Student from Columbus, Ohio

It's Christmas time once again. And I‚m sure that we‚re going to be seeing Christmas classics. Personally, I prefer the Home Alone series. Kinda lame, I know, but it just takes me back to my childhood. It brings back so many good memories. Plus, it‚s really funny. I barely get to watch it now, save for this season, and I end up laughing so hard at the same thing. Despite the fact that I've seen it before.

Sometimes, I even laugh before a funny scene is shown. Knowing it's coming up and remembering how funny it is will just crack me up. And I think I just told the whole world of just how lame I am when it comes to my favorite movies.

Still, aren't these films the greatest. It doesn‚t have to be the Home Alone series, just these films that turn into such classics. They're the kind of films that you could watch over and over again, and you're still going to react to and love it the same way you did when you first show it. And no matter how many times you've watched it, you still want to see it.

This is why I want to be a part of the film-making process. To be a part of something that will last longer than any of us could possibly imagine. And even though I'm still a student and I'm still learning, with me getting my lessons in an actual film set, I get to see firsthand what it takes. It makes me so excited. I am getting this film connection to be a part of the next classic that people will enjoy for years to come.

Angeline Walters - Seattle, Washington

Angeline Walters
Seattle, Washington Film Connection Student

What would a good movie be without a good soundtrack? Admit it, movies would have less of an impact without the music. Visuals are not enough, especially not to an average viewer. The perfect soundtrack gets them in the right mood to be able to appreciate what the movie is trying to show them.

And it’s not just the music too. Every sound you hear in a movie is as well thought out as the blocking of the scenes or the delivery of the line. If the accompanying sound comes a minute too soon or a minute too late, the difference is just phenomenal.

Though not as much of a big deal as the other parts of the film-making process, being part of the sound department is still a hugely important part. You need to be on your toes both technically (handling all the equipment) and creatively. It is a rather fascinating process, one I’m learning so much as my internship goes on.

And what’s interesting in this internship is I get to effectively strike two birds with one stone. For one, I’m already seeing my mentor in his element, seeing him apply his years of knowledge to helping the movie be as great as it could be. For another, aside from learning from what he is teaching me, I’m also helping him with his work. It’s as if I’m already working. I get to apply what I learned right away.
I’m getting that film connection to be a part of the success of the movie, even when I’m basically just that background sound that you won’t notice. But you’ll definitely miss it if it’s not there.

Rachel Campbell - Portland, Oregon

Rachel Campbell
Portland, Oregon Film Connection Student

It may sound cliché, but ever since I was little girl, I’ve always wanted to be a star. I would take some gold tinfoil and fashion a star out of it. Then I’d get my dad to place it outside my bedroom door, so that everyone passing by would know that this is the bedroom of star. Or one who would soon be a star.

Years later, reality caught up with me, but that golden star on my bedroom door remains. It reminds me of the dreams I have yet to give up on, no matter the financial constraints. So I worked and worked and worked some more to be able to get myself the necessary training to be on my way. I don’t want just fame and fortune, although those would be incredible bonuses. I want to be respected in a field that I love so much.

But acting classes, among other things, just cost too much. At least the ones that seem authoritative enough to teach me just what I need. So I am so glad that I found a program that fits within my budget. It’s not going to cost me an arm and a leg to do so. And since I see that it is affiliated with the Joe Anthony Studios of Hollywood, California, I know that I’m in the right place. The best thing is, I can stay right where I am and still be able to do something to achieve my goals.

These acting workshops are just the beginning, but it has given me the right film connection to make that star on my bedroom door more than just a gold tinfoil.

Louise Frederickson - Las Vegas, Nevada

Louise Frederickson

Film Connection Student - Las Vegas, Nevada

I've always liked films, and ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to be involved in the making of one. But I have to say that I'm not really fit to stay in front of the camera. I'm too shy to be an actor and giving life to a character, big or small; and I don't have the attitude needed to be an effective director. But make no mistake, though I'll be working in a capacity that's not as high profile, I wanted to be involved, I do.

To be perfectly honest, I picked wardrobe design because it appealed to me. I'm such a girly girl after all, and dressing up can be so much fun. I figured I could channel that into being involved in filmmaking.

Working hand in hand with someone who's doing wardrobe for films is such an eye-opener, I must say. The amount of research involved is incredible. Everything must be perfect down to the very last detail. A lot of viewers have such sharp eyes, and they can spot even a button that's out of place. And though the shopping is fun, it's back-breaking work. You have to go to store after store after store to find the right item to include in your wardrobe. But once you find it, the feeling is so amazing.

Learning and being involved in wardrobe for film might not be as glamorous as being the actress or even the director, but being here has given me that film connection to be a part of the process in making something we can all be proud of.

Ashley Johnson - Chicago, Illinois

Ashley Johnson

Film Connection Student - Chicago, Illinois

It's easy to make a radio talk show boring. Without the benefit of visuals, it's going to be harder to engage the listener to tune in. Most people go on the radio to listen to music or the news. Radio talk shows comes third to those two.

I always thought that the best way to get around that was to make sure that you've got an interesting topic on hand. That's very true. However, after my mentoring sessions, I realized that there's more to that process. A lot of research goes into it. Having an interesting topic is one thing, but to use it in a radio talk show is completely different. I have to make sure that I've thoroughly researched the facts and that I do not sacrifice the truth just to get a juicy soundbite from the guests. And it's also useful for those times that there might be a lull in the conversation. It is my duty as the host to keep to conversation going and flowing.

And of course, if things get out of hand, I have to make sure that I reel it back in and keep it civil. It should be informative and entertaining, and the right training really gets me started on that path, giving me that radio connection to reach out to more people in ways different from music and news.