Alumni Live: The Podcast

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: Jillian Austin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianaustin/) - Experience and ...

Join current students Caitlyn Shaw (https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlyn-shaw-68372a337/) , CK Hamilton (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ck-hamilton/) , and Cam Layson (http://www.linkedin.com/in/cam-layson-35b88435a) as they share tips for ‘pitching’ projects for script and fiction classes. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video S...

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 learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Konin...

Current students Caroline Hamilton (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ck-hamilton/) , Caitlyn Shaw (https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlyn-shaw-68372a337/) and alum Kyle Macciome (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-macciomei-562ba5120/) i 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 sh...

Join us for a conversation about community media as host Randy Strobl (https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-strobl-40223895/) from Detroit Public Television talks with Kerri VandeHoff (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrivanderhoff/) , the Executive Director of the Coalition for Community Development, Joe Zook (https://www.linkedin.com/in/josefzook/) , the Production Manager of GRTV which is part of ...

Joel Potrykus (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1811127/) (‘99) talks with independent filmmaker ishkwaazhe Shane McSauby (https://ishkwaazhe.com) (‘15) about his love of films, filmmaking, and teaching! LINKS: ishkwaazhe Shane McSauby  (https://ishkwaazhe.com/) Joel Potrykus (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1811127/) To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning M...

GVSU alums, Spencer Everhart (https://www.gvsu.edu/vma/spencer-everhart-255.htm) (2012), Nick Hartman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-hartman-8057bb8b/) (2012), Breana Malloy (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11495265/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_3_nm_5_in_0_q_breana%2520mal) (2021), Jackson Ezinga (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3700888/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_0_nm_2_in_0_q_Jackson%2520Ezinga) (2013), di...

Host Randy Strobl talks with Erika Pineiro about art department work for corporate and commercial work in the midwest.  Erika owns Mad Props (http://www.madpropsgr.com/) , and art department company and prop house in West Michigan. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship (https://vimeo.com/276933736) The Chuck Peter...

Host Michele Terpstra (https://www.linkedin.com/in/micheleterpstra/) (1995) talks about the new internal video production studios at Ford Motor Company (https://www.ford.com/) with the Executive Producer Creative Strategy Ford Motor Company, Bill Hasler (https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-hasler-885098290/) , and Video Producer Jon Curtis (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-curtis-47160345/)...

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: The Essential Art Department (https://www.theessentialartdepartment.com/) Jamie Bartkowicz (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bartkowicz/) JiL Szewski  (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2275709/?ref_=fn_al_n...

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: Ryan Copping LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-copping-656a43149/) To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship (https:...

Host Randy Strobl (https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-strobl-40223895/) (2012) talks with Wimee TV creators Kevin Kammeraad (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-kammeraad-804496120/) (1998) and Gwen Trautman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwendolyn-t-a03531131/) (2022) about their innovative, multimedia interactive children’s educational programming - Wimee TV! LINKS: Wimee TV (https://wimee.tv/) ...

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 pro...

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 About the Multimedia Jobs Act: https://mifia.org/multimedia-jobs-act-details Abo...

Host Randy Strobl (‘12) talks with Tim Dailey (‘08), about his journey from VFX Artist to Academic Dean of Exceptional Minds. Exceptional Minds is a nonprofit academy and post production studio for people with autism. Links: Exceptional Minds: https://exceptional-minds.org/ Tim Dailey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-dailey-23428862 To learn about ways you can support GVSU film a...

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/ Ride the Omnibus: https://www.omni...

Current senior Jeff Staub talks with Alumni Michele Terpstra, Director of Digital Content at Toolfarm.com, about AI and tools for filmmakers. They talk about what AI is, recent legal issues surrounding it, how it will affect the film industry, and whether students should be taught how to use it and the ethics surrounding it. AI tutorial: https://www.toolfarm.com/tutorial/a-i-tools-for-video-pr...

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/ Write Legi...

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: Wendy Jo's Website: https://www.juicyp...

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 Edwar...

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 Ca...

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 learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship (https://vimeo.com/276933736) The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship (https://vimeo.com/717960310) Mors...

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: http://youtube.com/promoguy To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film a...

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 alum...

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 ment...

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/ Holly Tumbarello: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollytumbarello/ To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship (https://vimeo.com/276...

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 expl...

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 expl...

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 learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarshi...

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 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoWgCdXrOaQ) UW-Stout "Umbrella Mondays" game trailer (https://www.uwstout.edu/programs/bfa-game-design-and-development/student-created-games/umbrella-mondays) To learn about ...

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 learn about ways you ...

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 ...

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 learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship (https://vimeo.com/276933736) The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship (https://vimeo.com/717960310) Morse-Cuppy ...

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 learn about ways you can support GVSU film and vid...

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 (https://www.youtube.com/c/Chr...

Host Joe McCargar talks with alums Bryen Hensley and Sean Quashnie about the intricacies of working in production, broadcast, and post production sound. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship (https://vimeo.com/276933736) The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship (https://vimeo.com/717960310) Morse-Cuppy Film, Video, ...

Joel Potrykus, class of 1999, talks with Charles Beale and Jake Bowen, both class of 2011, about their experience in the world of making movies with small budgets and “Studio Fest” the unique film festival they created. Here's the link to StudioFest: https://studiofest.com/ To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship (...

Host Stacy Walsh (& Then Write) interviews Jeremy Howe (Young Sheldon) and George Kitson (Agents of Shield) about their work as writers for television. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship (https://vimeo.com/276933736) The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellowship (https://vimeo.com/717960310) Morse-Cuppy Film, Video, A...

Host Kelly Loughlin (LA) talks with other alums Chris Randall (GR), Tre Jackson (Atlanta), and Jesse Routhier (NYC) about how to land Production Assistant jobs and what to do to make the best impressions on set. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship (https://vimeo.com/276933736) The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fellows...

Host Sarah Nawrocki talks with filmmakers Deanna Morse, Jackson Ezinga, John Otterbacher, and Joel Potrykus discuss their experiences with film festivals. They emphasize the importance of entering and attending film festivals as well as how to research and enter festivals. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship (ht...

Host Randy Strobl leads a discussion about advice for prospective students interested in GVSU’s Film & Video Production Major. We hear from students Jazrielle Couran, Cody Thammavongsa, Jordan Skutar, Josh Geyer, and Ariel Sosa, as well as faculty Kim Roberts and Julie Goldstein. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholars...

Host Randy Strobl discusses the most important things to know about filmmaking with GVSU student Ariel Sosa. Ariel explains how GVSU’s film & video program allowed him to become a better and more efficient filmmaker. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video Scholarship (https://vimeo.com/276933736) The Chuck Peterson Memorial Fe...

Host Randy Strobl invites GVSU professors Julie Goldstein and Kim Roberts to explain the Film & Video showcases where students show their work to an audience. Students Ariel Sosa and Josh Geyer discuss how it feels to watch their films on the big screen and the importance of these events. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video...

GVSU Professor Suzanne Zack talks about the Film and Video Alumni Network and how it helps students during and after college. Along with the Alumni Live livestreams and podcast, they have created an alumni book, hosted reunions, and created opportunities for students to job shadow in LA and NYC. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film an...

With host Randy Strobl, GVSU students Ariel Sosa, Josh Geyer, Jordan Skutar, and Cody Thammavongsa talk about various on-campus clubs for film & video students and how they’re beneficial. Clubs such as GVTV and Cinematography Club offer hands-on experience outside of the classroom, and the Grand Valley Film Academy showcases students’ work. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and vid...

Host Randy Strobl invites GVSU students Cody Thammavongsa to discuss his sports video job on campus, as well as Josh Geyer and Jordan Skutar to explain their work with the GVSU Promotions Office. They emphasize the importance of these opportunities and how they will help you get jobs in the industry after graduation. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk K...

Host Randy Strobl invites GVSU students Josh Geyer and Jordan Skutar to discuss their film & video internship experiences and why they are beneficial. Furthermore, Professor Kim Roberts explains how GVSU connects students with these opportunities. They also highlight the assistance that students can receive at GVSU’s Career Center (https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/) , like resume and portfolio help...

Host Randy Strobl chats with GVSU student Jazrielle Couran about her experience creating videos for clients in her classes. She explains the process, which begins with applying for projects, and discusses her initial worries going into the class about the pressure of creating for clients. To learn about ways you can support GVSU film and video students: The Dirk Koning Memorial Film and Video...

Host Randy Strobl discusses film studies at GVSU with Professor Spencer Everhart. Students learn about the evolution of ideas in film history, its place in cultures around the world, and how to analyze and write about films. Spencer explains how this study of film makes students better filmmakers and how GVSU students can get more involved with this practice outside of the classroom. Cinesthes...

Professor and filmmaker Joel Potrykus discusses his scriptwriting classes at GVSU with Host Randy Strobl. Students learn about the elements of a script, how to write in different genres, and what to do after completing a script. Joel also explains the assignments, from writing a 10-page script in Scriptwriting 1 to a feature-length one in Scriptwriting 2. To learn about ways you can support GV...