"Thank you for exploring my narratives. Some stories are meant to be cherished."
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BECOMING A TANKER
Four-Part Short Documentary
Episode I
Episode II
Creating this documentary for the US Army was an exhilarating experience, unmatched by anything I've done before. As a new video contractor for the Army, I had only been on the job for a month when my colleague Cole and I were tasked with producing a short four-part documentary titled "Becoming a US Tanker." Although we were excited to take on this project, the challenge was daunting. Coming from a country thousands of miles away, I was still learning the basics of US Army operations. The opportunity to work in public affairs was beyond my expectations. I had to quickly familiarize myself with the rank structures and the proper way of addressing each rank, as it was critical to show respect to officers. Additionally, I was navigating a completely new city in a new state where the Army played a significant role in the community.
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Despite our excitement, we faced numerous unknown variables. Accuracy was of prime importance, we needed precise historical facts. We consulted with historians on post to ensure the accuracy of our research. We had to proofread all our plans and strategies, aligning them with the schedules of the people we wanted to interview. It was also crucial to avoid filming anything classified unless we had explicit permission. Visiting actual tank firing ranges was both exciting and dangerous, requiring proper armor and permissions. We utilized highly restricted areas to film parts of the tanks, their systems, and warehouses. We conducted over twenty interviews with high-ranking personnel to gather accurate data and located seasoned tankers who could explain the intricacies of the process. Filming during weekends was often necessary to keep up with the training schedules of the trainees we were following. We spent countless hours in the conference room brainstorming, scheduling, scouting locations, acquiring tools, and figuring out how to capture the perfect footage at the right tank ranges.
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The editing process was equally demanding. We spent countless hours editing each piece of footage, color-correcting them, and stitching them together. Since most of the B-roll footage of the tanks was shot during training, we had no control over the lighting or the position of the tanks, nor the positions from which we planned to shoot. We had to redo many shots to ensure the story was told the way we envisioned. After five intense months of planning, shooting, and editing, we completed the documentary just in time for its scheduled release before the "Sullivan Cup," a prestigious competition that determines the best tank team in the US Army school. During these five months, I was also managing multiple other projects, capturing and promoting various events and training footage. It was crucial to balance my time and efforts between this documentary and my other responsibilities.
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This experience not only honed my skills but also forged lasting memories and professional relationships, leaving me with a profound sense of accomplishment and pride.
Episode III
Episode IV
FEW REEL PROJECTS
THE BIG REVEAL
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
In the summer of 2017, my university embarked on a journey to redefine its visual identity, unveiling a new logo to the city of Monroe. Changing the logo symbolized a pivotal moment in the university’s history, marking a new era and a significant transformation. It also carried historical significance, resonating deeply with alumni, students, staff, and the broader community it represents.
The Office of Marketing and Communications orchestrated grand event to celebrate this milestone. They sought a creation that would do justice to the legacy and future of the University of Louisiana Monroe, nestled in the heart of the Bayou. Srdjan Marjanovic, the creative director, approached me, a mere sophomore, with an extraordinary task. "Sam," he said, "you are going to make this video for the event we've all been anticipating. You are going to make history, aren't you?"
I was just a passionate sophomore with a love for video making, yet I had never undertaken anything of this magnitude. The enormity of the project was daunting. They could have easily hired professional freelancers, but Srdjan saw potential in me and entrusted me with this responsibility. His belief in me was unwavering, and to this day, I am profoundly grateful for his faith.
My summer became a whirlwind of creativity and collaboration. Working closely with Srdjan and the internal team, we meticulously planned every element, from emotional undertones to musical accompaniments. I gathered old logos, photographs of past presidents, and other historical materials. Many of these were only available in magazines or on paper, and some logos were nearly lost to time. We painstakingly scanned, digitally restored, and enhanced these images to blend seamlessly with the new animation. After numerous revisions, the 28th version of the video was finally approved by Srdjan.
The day of the reveal was unforgettable. As the video played, Dr. Julia Letlow, the director of the marketing office, watched with tears in her eyes. Her emotional response, along with that of the entire team, made it clear that this was more than a video—it was a heartfelt tribute. Creating this video as a sophomore, with courage and passion, became my most cherished accomplishment. It was a gift to the university that had given me a place of respect and love.
KIT PROMO
The holiday season was approaching. I was in a meeting in the office of our creative director, Srdjan. Joining us were Brice Jones, the executive director; Sid Gaulee, the visual media specialist; Molly Masters, the digital media specialist; and Jeanette, the social media supervisor. We were brainstorming ideas for our university's annual Holiday Promotion Video, a cherished tradition. My mind, however, was preoccupied with my finance test for my MBA class, and the discussion seemed to be going in circles without any promising ideas.
After a long silence, Srdjan turned to me and asked, "Sam, why don't you share some of your thoughts? Let's hear if you have anything." At first, I thought he was just trying to get me to contribute, but knowing him as my mentor, I realized he believed in my ability to come up with something creative and exciting.
I took a moment and then said, "What is the most important element of the university? What gives an institution an edge over a company or office? It's the legacy. From young to old, we hold onto something special, like the tradition of Christmas. Families around the globe pass down a legacy to their children and grandchildren. It's that feeling of nostalgia and homeliness that brings people from anywhere in the world back home to celebrate love and be with their family. As an institution, we have that responsibility. So, let's find families who have been part of ULM's legacy—those whose parents, grandparents, and children have all attended ULM. Let's share their story with the world. Let's show that ULM is proud of keeping these traditions and has been giving back to the community for ages. Let's create something we can all be proud of."
I wasn't sure how those words came to me, but immediately after I finished speaking, Srdjan and everyone else thanked me for providing a brilliant idea. They wondered why I had been so quiet all along. It felt incredibly rewarding to have my idea accepted and brought to life. I realized that the idea didn't just come out of nowhere; it was a culmination of my experiences since arriving in the US. From friends to colleagues to partners, ULM had given me everything. Initially, I used to complain about how small my university was, but after spending eight years at ULM, it had shaped me into who I am today.
WEEK OF WELCOME
Working on the studio set for the new kit promotion project with our university football players was an incredible experience. While I gained valuable insights during the shoot, it was in the post-production phase where I truly learned the power of audio. I discovered that even the smallest tick of a sound or the layers of audio beneath the primary track could significantly enhance the viewer's experience.
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In this video, I used multiple layers of subtle audio elements, which taught me how effectively a marketing video can engage an audience with the product and the message the creator aims to convey. My editing style typically involves fast cuts synchronized with high notes of sound waves. By integrating underlying audio layers beneath the main track, I was able to make my cuts more impactful.
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This revelation was transformative. Understanding how audio interacts with the human brain to stimulate certain emotions allowed me to create a deeper connection with the audience. Since that project, I have consistently applied this technique in my subsequent video projects, resulting in more engaging and emotionally resonant content.
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The experience also taught me the importance of attention to detail. Each audio element, no matter how small, plays a crucial role in shaping the overall impact of the video. This attention to detail has not only improved my technical skills but also enhanced my storytelling abilities. By carefully selecting and layering sounds, I can guide the viewer's emotions and create a more immersive experience.
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Overall, this project was a pivotal moment in my journey as a video editor. It reinforced the importance of combining technical skills with creative vision to produce compelling content. This blend of artistry and technique continues to drive my work, pushing me to explore new ways to connect with audiences through the power of audio and visual storytelling.
This video is a more elaborate example of how I used multiple audio layers to perfectly time the shots I carefully filmed. It was my first project after joining the MBA program and starting work as a graduate assistant at my beloved university.
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The first week of the program always kicks off with a bang, and my responsibility was to capture the excitement and fun of the Welcome Week events. The event lasted an entire week, and I meticulously planned and shot the footage to ensure a smooth editing workflow in post-production. Selecting the right music was crucial. It had to have a BPM over 120 and strong drum beats to complement the dynamic dance performances by the fraternity guys and sorority girls. Finding the perfect music was essential, but most of the beats you hear were added in post-production to match the dance moves, the guy riding the mechanical bull, and the girl swinging on the rope.
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Editing this project was incredibly fun, and it set the tone for my MBA journey with a bang! Each layer of sound added depth and energy to the video, creating an immersive experience that truly captured the spirit of Welcome Week. This project taught me the importance of detailed planning and creative problem-solving, as every element needed to come together seamlessly to create the final product.
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My careful preparation and willingness to embrace new challenges allowed me to create something that not only showcased the event but also marked the beginning of an exciting journey in my MBA program.
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Working on this project also highlighted the importance of collaboration. Coordinating with event organizers, participants, and my fellow graduate assistants ensured that every shot was captured effectively. The positive feedback I received from my peers and supervisors was immensely rewarding and reinforced my belief in the power of teamwork and meticulous planning.
BUZZFEED STYLE VIDEOS
WEDDING PROJECTS
Every beginning has a story. Tristen and Hannah's began on Bumble, a modern love story that blossomed into something extraordinary. They were incredibly fond of each other, embodying the most playful, funny, and electrifying couple I have ever met. Working with them was an absolute joy. My goal was to capture Tristen's playful nature and his eternal love for Hannah. He proposed to her in the front yard of Black Bayou Park, so we recreated that moment to keep the memory alive. It took several takes, but in the end, they said it was exactly how it happened the first time. Most of the initial shots were that same exact locations they visited when they were first started dating. Every sound bite was meticulously added later to give the storyline more depth, and I chose an editing style that evoked a nostalgic feeling, reminiscent of something old and cherished.
An interesting aspect of the video was the color choice, inspired by Tristen's vision. He wanted something that felt like a dream, nothing too saturated, just a hint of blur that makes a moment feel more desired, like a memory you cherish in your mind. Although I could have improved the highlights of the colors in the skin tones, the monitor I used at the time had less than ideal color accuracy – sRGB less than 75% and Adobe RGB at 66%. Despite these limitations, when I sent them the final version, Hannah told me that they watched it with their family and everyone cried buckets of tears. She thanked me for bringing their memory to life and said they would forever be grateful for this gift.
Storytelling is a profound art, a tapestry woven with emotions and experiences. It's more than just recounting events; it's about creating a connection, evoking feelings, and making moments come alive. The way a story is told can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, turning fleeting moments into everlasting memories.
For me, storytelling has always been pure and beautiful, a reflection of what it means to be human. We all have extraordinary stories hidden within the ordinary moments of our lives. It all depends on how we choose to share them and with whom. I started making wedding videos as a college student needing extra money, but telling stories was part of me and has always been. Telling stories and creating beautiful canvases of people's lives is how I give meaning to my life. It's an honor to be part of such intimate moments and to help preserve the magic of their stories forever.
Do you know how many days you've spent with the love of your life? Well, their love story began a decade ago, and they proudly declared, "We've been together for three thousand five hundred eighty-one days and counting." Their love endured the test of time and distance, surviving hundreds of miles apart and countless trials.
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Although I didn’t have much time to get to know them and do a pre-wedding shoot to tell their story in a beautifully detailed way, I was fortunate to catch a glimpse of their mesmerizing bond. Jada was a friend of my friend Sid's girlfriend. Yes, you heard that right! This wedding turned out to be a beautiful memory, with a crazy twist that I can't leave out. This tale isn't just about their love story; it's also about my wild journey home. It was a three-hour drive, and things took a turn for the unexpected.
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It was midnight when I was heading back, and I got pulled over by a cop for driving 61 mph in a 55 mph zone. Technically, yes, that's speeding, but seriously, 6 mph over the limit? Then the cop started doing rounds of my vehicle and he also noted that my license plate's upper light bulb was dim and cited me for that. He scrutinized my license and said, "Your address doesn't match the one on your insurance card." I had moved to a new place near campus when I started my MBA and updated my insurance, but my license was recently renewed, so why should I change it again? And get this, he even said my front window inspection sticker was "fuzzy and unreadable." Fuzzy? Yeah, that's right! He ended up citing me for four different, nonsensical claims and made me stand at the back of my car for nearly an hour in the December cold, I was only wearing a T-shirt. When he told me to come outside of my car with my hands held high, he started checking my pockets, saying if I had any guns. Jesus! finding a Nepali guy with a gun is rare as winning a lottery ticket. I swear, for a moment, I thought he was going to shoot me or take me to jail. Then, a few days later, I found out my ticket bail price was $1150. That was all the money I was earning from the wedding shoot!
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As a rational human being, I decided to go to court, a three-hour drive from Monroe at the county where I got pulled over. When the judge looked at my citation, the first thing he did was smile. He immediately knew the citations were complete nonsense. He dismissed all the charges except for the speeding because, as he put it, even though it's crazy, he couldn't let that one slide. I was more than happy to pay $185 instead of $1150 and get out of there.
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Luckily, my friends came along for the ride. We had to leave at 5 in the morning to make it to court by 8 a.m., so I wouldn't risk being jailed for missing my court appearance. And believe it or not, we arrived at 7:58 a.m. Lucky me, indeed!
This was my first American wedding film, a milestone marked by my acquisition of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K camera. This significant purchase was a leap toward my goal of creating numerous short films and music videos. Little did I know then that my camera would be used more for wedding videos than for making movies. The BMPCC isn't ideal for wedding shoots due to its lack of autofocus, it's heaviness and its design for controlled filmmaking environments. Nonetheless, I rigged my camera with a side arm, a battery mounting plate to ensure continuous power during shoots and autofocus meter.
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When Mikalen's father, Todd, called me and said, "I saw your video and I liked it. I know you are going to make my daughter's wedding video very special. Let me know if you need anything," I was both surprised and honored. My friend, Prajal, had given my number to Todd. Despite having only one previous wedding shoot under my belt—a Nepali wedding in Texas—Todd's confidence in me was unwavering. It felt as though he saw something in me that I hadn't fully realized myself. I had never shot an American wedding before, but when preparation meets opportunity, we can rise to the occasion.
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As I got to know the couple, Mikalen and Bob, I discovered that their love story was more extraordinary than I had imagined. They had fallen in love at a young age but were separated by circumstances. Mikalen came from a devout Christian family, with her father being a preacher, while Bob was a remarkably kind and loving man. Despite six years of separation, Bob's love for Mikalen remained steadfast, and they were finally reunited forever. Their love story was like a pre-written script from above, requiring no embellishment from me.
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Due to my hectic college schedule, I dedicated 18 straight hours to editing their wedding video. When I delivered the final product, Todd was so moved that he invited me to his home to thank me personally. He even added extra money to my payment, saying that Mikalen and Bob had watched the video repeatedly, shedding tears of joy. He assured me that if I ever needed help, I should not hesitate to call him.
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In that moment, I realized that wedding videos could be far more significant to people than I had initially imagined. People crave stories; we are emotional beings. When powerful stories are told, they can transform lives, alter perceptions, and provide purpose. As someone who has always aspired to create meaningful art through storytelling, I found peace and fulfillment in capturing these stories, and I am committed to continuing this journey.
Everything has a beginning, and this was mine: my first wedding film. It was my second year of college, and I was visiting my friend Ram in Dallas when he mentioned that his brother needed someone to film his wedding. Without a second thought, I agreed, even though I didn't have a camera. Determined to follow through, I needed to find a decent video camera.
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In my cinema production class, we had a big JVC 4K camera that I used for college projects. I told my digital media professor that I needed the camera for the weekend to finish a class project, claiming it was the only time all my classmates could participate. My professor agreed, believing my story. If he had discovered that I was taking college property to film a personal project in Dallas, he would have never allowed it. My plan worked, and I headed to Dallas with my friend Gaulee.
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I had watched some videos online and decided to emulate some of the shots. As the saying goes, "Good artists copy, great artists steal." Sid and I scouted various locations around Irving and Dallas to find the perfect spots for the pre-wedding shoot. It was an exciting time, just beginning my freelance journey, and it felt surreal to be two inexperienced guys wandering around Irving and Dallas looking for simple locations to film. Eventually, we found an ideal spot at Los Colinas in Irving. We spent nearly the entire day shooting pre-wedding footage, caught up in our excitement. Little did we know how painful it would be to edit all that footage later. The camera had only 15 minutes of shooting time per battery, making it a stressful process.
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The next day was the wedding ceremony, and Nepali weddings can last up to five hours. Not realizing I shouldn't film the entire event, I did. That evening, the reception lasted nearly six hours, and I filmed all of it as well. Despite the long hours, I enjoyed the company and the party, especially since I knew a few friends there. The food was fantastic.
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When it came time to edit, I felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of footage. It took me nearly a month to complete the video, ensuring I got everything right for my first wedding gig. My payment for the entire project was $750, and after splitting it with Sid, I only made $400. The amusing part is that Sid and I spent more than that amount in Dallas on travel, food, and entertainment. Technically, I made nothing, but I have no regrets. I loved every moment of it. We were passionate about making it happen, dreaming that we would achieve something great someday. That drive has fueled my professional career ever since. By the way, the client loved the video, which is the most important part.
CREATIVE PROJECTS
As far as risks go, this is one of the riskiest videos I have ever produced—not in terms of physical danger, but in terms of perception and potential backlash. My brother, Arohan, a passionate rapper who was just starting out, came to me with a request to produce a music video for his song "Aatma," which means "soul."
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Being from Nepal, we have all faced tremendous roadblocks in our home country due to political instability and corruption. Daily life for Nepalis is marked by the unfairness of a system that stifles progress and prosperity under the shadow of political interference. Nepal, a wonderful and small country with immense potential, has struggled to progress. Our infrastructure is old and weak, and there is a widespread lack of knowledge and resources to manage anything effectively. The brilliance of many Nepali minds, who travel across the globe for higher education, remains untapped by the country they leave behind because Nepal does not offer them the respect or the decent lifestyle they deserve.
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In his lyrics, Arohan reflects these harsh realities, and I felt a deep need to bring this message to life through my storytelling. Producing this music video was challenging, but promoting it was even riskier. Those back in Nepal who could have helped with the promotion refrained from doing so, fearing the potential consequences they might face for supporting such a bold statement against the corrupt political system.
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However, being in the US offered some advantages. Despite the underlying fear, I passionately sought out people who could act in and support this music video. I promoted it through my channel, free from the immediate threats present in Nepal. Although the video did not gain widespread popularity, I am proud of the small step I took to raise awareness about the situation our country faces. Through this music video, I aimed to highlight the political instability and corruption that have hindered Nepal's development and to spark a conversation about the change we so desperately need.
This was an incredibly fun project as a sophomore in college. This was supposed to be a fifteen-minute sci-fi thriller, but unfortunately, things didn't go as planned. My hard drive, which was an HDD, crashed while I was working on some college video project, and I couldn't recover my movie from it. At least I had released the trailer beforehand, which gave me some relief.
I had already written the script for "The Nail Polish." This movie was intended to be submitted to the Louisiana Film Prize Foundation for their short film competition. I got lucky when my digital media professor accepted my request to use this as my final project for the cinema production class. This allowed me to access resources and crew, giving me more leverage.
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Since this was my first short film with a six-member crew and seven actors, and I was only a sophomore, I felt more than overwhelmed directing this movie. I made sure to shoot it with precision. We even did some set design in my apartment, creating a spider hub like those seen in detective movies. We brought in small props to enhance the movie's feel. Everyone was there on weekends until midnight, fully committed to the project. This was one of the best times of my life.
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The most exciting part came after the shoot when I created my first holographic effect animation using After Effects and the Element 3D plugin. My laptop at the time was a Dell XPS 15 with a GTX 750M graphics card, which could barely handle the quarter resolution needed to edit smoothly in After Effects. My professor advised me against it because it was time-consuming, and I had to complete it four days after our shoot ended. This was not just my project; it was my final class project. My grade and the grades of everyone involved depended on me completing it on time. But the team trusted me and encouraged me to do whatever I felt would make the film look great, and I did. I spent three days non-stop in my apartment, even skipping classes, to finish the project. I was so absorbed that I realized I hadn't drunk any water on Wednesday only when I went to bed that night. I managed to upload the project on time, showcasing my dedication.
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When the film was finally revealed in class, everyone, including the professor, was surprised by what we had achieved with such limited resources and time. He appreciated my effort and told me I would do great things. That was incredibly encouraging to hear, and it fueled my ongoing passion for filmmaking.
This is the first short film I ever produced. Before embarking on this project, I was actively involved in various social service organizations. When I learned about the 60 Second International Film Festival, I saw an opportunity to delve into the world of filmmaking through this platform. I consulted with individuals experienced in creating films for such competitions. Though the budget was minimal, I leveraged my connections at a local school to film the children and find the boy we needed as the main character. To my delight, my film was shortlisted for the competition and was showcased in several small theaters across South and Southeast Asia.
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To this day, I am amazed that this video has garnered more views on my YouTube channel than any of my more creative, high-budget films, campaign videos, or music videos. I realized that this video resonates more deeply with people by connecting them to the realities of life, unlike any modern approach to filmmaking. At that time, I was just beginning to learn about editing and filming. The only thing driving me was the story idea; I just wanted to bring it to life. I had no knowledge of lighting, camera angles, color depiction, or editing techniques. The film was edited by my dear friend, Satis Sharma, who had some editing experience and was more than happy to help me.
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As I approach my thirties, I am grateful that my passion and dream to explore the world of film remain strong. I aspire to create beautiful pieces of art through my lens, not for anyone else, but for myself—to reflect upon when I am older and unable to do much else. I want to look back and feel proud that I made a difference in my life and, hopefully, in someone else's too.
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I believe that striving to improve others' lives and teaching them lessons is important, but it is even more crucial to learn those lessons ourselves. We must love the work we do, rather than just showing others how much we can achieve. I want to continue learning about filmmaking because I want to be content with my own work. I hope that my dedication will inspire others to create something perfect. If we spend our lives doing things only to appear busy, without truly learning and achieving, we miss the point, we miss living. This is what I want to achieve through filmmaking: to learn more and enjoy working more that my work will speak for itself.
"It is football." The word "soccer" has always felt foreign to me. My love affair with this beautiful game began when I was just seven years old. I can still picture that day vividly: around a hundred people crammed into a room to witness the 2002 World Cup final between Brazil and Germany, all eyes fixed on an 18" CRT TV connected by dish cable.
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My father, the headmaster of a local school, used to let hostel kids watch TV during certain occasion and no one would want to miss this. I was instantly captivated, though I couldn't quite explain why. Perhaps it was the culture that surrounded me, the collective passion of everyone in that room. Nearly everyone wore yellow T-shirts, cheering passionately for Brazil. I joined them, caught up in the excitement, even though I didn't fully understand it. From that moment on, football became an integral part of my life. I watched every match I could, my passion for the game growing with each passing day.
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In middle school, I watched the Champions League final between Barcelona and Manchester United and saw a young Lionel Messi play. He seemed like a magical being; his touch, dribbling, passes, and a title-winning header were pure magic. I was mesmerized by Messi's abilities. By the time he was 24, he had achieved so much that even his legendary teammates looked up to him. The more I watched, the more I admired him.​ Despite his incredible talent, Messi had yet to win the World Cup, the ultimate title needed to be deemed the Greatest of All Time. In 2014, he came close, leading Argentina to the final and winning the Best Player of the Tournament, but they lost. He felt the sting of losing four international finals and even briefly quit the team, feeling cursed. Yet, destiny had more in store for him.
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At 34, Messi triumphed in the Copa America 2020, earning titles as the best player, highest goal scorer, and highest assist maker. Then, at age 36, he finally won the 2022 World Cup. During the tournament, he was named Man of the Match in every game he played, became the second-highest goal scorer, and was awarded Best Player of the Tournament. His performances were so breathtaking that people cried their hearts out. In his country, he is revered as a god, and his teammates adore him.
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Following his career through every league and international tournament, Messi brought immense joy and magical moments. His achievements seem almost superhuman. He is not just a phenomenon in the field but he is such a decent human being. A German university study using AI concluded that Messi is an anomaly, likely never to be replicated in the football world.
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To honor his legacy, I created this tribute video for me and Nepali fans worldwide. My friend Arohan produced an amazing piece of music that I couldn't let pass without making this tribute. Though most footage was copyrighted, I included all source links and didn't monetize the video, avoiding any issues. This video is one of my favorites, and I plan to create an even bigger tribute when I have the resources.
A LITTLE BIT MORE!
INTERNSHIP PROMOTION FOR LUMEN
LEAN METHOD - MAXIMIZING VALUE, MINIMIZING WASTE
This internship was a dream come true for me. Lumen Tech, previously know as CenturyLink, was the dream company for any University of Louisiana Monroe student, being a Fortune 500 company headquartered just a 10-minute drive from our college. I was a digital media student who had transferred from a computer science major. My older brother told me I was making a mistake and that it would be difficult to get any job or internship without a computer science degree. Initially, I felt demotivated, but deep down, I knew that if I loved what I did and worked hard to improve myself every day, nothing could stop me from securing an internship. And that’s exactly what happened later. After starting as a student worker at the Office of Marketing and Communication, I gained significant experience as a video producer. My works impressed the hiring managers at Lumen, who then offered me an internship as a Multimedia Producer.
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From there, the rest is history. I nailed the interview at CenturyLink and secured the summer internship. I was the first and only student in my batch to secure an internship at CenturyLink, and it was a proud moment for me. Interning at such a prestigious company has been one of the best experiences I could ever imagine.
learned so much about how video marketing works, the importance of video promotion for the company and its clients, why branding is crucial, and how the choice of logo colors helps in identifying the company’s value. I also learned the importance of producing and delivering the final product within the allotted timeline or at least having a minimal viable product ready for clients to see. My supervisor at CenturyLink taught me the creative aspects of making promotional videos, bringing talents in front of the camera to life, and how to reflect on past projects to avoid repeating mistakes and learn from them.
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I also had the opportunity to speak with senior vice presidents of different departments. I presented my work and explained my process in front of a large audience during my internship. I worked with many internal and external clients and volunteered at the National Louisiana Food Bank, where I helped pack food donations provided by various associations and companies around the state. Interning for this company for two consecutive summers, as well as during my junior and senior years of college, was a blessing.
This project was particularly important to my team because I was asked to animate specific elements to enhance the video's coherence. My supervisor at Lumen, Brad Arender, asked if I could do it. Brad was an amazing mentor. He never just assigned tasks, he explained each project in detail and always asked if I needed help. The team I worked with was incredible. They often sought my assistance with visual animation tasks since they had limited experience with After Effects, whereas I was more familiar with motion tracking, 3D camera tracking, and other advanced features. I was more than happy and excited to work on any animation projects they handed me.
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Among the various graphic animation projects I completed, this one stood out. Our client, Mr. Bob Lopez, brilliantly explained how applying lean methods transformed their operations. To visually represent this, I had to create all the graphic animation elements. The most fun part was animating a pipe. When Brad asked if I could do it, I confidently said yes, even though I had never done it before. I researched how to animate a pipe, remove kinks, and show water flowing through it. When I completed, Brad was very impressed with my work, and I explained the process to the team. It was an extremely collaborative environment, and I genuinely loved working there.
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Many of the projects I worked on during my Lumen internship were complex, fun, and educational. I had the opportunity to use the state-of-the-art studio facility at our office. It was my first time using cine lenses worth around $15,000 and cameras typically seen on movie sets. This hands-on experience with high-end equipment was invaluable and deepened my understanding of professional video production techniques. Additionally, I was given the opportunity to work closely with different departments, which broadened my perspective on how various aspects of the company functioned together. This cross-departmental collaboration not only enhanced my technical skills but also improved my ability to communicate and coordinate with diverse teams. I learned how to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines.
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This internship was a significant step towards my professional career. It provided me with the skills and confidence to take on challenging projects and contribute meaningfully to any team. I am more than ready to be part of a larger team and make a difference, leveraging the experience and knowledge I gained at Lumen to excel in my future endeavors.
FEW MOTION GRAPHIC ANIMATION PROJECTS
INTERNSHIP PROMOTION FOR BAFS
CLIENT EXPERIENCE CAMPAIGN
I first came into contact with BAFS recruiter Daniel Dupuy at my university's job fair. He had an extremely friendly and approachable personality. I was filming B-Roll for the week's highlights for the university marketing office when he saw me and asked if I was interested in helping them promote their internship campaign. They had only started hiring interns a year before and wanted to promote the program to help more students from our university get the chance to work for a finance company. I couldn't pass up that opportunity. He not only hired me for one project but also provided me with a full-time summer internship, which I needed for my MBA program.
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Business Alliance Financial Services (BAFS) is a relatively new finance company in Monroe, and they were starting to promote their new services and establish their presence in the community. Leading my own project was a great opportunity. I had to develop a plan to film selected interns for the promotion project. I was glad everyone was very helpful and willing to be in front of the camera to share their expectations and what they learned from their internship experience at BAFS. I also interviewed some students who had interned the previous year and discussed the changes they experienced over the year. Everyone was well-spoken and shared their achievements during their internships.
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Since BAFS didn't have their own studio or filming equipment, I used my BMPCC 4k, which I was more than happy to do. I am always excited to work on new and different projects and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve the project's goals. One interesting challenge of this project was finding a suitable place to shoot interview footage. The office didn't have any open or quiet spaces, so I requested to use an unused office room. They agreed, and I gathered props and background lighting to make the room look decent for the interviews. The room was very small, and I had to keep the camera close to the talent, which seemed uncomfortable at first, but everyone was very accommodating.
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During the editing process, I manually masked each interview footage, tracked the movement, and applied a blur effect to the background. Since the only moving part was the head, masking and tracking the camera to create the blur effect wasn't too difficult. This effect made it look like the interviews were shot in a larger room. This part of the project was fun, though time-consuming. Daniel was very impressed with the final render.
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All the interns had the opportunity to volunteer at the NELA Food Bank. I also traveled to Louisiana Tech University to film students interning at BAFS's other branch. I thanked Daniel for this wonderful opportunity and promised to help with more video campaigns they were planning.
Since Daniel was impressed with my work and the way I handled projects, he requested my assistance with their client experience video campaign. Despite it being the middle of the semester, and having other projects lined up for my university's marketing office, I gladly accepted the opportunity to grow my portfolio.
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The turnaround time for this project was only a week, as they needed the video ready for their new website launch. I quickly coordinated schedules with all the employees involved and worked closely with Daniel and Lauren, who was also a significant part of my internship journey. For this project, Daniel and Lauren helped set up a room for the interviews, and I managed to interview all the employees and shoot all the necessary B-Roll footage in a single day. Everyone at the company was incredibly helpful, making it easy to complete the shoot in just one day. I brought all my camera, audio, and lighting gear with me.
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The post-production phase of this video project was smooth, as it didn't require any masking or tracking effects like the previous project for this company. After years of editing, becoming familiar with DaVinci Resolve has been a game changer. Despite using Adobe suites for almost a decade, DaVinci felt modern and smooth. Its developers have optimized GPU processing more efficiently than Adobe, making it possible to run and playback 4K videos flawlessly on even a MacBook Air, without the lags and frame freezes often experienced with Adobe Premiere. For video projects that don't require motion graphic animations (which I still use Adobe After Effects for), I've been using DaVinci for a couple of years, and it has transformed my workflow.
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One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was the creative freedom I was given. Daniel and Lauren trusted my vision and allowed me to take the lead on the entire process, from conceptualizing the video to the final edit. This autonomy not only boosted my confidence but also honed my leadership and project management skills. I experimented with different visual styles and narrative techniques to ensure the video was engaging and aligned with BAFS's brand identity. The positive feedback from the team reaffirmed my passion for video production and my ability to deliver quality work under tight deadlines.
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I completed the project well ahead of the deadline and delivered it to Daniel. As always, they thanked me for my work ethic and the help I provided. However, I was even more grateful to Daniel for trusting me and giving me the opportunity to grow my portfolio.
INTERVIEW WITH THE MAYOR - MONROE, LOUISIANA
HGTV PROPOSAL VIDEO
I was given the opportunity to create a proposal video for HGTV during my internship at the Rivermarket office, which was run by the mayor's office for the development and promotion of local businesses in Monroe. The aim was to secure funding for the renovation of local community houses and historical buildings. This was a significant project for the mayor's office and an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to give back to the community that had given me so much. My first task was to coordinate an interview with the mayor. I had to miss some of my classes for this, but I didn't inform the Rivermarket office because I didn't want to risk losing this chance.
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After scheduling the interview, my supervisor, Mrs. Myra Gatling, who was also the head of the office, and I met in the mayor's office conference room. I set up the lighting and captured a compelling speech from the Mayor about why Monroe needed assistance and why Monroe families deserved to be part of the HGTV house renovation campaign. He spoke with pride about Monroe's history, from being the first to bottle Coca-Cola to the origins of Delta Airlines and housing the headquarters of the Fortune 500 company CenturyLink, now Lumen Tech. He emphasized how external support would be a boon to this beautiful community. Mr. Jamie Mayo was very down-to-earth and thanked me for my help, expressing his intention to involve me in future projects, which felt like a true blessing.
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The proposal video included images of all the houses needing renovation, with addresses provided by the mayor's office. I filmed necessary B-Roll footage of these houses and interviewed Brian Davis, the executive director of the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation at that time. He eloquently explained why these houses needed renovation and discussed the downturn of historic places in Monroe due to certain circumstances. He also highlighted the establishment of the downtown Rivermarket and the importance of renovating and maintaining these historic sites.
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This project was incredible to work on, as I navigated my experiences through the people I knew in Monroe. Being part of Monroe's historic process of rebuilding is something I will always cherish and continue to support. This opportunity allowed me to promote numerous local business events, including the first-ever lip sync battle competition in Monroe, LA, where I served as the sole event promoter. Additionally, I also promoted the 2019 Bloody Mary competition held at the downtown Rivermarket District, which featured participation from over twenty restaurants. The event concluded with Olive Garden winning the award for the best Bloody Mary of the year. Throughout these experiences, I had the chance to meet and connect with local business leaders, gaining valuable insights into the importance of local businesses for community growth. Many expressed their gratitude for my efforts in promoting their events, which underscored the positive impact of my work on the community
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​"Opportunities don't happen. You create them." All these experience reinforced the importance of being prepared and ready for the right moment, being in the right place at the right time can lead you to unimaginable places.
LOCAL BUSINESS PROMOTIONS - BLOODY MARY COMPETITION 2019
BRINGING COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS TOGETHER - LIP SYNC BATTLE PROMOTION
