Aaron Engelhardt, BFA in Film and Media Arts, Junior, expected graduation Spring 2025. https://fmx298.santiago.bz/engelhardt/ 

I’ve always been a filmmaker, but I took some time for me to find my place in such a broad industry. I started making videos as a kid on Window’s Movie Maker. I loved the idea of creating something to share with the world, even if it was just a GoPro video of me skiing. As I grew older, I began to make more meaningful films that had some depth. I upgraded to Sony Vegas and really found my love for editing during this time. I entered this flow state while editing that felt so natural. Going into high school I really got my first glance into the film industry. I took all the TV and film studies classes that my school offered. Over this time, I built a bond with my TV teacher Mr. Philip. I didn’t like going to class in high school, but I was always excited for TV class. Mr. Philip introduced me concepts like shot sheets, and programs like Premiere Pro that I’d never heard of before. He really bridged the gap between my hobby and my future profession, and I’ll always be thankful for that.  

Going to college at the University of Tampa was a huge adjustment. I was awestruck and somewhat overwhelmed by the different possibilities the film industry offered. It seemed like so many of my peers had everything figured out. Professors like Aaron Walker really helped me find my place and broaden my horizons. I discovered my love for non-fiction filmmaking in his Documentary production class. His passion for filmmaking and supportive nature helped me become more confident in my abilities. I have expanded my skillset in many areas of film production over the last few years, but my heart has always been in editing. I feel extremely confident behind Adobe Premiere Pro, and I am gaining that same confidence with other programs such as DaVinci Resolve and Avid Media Composer. Anytime I’m a part of a production I always look forward to the post-production process. I love seeing everything come together. Aside from editing I have also gained confidence with sound mixing and cinematography. My production abilities are not on the same level as my post-production abilities, but I don’t feel out of place on a set like I did in the past. I know I can pull my weight and be helpful with any role I’m given.  

Where I feel as though I fell behind in school is my experience on set. Often, I compare myself to other film majors who seem to be on a set every weekend, while I only manage a few per semester. My commitment to being a college athlete has hindered me from getting more involved with my peers’ work. Over and over, I’ve had to refuse chances to be on set because of my team’s schedule. While I really do want to work in post-production and not on set, it’s tough to see my peers in the credits of so many more films than me. Because of this situation I don’t believe I have the same technical abilities on set as some others do. That said, my confidence on set has drastically increased over the last three years, and I’ve been actively looking for any opportunities to film with peers. 

After college I see myself working as an editor or videographer with a smaller documentary production company. I find non-fiction storytelling so compelling and meaningful. Being able to share real people’s stories and triumphs through a visual medium is very powerful and I’d be happy if my future goes in that direction. Unlike a lot of my peers, I would rather not work on large sets. I find that lifestyle overwhelming and stressful. I want to be behind the scenes expressing myself artistically through my editing. On the contrary, I could also see myself working with a track and field media company. Running has always been my biggest passion, and it would be a dream come true if I could combine my love for competitive running with my videography and editing skills. No matter where I end up, I’m happy that I got to meet so many creative minds and gain some lifelong memories.