John Semerad, BFA in Film and Media Arts, Senior, expected graduation Spring 22

When I first started college I was not 100% positive what I wanted to study, my first few weeks at the university, I met some people in the film department. I always loved photography and when my new friends showed me the work they were doing, I knew immediately this was the work that I wanted to be doing myself. The first class that really opened my eyes was Digital Illustration, we explored all types of media but mainly photos and editing photos. I came to the realization that with a camera, I could showcase exactly what I wanted, with capturing a photo and then editing my work I could show the world how I feel through image and video. One of my personal favorites was Sound In Media, my whole life one of my biggest passions was music, upon taking this class I learned about vital software and about composing for film, videos, etc. The last course that really helped me build was Experimental Filmmaking, we learned in depth about cinematography, found footage, and how to combine the two, this class helped me grow as a filmmaker in general.

My strengths are being behind a camera, I enjoy using lenses, and trying to develop a great shot whether it be for videos or still photographs. I believe that I have a good eye when it comes to cinematography and I know what looks good in the frame. When I was 16 years old I got my hands on a Canon t5 and a 50mm lens and would carry it everywhere I went. I feel like this helped me grow as a filmmaker and realize what looks good through a lens versus the human eye. Aside from being behind a camera, another one of my strengths involves music. Since I was 11 years old I have been playing instruments, this has taken me to Carnegie Hall in New York City and to Japan to play music. Because of being around music this long I have learned how to record and mix music, I mainly like to use Logic Pro but I also have experience in ProTools. 

In terms of challenges, I could use some work on how to color videos and films. I have learned the basics and I know how to just do enough to make my films look a touch better but I would love to learn color in depth so I could improve my work in that sense. However, when I watch films color is one thing that always stands out to me so I am always working on that skill in my free time trying to improve my skillset in that specific area.

After I graduate I plan to use my degree to hopefully one day shoot short videos of some sort. I am interested in possibly shooting commercials and one-day music videos, that would be the ultimate goal. Right now out of school, a real positivity that I have in the works is doing media for a pediatric cancer charity that is close to me personally. This would include taking photographs for them and all of their social media platforms. Ideally, I would love to progress and work in the field of shooting music videos or photographs for musical artists.