Vanessa Mota (She/Her)
Senior, BFA Film and Media Arts
Expected Graduation in Spring 2024

My early adventures in creating PowerPoint presentations about friends and family set the stage for my journey into editing and directing. At a young age, I learned the importance of visual storytelling, carefully rearranging images and content to capture emotions and connect with my audience. This introduced me to the fascinating world of editing, where I realized the potential for enhancing and shaping narratives. Over time, my passion for editing naturally extended to directing. I found myself not only refining existing content but also desiring to craft original stories. The transition from editing to directing felt like a natural progression, driven by my desire to bring narratives to life from start to finish. Motivated by this passion, I applied to St. Petersburg College to formalize my education. My journey continued as I transferred to the University of Tampa, where I could further refine my skills, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and immerse myself in the world of filmmaking. These educational institutions became important stepping stones in my pursuit of a career in film production and storytelling.

Throughout my college years, I acquired several strengths. Skilled in software like Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Premiere Pro and After Effects, allows me to craft compelling visual narratives. My adaptability and creativity enable me to experiment with different editing styles and techniques. Effective time management skills help me balance academic commitments with editing projects. Furthermore, my passion for storytelling and a keen eye for visual aesthetics contribute to producing engaging and impactful content.

My love for directing has always been undeniable, but I’ve come to realize that there’s always room for more learning and personal growth. Directing not only requires technical expertise but also strong leadership and communication skills. To excel, I’ve recognized the need to become more assertive, confidently conveying my vision and guiding a team effectively. One hurdle I faced was my struggle with screenwriting, particularly in crafting authentic dialogue. As a socially awkward person, writing compelling and relatable character interactions proved challenging. However, I took the initiative to overcome this weakness by enrolling in screenwriting classes. These courses provided me with valuable insights and techniques, helping me develop the skills needed to create engaging and emotional scripts.

After graduation, my goals are to immerse myself in the industry and continually refine my craft. I aim to gain practical experience by working on film sets, collaborating with talented professionals, and building a strong network. Creating original, inspiring content that resonates with audiences is a priority, whether through short films, documentaries, or feature-length projects. I aspire to enter film festivals and gain recognition for my work, using each opportunity to learn and grow. Ultimately, I hope to secure funding for ambitious projects, tell impactful stories, and contribute to the art of filmmaking while entertaining and inspiring people around the world.