UCOL video student to live the dream

UCOL video student to live the dream

UCOL Bachelor of Applied Visual Imaging student Michael Watson is about to live a filmmaker’s dream through a video production internship in San Francisco.

Michael has been selected to travel to renowned video production/post-production studio, Lobitos Creek Ranch in San Francisco, at the beginning of January for a nine week visit.

“It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” says the 24 year old.

The internship was conceived two years ago by Californian and Lobitos Creek Ranch owner Steve Michelson, and Reel Earth Environmental Film Festival Director Brent Barrett and Warren Jones. They approached UCOL Video Lecturer Mel Edmon to seek suitable applicants for the internship, “and it grew from there,” she says.

Michael’s interests lie in post-production, editing and visual effects. He says he is keen to get to San Francisco and observe “those who have been doing it for a while.”

Mel says Steve Michelson is a renowned networker and a great conduit for introductions to all the right people and industry contacts. “He also operates an impressive distribution company so Michael will get an appreciation of the business end of the industry,” she says.

The internship has proven to be a successful career launch pad for a talented UCOL BAVI video student each year. Joshua Hardgrave was the first UCOL Bachelor of Applied Visual Imaging student to embark on the internship and now works at WETA Digital in Wellington.

Last year’s recipient Nicole Baker now works in film production in Melbourne.

Michael’s living expenses and accommodation are included in the internship and UCOL will sponsor the return airfares.

Acting Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Business Steve Sorsby says, “We are delighted to support this terrific opportunity that aligns well with our work-ready graduates’ philosophy. We congratulate Michael on winning the scholarship and trust his time in California is both enjoyable and productive.”

Ultimately, Michael wants to work in film post-production. “I love all aspects of film-making but post-production is my passion,” he says. “It would be great to work with the big boys at a huge production company like Industrial Light and Magic or Dreamworks…”

Michael’s dreams continue.

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