FMS major Avery Brown recently completed an internship at the Public Access Digital Network (PADNET), a program of the Long Beach Community Action Partnership. As a production intern, Avery gained experience in all aspects of preproduction planning, on set production, and post-production editing. Often being call on to handle a wide variety of gear, from camera lenses to lighting rigs, Avery grew as a creative and as a filmmaker. The projects she worked on during her internship we featured on PADNET’s social media platforms and broadcasted on their public access television station, one of the few remaining public access channels in California.
How has this experience shaped or changed your perspective on your future career path?
Avery: Upon my first steps into navigating my path in film, I gravitated toward narrative filmmaking, as it was what I had been mostly exposed to growing up. I had never heard of public access television, and really wasn't aware of the depth that documentary and broadcast had within storytelling. Over the course of my internship, I had the opportunity to experiment with a category of media that I otherwise wouldn't have given a second glance. I had wonderful mentors who not only guided me through uncharted territory, but provided an incredibly positive and safe environment to learn. Documentary has piqued my interest for a life-long career, allowing me to explore a raw authenticity and representation in the projects I've created.
Which FMS courses or professors have been most influential in preparing you for this internship, and why?
A: The FMS courses that were abundantly helpful with my success at this internship were Basic Production with Professor Cane, as well as Cinematography with Professor Elizondo. With the 24-25 academic year being only my second year at UCI, the Winter Quarter was when hands-on production experience came all at once. Taking both 120A and 192 in tandem with my internship allowed me to have multiple resources to get the baseline knowledge of production I wanted, and the personal style exploration I needed. Getting familiar with equipment in Basic Production gave me the confidence to not only operate efficiently, but also to assist members of PADNET with their own equipment rentals. Fine-tuning my DP skills in Cinematography was instrumental in creating the deliverables I completed during my internship.
What advice would you give to FMS students who are looking to secure similar internships in the future?
A: To any FMS students looking to gain an experience like this, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to reach out to your resources. A year ago, I was that same student, feeling extremely lost and out of the loop with what I thought I was "supposed" to be doing. I found myself at the Pizza and Game night hosted by the FMS department one day after lecture, where I decided to pitch myself to anyone who would listen. I would bring myself up to the second floor of Humanities Gateway and chat with any staff member who had their door open. The connections that I've made right here at UCI with wonderful people like Trevor, Nikki, or Sylvia, have been the foundational support that I was looking for to help me on my way. There are so many opportunities out there that you can't see, and so many paths to explore. Having the confidence in yourself, and the trust in others, is the first step into opening yourself to the endless possibilities!