Explore every episode of the podcast Alumni Live: The Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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| S7 Ep2: Building a Career as a Visual Artist: A Conversation with K. Lynn Smith and Daniel Hogan | 06 Oct 2026 | 00:24:27 | |
Host Randy Strobl (2012) talks with visual artists K. Lynn Smith (2008) and Dan Hogan (2005) about their journeys from GVSU to becoming visual artists. They discuss their work, how they developed their styles, and built careers through comics, art festivals, and animation. LINKS: DANIEL HOGAN LINKS
K. LYNN SMITH LINKS
To follow the FVP Alumni Network | |||
| S7 Ep1: Location Managing: A Conversation with Ashley Bunge | 29 Sep 2026 | 00:27:50 | |
Host Randy Strobl (2012) talks with Location Manager Ashley Bunge (2008) about her career as a location manager and how she went from GVSU to working on big-budget films. She talks about what goes into scouting and managing film locations and how she got her start in the industry after moving to New Orleans.
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| S6 Ep8: Study Abroad for Film/Video and Animation Students | 19 May 2026 | 00:34:47 | |
Alums Caitlyn Shaw (2025), Callie Wynne (2026), and Bill Cuppy (1995) discuss the benefits of study abroad for film and video majors and the skills and stories they gained during their travels. Bill also talks about the scholarship he helped establish to encourage film and video students to study abroad, the Morse-Cuppy Film, Video, Animation Study Abroad Endowed Scholarship.
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| S6 Ep7: Producing for Post-Production - A Conversation with Kyle Flannery | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:27:01 | |
Alumni and editor/producer Elena Chiu (2025) and Kyle Flannery (2018), a picture finishing producer at Harbor Picture Company, discuss the team involved in post-production and Kyle’s journey moving from West Michigan into the New York production industry. LINKS: To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S6 Ep6: Working in Sports Media: A Conversation with Jeff Donehoo | 14 Apr 2026 | 00:35:41 | |
Current student Ashlyn Mendelsohn talks with alum Jeff Donehoo (2001) about his career working in sports media and his current role as a Senior Motion Graphic Designer and Programmer with Rocket Surgery which is part of Ross Video Creative Services. LINKS: To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S6 Ep5: Working in the Camera Department | 26 Mar 2026 | 00:55:13 | |
Alums Jordan Skutar (Assistant Camera) and Jessica Tolliver (Director of Photography) talk about working in the camera department and the industry. Both work in Chicago. Links: To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S6 Ep4: Sound Editing: A Conversation between Joe McCargar and Dennis Dembeck | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:35:29 | |
Retired GVSU Professor and Audio Engineer Joe McCargar talks with alum Dennis Dembeck (2013) about his career as a Sound Editor and Re-Recording Mixer working in NYC and LA. Links: | |||
| S6 Ep3: Production Sound Mixing: An Interview with Michael Piotrowski | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:34:10 | |
Join host Mary Graff Ashley as she talks with GVSU alumni Michael Piotrowski about his experience mixing and recording sound across different locations, budgets, and directors. Links: | |||
| S6 Ep2: eSports: Media Creation for the Gaming Space | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:41:00 | |
Host Samantha Drougel talks with alum Justin Woychowski, Chief Creative Officer of United eSports, about media creation in the rapidly growing eSports industry. Links: | |||
| S6 Ep1: Graphic Novels: A Different Form of Sequential Art | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:46:34 | |
Storytelling is at the heart of both filmmaking and creating graphic novels. Join alums Griffin Sheridan, Rory Webb, and Amanda Webb as they discuss their journey as storytellers using the medium of comics. Links:
To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S5 Ep6: GVTV Episode 6 - Faculty Advisors: Guiding Students to Success | 25 Nov 2025 | 00:51:12 | |
Host Randy Strobl talks with three generations of GVTV faculty advisors, Kim Roberts, Len O’Kelly, and James Ford about their mentoring students as they develop leadership, teamwork, and media skills. To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S5 Ep5: GVTV - Episode 5 - Current Students Rebuild Post-Pandemic | 18 Nov 2025 | 00:31:44 | |
Host, and former GVTV member, Randy Strobl talks with current students Izaak Che Rosales and Joshua Wylie about their GVTV experiences. As they rebuild the community after the pandemic, students are still benefitting from the collaboration, learning, creativity, and fun of GVTV. To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S5 Ep4: GVTV Episode 4 - Transforming the Studio into a Home | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:44:43 | |
Hear how GVTV members from 2016 - 2021 transformed the studio into a home that inspired students to learn, build relationships, and explore new methods of sharing their creations. Host Kyle Macciomei talks with Gillian Noonan, Harley Collar, Mary Genson, Noah Genson, Savannah Wright, and Noah Houchlei about their time at GVTV including how the pandemic changed the trajectory of the club. To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S5 Ep3: GVTV - Episode 3 - Live Television, Telethons, and More! | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:39:07 | |
This episode is dedicated to the memory of Tyler Wiewiora (1993- 2024). Beloved GVTV member and “everyone’s boom person”. You are missed. The third generation of GVTV forges new territory with live broadcasts, a 24-hour telethon, and a post graduate marriage officiated by their faculty advisor. Host Randy Strobl talks with former GVTV members Christina Choriatis, Bobby Nielsen, Jamie Bartkowicz, McKenzie Brefka, and Erin Brefka. To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S5 Ep2: GVTV - Episode 2 - The Second Generation | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:52:09 | |
Join second generation GVTV members Randy Strobl, Adam Burl, Jonathan Sessions, Steven Bellettini, and Former President John Tremblay as they reconnect and discuss how they helped shape GVTV and how GVTV helped them build careers and life long relationships. Links:
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| S5 Ep1: GVTV - Episode 1 - The Origin Story | 27 Aug 2025 | 00:39:10 | |
Host Randy Strobl talks with GVTV founder and first President, Jillian Austin, about how she grew “Happy Birthday Anthony!” into a student run television station that fosters creativity and long lasting relationships. This is the first of a multipart series about the impact of Grand Valley Television (GVTV). Links:
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| S4 Ep13: Pitching: Tips for pitching projects in film classes | 21 Apr 2025 | 00:29:02 | |
Join current students Caitlyn Shaw, CK Hamilton, and Cam Layson as they share tips for ‘pitching’ projects for script and fiction classes. To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S4 Ep12: Producing - From Indie Films and Corporate/Commercial Work | 28 Mar 2025 | 01:01:52 | |
Join current student Liliana Bartels, Breana Malloy (2021) and Gillian Noonan (2021), as they dive into the world of film producing— from indie films to corporate commercials. They’ll share career insights, break down the producer’s role, and discuss the challenges of balancing creativity, logistics, and funding. To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S4 Ep12: Get Involved on Campus | 19 Feb 2025 | 00:42:30 | |
Current students Caroline Hamilton, Caitlyn Shaw and alum Kyle Macciomei talk about how to get the most benefit from the college experience. From clubs to independent student film groups, as well as on campus employment opportunities, they share stories and break down ways to make the most of your time at GVSU. Links:
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| S4 Ep11: Community Focused Media | 11 Feb 2025 | 01:00:35 | |
Join us for a conversation about community media as host Randy Strobl from Detroit Public Television talks with Kerri VandeHoff, the Executive Director of the Coalition for Community Development, Joe Zook, the Production Manager of GRTV which is part of the Grand Rapids Community Media Center, and Jazmyne Fuentes, Success Coach at GRMiFi the Grand Rapids Media & Film Incubator. Community Media Makers use their skills to serve and amplify the many voices of a community. This is complex work that requires an interest in learning about people and using a creation process that authentically presents a variety of perspectives. LINKS
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| S4 Ep10: A Conversation with Independent Filmmaker ishkwaazhe Shane McSauby | 04 Feb 2025 | 00:29:21 | |
Joel Potrykus (‘99) talks with independent filmmaker ishkwaazhe Shane McSauby (‘15) about his love of films, filmmaking, and teaching! LINKS: To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S4 Ep9: Building a Local Film Community: The Grand Rapids Film Society | 28 Jan 2025 | 00:37:54 | |
GVSU alums, Spencer Everhart (2012), Nick Hartman (2012), Breana Malloy (2021), Jackson Ezinga (2013), discuss the Grand Rapids Film Society and their work to help build a vibrant film culture and community in West Michigan. LINKS: To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S4 Ep8: Art Direction for Corporate / Commercial Work: A Conversation with Art Director Erika Pineiro from Mad Props | 19 Nov 2024 | 00:35:21 | |
Host Randy Strobl talks with Erika Pineiro about art department work for corporate and commercial work in the midwest. Erika owns Mad Props, and art department company and prop house in West Michigan. To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S4 Ep7: The Internal Video Production Studios at Ford Motor Company | 12 Nov 2024 | 00:37:05 | |
Host Michele Terpstra (1995) talks about the new internal video production studios at Ford Motor Company with the Executive Producer Creative Strategy Ford Motor Company, Bill Hasler, and Video Producer Jon Curtis (2014). To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S4 Ep6: ART DEPARTMENT WORK IN LA: A Conversation with Jamie Bartkowicz and JiL Szewski | 15 Oct 2024 | 00:44:32 | |
Host Randy Strobl (2012) talks with JiL Szewsk (2007)i and Jamie Bartkowicz (2014) about their work in the Art Department in Los Angeles for films, television, and themed entertainment. LINKS: GVSU F/V Alumni Facebook To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S4 Ep5: Autism In School and On Set - A Conversation with Visiting Professor Ryan Copping | 08 Oct 2024 | 00:39:00 | |
Alumni Malcolm Kramp (2024) interviews Ryan Copping (2006) about his experiences as an autistic person during his time in school, on sets, and as a teacher advocating for neurodiversity. LINKS: To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S4 Ep4: Creating Children's Television - Wimee TV! | 01 Oct 2024 | 00:45:10 | |
Host Randy Strobl (2012) talks with Wimee TV creators Kevin Kammeraad (1998) and Gwen Trautman (2022) about their innovative, multimedia interactive children’s educational programming - Wimee TV! LINKS: To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S4 Ep3: Working as an Assistant Director and Director in LA: A Conversation with Mike Judd | 24 Sep 2024 | 00:32:47 | |
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 To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S4 Ep2: Building Up The Media Industry in Michigan | 27 Feb 2024 | 00:26:19 | |
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 To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S4 Ep1: From VFX Artist to Academic Dean: Alumni Profile of Tim Dailey ‘08 | 13 Feb 2024 | 00:41:04 | |
Host Randy Strobl (‘12) talks with Tim Dailey (‘08), about his journey from VFX Artist to Academic Dean of Exceptional Minds. Links: To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S3 Ep10: Accessibility in Film | 12 Dec 2023 | 00:31:30 | |
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/ To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S3 Ep8: The Return of the Michigan Film Incentive | 07 Nov 2023 | 00:31:22 | |
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/ To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S3 Ep7: A Conversation with Independent Filmmaker Wendy Jo Carlton | 31 Oct 2023 | 00:40:00 | |
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: To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S3 Ep6: So You Want to Learn About Unions | 10 Oct 2023 | 00:44:47 | |
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: Jamie Bartkowicz links: Jim Taylor links: Union resources: To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S3 Ep5: A Conversation with Feature Film Producer Dan Campbell | 03 Oct 2023 | 00:35:56 | |
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: To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S3 Ep4: Working as an Assistant Editor in LA | 26 Sep 2023 | 00:34:47 | |
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 support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S3 Ep3: Careers in Broadcasting - Marketing/Promotions | 19 Sep 2023 | 00:43:29 | |
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: To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S3 Ep2: Mentoring Part 2: The GVSU Women in Cinema Mentorship Program | 18 Aug 2023 | 00:30:24 | |
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 To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: To join the LinkedIn group: | |||
| S3 Ep1: Mentoring Part 1: Best Practices | 11 Aug 2023 | 00:31:45 | |
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 support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:To join the FB group: | |||
| S2 Ep15: Informational Interviews: Best Practices for Film Majors | 05 Apr 2023 | 00:34:19 | |
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/ To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships: | |||
| S2 Ep14: History of the Film and Video major at GVSU Part 2 | 03 Jan 2023 | 00:39:14 | |
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:
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| S2 Ep13: History of the GVSU Film/Video major PART 1 of 2 | 27 Dec 2022 | 00:30:28 | |
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):
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| S2 Ep13: Alumni Profile: Alfredo Peters - YouTube Creator for Higher Faculty | 22 Nov 2022 | 00:36:08 | |
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 support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:To join the FB group: | |||
| S2 Ep12: Working in the Game Industry | 15 Nov 2022 | 00:43:12 | |
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 support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:To join the FB group: | |||
| S2 Ep11: Alumni Profile: Mary Graff Ashley - Producer/Editor for Promotion and BTS videos in LA | 08 Nov 2022 | 00:29:42 | |
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 support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:To join the FB group: | |||
| S2 Ep10: Dealing with Sexual Harassment on Set | 01 Nov 2022 | 00:23:32 | |
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 support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:To join the FB group: | |||
| S2 Ep9: Alumni Advice on Moving to the West Coast | 25 Oct 2022 | 00:48:29 | |
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 support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:To join the FB group: | |||
| S2 Ep8: Creating a Music Video During the Height of the Pandemic | 18 Oct 2022 | 00:20:24 | |
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 support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:To join the FB group: | |||
| S2 Ep6: Alumni Profile: Chris Gagnon - Creator/Artist/Musician working in Malawi | 11 Oct 2022 | 00:43:42 | |
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 support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:To join the FB group: | |||
| S2 Ep5: Working as an Audio Professional | 04 Oct 2022 | 00:35:44 | |
Host Joe McCargar talks with alums Bryen Hensley and Sean Quashnie about the intricacies of working in production, broadcast, and post production sound. To support GVSU film and video students by donating to scholarships and fellowships:To join the FB group: | |||