Robin Land
BFA Film and Media Arts
Current Semester: Spring 2023
Expected Graduation: Fall 2023

During my high school years, I explored the field of broadcast journalism through my high school’s daily live newscast. While I was there, I was taught about the importance of continuity and showing the topic instead of outright saying it. This led me to win a Best of Student Newscasts Organization award for one of my news packages titled Vegan Thanksgiving. After that, I was accepted to become one of the leaders for that program during my senior year and I ended up winning the Award for Excellence in the Study of Communication Arts during graduation.

I had originally applied and got accepted to the University of Tampa as a Marine Biology major under the guise that I wanted to help with the conservation of everything in Earth’s waters, but with my background from high school, I felt that I could inform an audience better through video rather than a research paper. So, I switched to Film and Media Arts. The knowledge and skills that I brought with me have only improved through the university’s curriculum and multiple on-set experiences. One of the many roles that I have fulfilled and enjoy is being a script supervisor. My attention to detail regarding the continuity of narrative works has made me exceptional at spotting the most minor details and pointing them out. This saves valuable time during production and makes editing more efficient. I’ve also recently spent time exploring the world of the camera department through the roles of cinematographer and assistant camera. From these experiences, I have established that I am a skilled focus puller. I also enjoy building different types of camera rigs and my background in robotics has definitely helped in that aspect.

Another role in the production process that I have recently discovered and found a new love for is being a digital imaging technician (DIT). As a detail-oriented person, copying files into a well-structured drive is one of the most suitable jobs for me. Although, I would have never explored the position of a DIT if it was not for Professor Aaron Walker who encouraged me to apply for a position as a DIT for the University of Tampa’s WEDU Holiday Special. He has taught me how to focus on my niche skills and become a huge asset to the production. His expertise expands more than just helping me acquire a position as a DIT, he has guided me toward the path that I want to take with underwater cinematography by suggesting I become scuba certified. One of my shortcomings that I would like to work on in the future is gaffing and setting up creative lighting. Not until recently did I realize how much lighting affects the visual composition and tone of the film. Learning how to gaff correctly will add a whole new element to the productions that I am on.

After graduating, I plan to work in the field of film and video production. I would like to work professionally as a script supervisor, digital imaging technician, or in the camera department as a camera operator or focus puller. Ultimately, my dream goal is to become an underwater cinematographer. Specifically, I would like to work on underwater nature documentaries about marine life. I was able to take a step towards that goal with my final documentary project which was about the manatees in Crystal River. I hope that one day I will accumulate an arsenal of niche skills that would make me an asset for any type of production.