(Editorial note: The Media X degree changed its name to media arts and production in November 2024)

South by Southwest (SXSW) is a celebration of film, television and music all wrapped into one festival in Austin, Texas. Every March, filmmakers gather to screen their new films, and many aspiring filmmakers go to network and appreciate each other’s work. This year, Pacific sent 13 media production students to experience the festival.  

“Meeting industry professionals, meeting stars, meeting directors, getting advice from them on how to actually navigate the industry is immensely valuable. They eat, sleep and breathe film on a national and international scale,” said media production Director Joshua Salyers. 

Pacific partnered with the American Pavilion, the United States’ official representative during festivals and exhibits around the world, which had previously worked with the department to send students to the Cannes Film Festival. In addition to movie screenings, American Pavilion provides networking and hands-on opportunities for students.  

Funding for the trip was made possible by the donor-backed College of the Pacific gift account and more specifically, the Barbara and Bob Bejan Experiential Learning Endowment. Pacific covered the food, transportation, lodging and festival passes for all 13 students.  

“We had the premium badge which allowed us to attend all the events that were not only film but also interactive media and music,” said media production major Achish Enriquez ’26. 

Movie premieres 

The media production students were among some of the first people in the world to view new movies including Daisy Ridley’s new movie “Magpie,” the comedy “Y2K,” the Jesse Eisenberg-directed film “A Real Pain” and the Jordan Peele-produced film “Monkey Man,” just to name a few. All the directors and stars were at SXSW to talk about the films, answer questions and give insight to young filmmakers into how they were all made.  

“My favorite was a film called ‘Ghost Light,’ which is a take on Romeo and Juliet in the modern day,” said media production major Andrew Garcia ’25. 

Aside from getting firsthand industry knowledge from creators, students met many of their favorite celebrities in the theater.  

“Jordan Peele was sitting, like, two rows away from us. So, I get to say that I watched a movie with Jordan Peele,” Enriquez said about the “Monkey Man” premiere.  

Some of the media production students talked with director Jesse Eisenberg after his film premiere and took a group photo. However, photos and moments with celebrities were not the only valuable experiences students got out of the festival. 

Networking opportunities

The American Pavilion also provided career mentor sessions for students and interns. These sessions covered areas of the film industry ranging from directing and producing to online content creation with professionals.  

“I went to this one session that was an Asian creator meetup. I was able to network with a lot of those people and know the type of work that they do,” Enriquez said. “And I was also able to show them my current portfolio, and they were able to give me feedback.” 

Valuable learning experiences

Salyers said his students demonstrated independence at SXSW, which made him feel confident they will succeed in the media production program.  

“One of the values of coming to University of the Pacific is the ability to learn while being hands-on,” he said. “Experiential learning is the application of what you learn in the classroom.  [SXSW] is a good example of that, both for soft skills but also getting a better understanding of the industry from people who are actively in the industry.” 

Enriquez and Garcia want to pursue careers in directing media when they graduate. Enriquez wants to work in film. Garcia is interested in sports marketing and broadcasting.  

(Editorial note: The Media X degree changed its name to media arts and production in November 2024)

Media X graduate Taylor Wick ’23 began her graphic design career on a sheet of paper drawing her favorite cartoon characters. She kept this creative work going through high school and community college. After spending some time there, it became clear that it was time to expand her knowledge of art and graphic design.  

“I came here knowing a little bit about graphic design, but at UOP, I got to expand on that knowledge and take more advanced graphic design courses, which really helped my skills,” Taylor said.  

After transferring to University of the Pacific from San Joaquin Delta College, Taylor enrolled in the Media X program where she was able to take advanced courses in graphic design and broaden her understanding of the medium.  

In 2022 Taylor applied for an internship at the Herrick Steel company in Stockton where she was quickly accepted. She worked hard to convince managers that the company needed a graphic designer. When she graduated, she was promptly offered the newly created position of digital artist at Herrick Steel.  

“In a field that isn’t used to having a graphic designer, I feel completely respected,” Taylor said.  

At Herrick Steel, Taylor works on everything from bid designs for clients to holiday greeting cards. Most recently she designed 30 pages for a bid on a hospital project. Her team submitted the bid and got the job.  

Taylor found inspiration for her color pallets by watching the welders work in the steel yard. She adapted the glowing sparks from the welding to her own art style. Taylor credits her professors and Pacific’s Media X program for her adaptability as an artist.  

“The most important aspect of Media X was learning how to fail, it’s OK to make mistakes, and you’re going to make mistake,” she said.  

Media X’s approach to hands-on learning allows students to experiment in their respective artistic fields. Taylor said that while professors are always there to help you improve, your education and what you do with it is up to you. Taylor graduated on the Collge of the Pacific’s Dean’s Honor Roll and, after working hard on her 3D character creation for her senior capstone, was awarded Media X Student of the Year for 2023. She advises any student to think outside the box when applying to jobs in their field and consider unlikely places that may not have someone with your skills. 

Josephine Kinlan is a member of the prestigious Powell Scholar program at University of the Pacific. The health and exercise sciences and Media X double major made the long trip from The Bronx in New York City to Stockton in large part due to the opportunities the program offers. The mentorship, funding to pursue interests and fellowship piqued Josephine’s interest.   

Pacific’s Powell Scholars program awards high achieving high school seniors with a large financial aid package and provides mentorship as well as a variety of research and cultural opportunities. 

“From the instant our scholars enroll at Pacific to the moment they graduate and beyond, the Powell Scholars program cultivates and encourages an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to continuous learning, intellectual curiosity, and creative problem solving,” explained interim director of the Powell Scholars program, Professor Jeffrey Hole. 

Josephine reflected on the Powell Scholars program, the application process and how it ultimately affected her first year of college at University of the Pacific.  

Choosing the Powell Scholars program

Financial aid was the main reason Josephine applied for the program. The Powell Scholarship is the largest merit-based scholarship at Pacific. Scholars receive an annual merit scholarship of $45,000 and an additional $5,000 for independent research projects as well as $2,500 for study abroad expenses.  

Josephine applied for the scholarship at the same time she applied for admission. She was selected as a finalist and invited to campus to interview with the Powell Scholars selection committee, composed of a current Powell Scholar, the head of the Powell Scholars program and another administrator. The following month Josephine was notified of her selection, and she joined her cohort of 14 incoming first-year students last fall. 

Powell Scholars mentorship

Josephine meets with the head of the Powell Scholars program several times each semester to talk about their classes and life.  

“It was more mentorship than I anticipated coming into college, but the amount of individual attention they gave each of us was really nice and encouraging,” Josephine said. 

As the former head of Pacific’s Humanities Scholars, Professor Jeffrey Hole brings great experience to the honors program. 

“As the director, I feel it is my mission to serve as an adviser to and champion for the scholars,” Professor Hole said. “I meet with all the first-year scholars one-on-one for coffee or lunch at some point in the first weeks of the semester. This allows me to get to know them better and curate an educational experience that shapes and fulfills their interests, aspirations and ambitions.” 

Study abroad and independent research funds

Another great benefit of being a Powell Scholar is receiving funding for study abroad expenses and independent research projects. Scholars are encouraged to use their funds to “go big” and pursue projects that would otherwise be difficult to conduct without extra funding.  

Costs and expenses can prevent students from studying abroad, so the Powell Scholars program alleviates that stress. Josephine says she would love to take advantage of the study abroad fund, like her fellow Powell Scholar, Devin Thompson, who interned in the Dominican Republic. One of her top choices is South Korea as it’s her mother’s home country. 

Addressing real-world issues

One of the most valuable aspects of the program during Josephine’s first year was being able to engage in academic discussions with her cohort on topics she feels passionate about. 

During their first semester of college, the head of the Powell Scholar program led discussions and journaling on various topics in Callison Hall, the designated Powell study lounge. Their theme for the semester was leadership, and one of the activities included writing a letter to a current leader about an issue they were passionate about. Josephine wrote to President Biden about climate change. 

“Everyone in my cohort was willing to participate and engage during our sessions, which I really valued since this was not always the case during regular classes,” she said. 

Other opportunities she took advantage of as a first-year scholar were presentations by notable speakers and field trips like going to San Francisco to watch “The Nutcracker.”  

Research as a Powell Scholar

Josephine has already started her portfolio assignment, which is a mandatory project that Powells present during their senior year. 

“My friend and fellow Powell Scholar, Daniela Ceballos, and I are conducting a research study involving lowering the temperatures of classrooms to use less heating and electricity and students’ reaction to the change,” she explained. “We’re both passionate about the environment and sustainability, so I’m really excited!”  

Josephine is looking forward to her upcoming years at Pacific as a Powell Scholar. In addition to the many opportunities the program offers, she says she has also made lifelong friends. She and her cohort grew close during their first year, and Josephine believes they will only grow closer as they continue their journey here to “find and follow [their] passions,” the vision of the program’s creators, Bob and Jeannette Powell.  

If you are interested in the Powell Scholars Program, here are the qualifications to apply: 

• Cumulative high school GPA of 3.7 or higher (unweighted)
• Undertaken a rigorous academic curriculum – Honors, AP and/or IB courses 
• Demonstrated leadership skills or leadership potential in two or more areas, including but not restricted to student government, community service, cultural groups, research or creative activities or sports

You can apply for the scholarship at the same time as admission, like Josephine, or if you’ve already applied for admission, you can access the scholarship application online. Your username and password are the same as your application portal. 

Megan Nishimura

Megan Nishimura is a fourth-year marketing major from Honolulu, Hawai’i. You can find her in Burns Tower as Enrollment Marketing’s student copywriter, in the stands as an athletics event staff worker or on the court as a member of Pacific’s Division 1 volleyball team.

(Editorial note: The Media X degree changed its name to media arts and production in November 2024)

Among the many hands-on learning opportunities Pacific’s Media X students can experience is the annual Media Mash, in which Pacific alumni and filmmaker Chris Schueler and producer Dean Butler return to campus and lead intensive production projects. It’s an opportunity to take advantage of the connections students make at Pacific while creating a real impact on the community. 

This October marked the third Media Mash. Students created promotional videos for local nonprofit groups. Media X major Matthew Ford ’24 gives us his take on the experience: 

What is Media Mash? 

Media Mash starts over the course of a weekend, beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday. Don’t worry about catching breakfast. One of the instructors, Pacific alum Chris Schueler, always brings enough coffee and donuts to hold you over. You eat some donuts, maybe get some coffee, and sit down with the rest of your peers and prepare for the unrivaled energy that Chris can bring to any subject.  

Media Mash takes place over a month, but you only fully meet up with instructors twice — once in the beginning and again at the end.  During the first weekend, Chris gives an energetic lecture about the process and craft of documentary filmmaking. He breaks down the three P’s (pre-production, production, post-production) for documentaries and provides a deep dive into the psychology of interviewing and looking out for the right soundbites for your film project.  

Producing ads for nonprofits 

On that first Sunday, we broke into two groups for each of the local nonprofits. Each group made a video for the nonprofits to use for advertisement. My group was working for the nonprofit Unbound Stockton, an organization hoping to start a charter school. Our team was made up of myself and classmates Xander Beck and Achish Enriquez.  

That afternoon, we met with spokespeople for Unbound Stockton. We learned that what’s unique about about Unbound Stockton is their schedule. Between Monday and Thursday, it’s like any other school, but on Friday, they take kids out and help the community in the hope of building better bonds and roots in Stockton.  

My group and I started brainstorming ideas for the video. After our spokesperson left, I became the liaison between our group and him. Our imaginations ran wild soon after we found how amazing our team member, Achish, is with motion graphics. And it became a great part of our video in the end.  

Alumni connection 

The experience and knowledge that Chris has is immense and working with a successful filmmaker was incredible. Besides the obvious knowledge that we gained from the lectures, Chris provided great examples of soft skills in dealing with hiccups and problems that will always come your way when starting a big project such as this one.

Another amazing Pacific alum joined us later during the month, Dean Butler. Hearing Dean and Chris talk about the college and hearing the differences between then and now was incredible. Having that connection with two industry professionals who also attended Pacific was invaluable and a great motivation for our future endeavors. 

Next time you’re on south campus, make sure to stop by the Reynolds Gallery (located inside the Jeannette Powell Art Center). There’s an exciting, new art exhibition exploring themes including gender identity, trans rights and self-acceptance—plus, lots of cats.

The multimedia show, titled “Pray and be Thankful 4 Everything,” is a personal and compelling showcase of new and previous artwork by Professor Zélie (she/her), professor of Media X and chair of the Department of Art, Media, Performance and Design.

“The work uses absurdist humor to present difficult ideas and experiences surrounding Zélie’s own recent transition and the general state of gender/sexuality discourse,” Reynold’s Gallery said.

The exhibition features sketches, paintings, drawings, sculpture and murals. You’ll walk through a collage of artwork in the main gallery, surrounding a 14-foot-tall transparent drawing suspended in the center of the room. In the south room, you’ll gaze up at three vibrant, floor-to-ceiling drawings painted directly on the gallery walls.

The show also includes a “selfie mirror,” where you can “reflect on the experiences of change, transition, self-perception and acceptance,” for yourself!

You can catch “Pray and be Thankful 4 Everything” at the Reynolds Gallery through October 21. The gallery is free and open to the public, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Margarita Kuranova ’23 found her internship with SPARC Theater (Shakespeare & Performing Arts Regional Company) when she was looking to fulfill her Media X degree requirement in experiential learning. She spent several weeks this summer as the stage manager for “The 39 Steps,” a play staged in July at Darcie Kent Vinyards in Livermore.

In her position, Margarita collaborated with actors, the production crew, light and sound designers, and she was the director’s right hand. From taking care of props and sets to managing her crew’s stress levels, she had to be on top of her game.

How I got my internship

I needed an internship for my Media X degree. You could take it as a class on campus, but I was really seeking an opportunity outside of campus because I wanted to try something more challenging for me to see if I could actually work with professionals in the industry. That’s when I learned about the stage manager position at SPARC Theater from the Media X department announcements.

I didn’t know if I’d be able to do it because I didn’t really have any previous experience. My Pacific adviser, professor Lisa Tromovitch, encouraged me to go ahead and apply because I was also working for ASUOP arts and entertainment on campus. So, I’ve had some experience dealing with stage and artists.

Professor Tromovitch, who is also SPARC Theater’s producer, was really supportive and helped me submit my resume. Pacific’s International Programs and Services as well as Media X department helped a lot, too. I was surprised how easy the process was because, as an international student, I expected getting an internship outside of the university to be somewhat complicated.

What I did at my internship

I had to be at all rehearsals and take notes of the script changes, keep track of needed props and set pieces. I had to make sure I write it all down because as a stage manager, you facilitate communication across all creative and technical departments. You act as the right hand to the director as well as oversee sets, props, lights and sound. I also called technical cues during performances. I had to be constantly in touch with the director and the production crew, which included costume designer, prop coordinator as well as set, lighting and sound designers.

Additionally, I made notes in my script about any sort of movements that were happening during the blocking stage of the rehearsals because if the director forgot anything, I would need to be the person who reminded him. Which is extremely challenging because directors change everything a million times!

When we were moving from the rehearsal studio to the actual stage at Darcie Kent Vineyards in Livermore, I needed to make sure all the props, costumes and set pieces were delivered to the stage and nothing was missing. I had to instruct my crew on what they will need to do during the set up and performances.

As a stage manager you basically learn the whole show because you have to be present at every rehearsal. The crew comes into play only during the tech week, so they have very little time to learn the show. To help them, I created run sheets and lists, so it would be easier for them to memorize what to do.

What I learned through this experience

I learned to work with a team. As a stage manager you really have to do that. I was very lucky to have an amazing crew of actors and the director who were eager to help. They taught me some things because they are more experienced. All of us learned how to operate together, making sure everyone feels comfortable and everybody’s needs are met.

The other thing I learned would be time management. You need to make sure you have everything done on time. I lived in Stockton so, as a commuter, I had to manage my time even better. Additionally, I had to think in advance about things we might need for our rehearsals in the studio and on site, as I had to make sure actors have had enough time to rehearse with a certain set piece or prop.

My job as a stage manager was in a way to reduce everybody’s stress and make sure I know what to do and how to do it in case something goes wrong – a prop gets lost, something breaks on stage, somebody forgets something, etc. The process can get intense, especially at the final run-throughs. If something went wrong, I needed to make sure I monitored that, reassured everybody and provided quick solutions to the problem. So, problem solving comes into play as well, especially during performances.

My advice for future interns  

Communicate with the people who are hiring you if you have any concerns about your knowledge or responsibilities. Make sure you speak up about that and see if they can provide you with some sort of training before you actually start your job.

And communicate with the people you’re going to be working with. I mentioned to the crew at the theater that it was my first experience, and they should let me know if I was doing something wrong or if they needed me to do something I hadn’t done yet. You’re going to be surprised how nice people are going to be about it because they were your age once and they were in the same position you are now.

And the same goes about anything in life basically. You’re not supposed to know how to do everything from the first time. Yes, it’s going to be your responsibility to learn, but there are going to be people there who will help you to do that.

New Media X professor Gabriel Teo has 20 years of experience in major global film, visual effects and animation studios. Now, he’s sharing his industry experience with students in his animation and digital media technology classes at Pacific.

Among his impressive credentials is his work as senior compositor for the New Zealand visual effects company, Wētā FX. The company produced special effects for Academy Award-winning films such as “Avatar,” the “Lord of the Rings” series, “The Hobbit” and “The Avengers.”

Watch our video to learn professor Teo’s advice for starting a career in animation. Plus, he talks about his Pacific experience and his favorite thing about teaching here.

Each February, the United States observes Black History Month, an annual celebration honoring African American history and heritage. Black History Month is an opportunity to learn about the adversities and triumphs of African Americans, as well as a reminder to celebrate Black history and confront racial injustice year-round.  

Pacific’s Black History Month Planning Committee has planned many different programs for the Pacific community to celebrate this month, including renowned speakers, panel discussions, films and even a free health clinic and gospel concert led by the faculty and staff from the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy in partnership with local health organizations.

“It is always exciting to present Black History Month events to the community,” said Randall Ogans, Black History Month Planning Committee co-chair. “It is a reflection of many months of hard work the planning committee has put in and our contribution to moving the university’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives forward.”

We’ve rounded up some events you won’t want to miss here, all of which are free and available to the entire Pacific community. You can check out the full list of programming here.

From a Yardie to a Yankee

In this one-woman play, actress, writer, comedian and producer Sardia Robinson tells her life’s story, from navigating life in Kingston, Jamaica to the struggles she faced after immigrating to Chicago. The performance will be held at the Long Theater on February 17 from 5-7:00 p.m.

Syracuse 8: Level the Playing Field

The Syracuse 8, student athletes and members of the Syracuse University football team, boycotted the 1970 football season to demand an end to racial discrimination within the football program. They will be in conversation with Pacific alumnus Andrew Thomas ‘90, at Faye Spanos Concert Hall on February 22 from 7-9:00 p.m. 

Health Fair and Gospelfest

Pharmacy faculty and students will facilitate a comprehensive, service-based health fair providing free health screenings and COVID-19 vaccinations. The health fair will be held at Victory in Praise Church from 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m on February 26, followed by a gospel concert at the same location at 7:00 p.m. The concert will be headlined by critically acclaimed musicians Red Hands and Anita Wilson.

Christina Elmore: Black Stories Matter

Christina Elmore is a film, television and theater performer who now stars as Maria on BET’s Twenties. Elmore has also appeared in many other roles, including Condola on the HBO series, Insecure. She received her undergraduate degree from Harvard University and an MFA in acting from American Conservatory Theater. Elmore will speak about her experiences in entertainment industry at the Faye Spanos Concert Hall on February 28 from 7-9:00 p.m.

By Genevieve Garcia ’22, Communication major
      Jordan Miller ’23, Media X major
      Mackaby Pennington ’22, Media X major
     
Pacific communication professor Graham Carpenter is giving us opportunities for up-close and personal experiences this fall with the Pac-12 Network. Professor Carpenter felt we were ready for the responsibility after we were able to handle producing virtual commencement last May. The three of us were thrilled to get the behind-the-scenes look at the production side of the football.

 We truly enjoyed this opportunity because we were able to get hands-on experience and see if this is something we’d like to pursue in the future.

 The press box alone has so many things that are going on all at once. Two announcers comment on the games—that is what everyone sees broadcast on television. Each of them has their notes before the game, but there is also a stat analyst who gives them updated stats throughout the game to make sure the reporters are on top of their craft and accurate.

 Another person listens to the commentators while watching the game to provide the graphics or imaginary lines we see on television during the first downs. A production manager gives the reporters both promos and advertisements to read live which is a very difficult job, especially since they are only given these a couple of hours before the show.

 Seeing all these events play out is mind-boggling.

 We were given the opportunity to try out the cameras like the ones Professor Carpenter uses, which are a lot harder to operate than they look! We learned how to set up all the gear from beginning to end and although it is tedious, it is so worth it.

 The best part of the experience were the people who were there and everyone who made it possible. Everyone was so happy to be there and eager to teach us. Although we were new to the scene, it automatically felt like family, which is something no words can ever describe. Interning for Pacific Tiger Broadcasting has been provided real-to-life involvement in media production that we have been able to be a part of, and we appreciate Professor Carpenter believing in our abilities and helping us cultivate meaningful experiences in this industry.

April Chai, a Media X major, is the first-place winner of Pacific Innovation and Entrepreneurship Summit’s Pacific Pitch event. Pacific Pitch is a Shark Tank-style competition where students deliver a five-minute pitch describing their products, service or business to a panel of experts.  

We sat down with April and interviewed her about her experience with the event and what it means to have won the first-place prize of $1,000. Of course, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to ask her 12 rapid-fire questions!  

Q: Best place to eat on campus?  

A: The Lair. 

Q: Name a faculty member that had an impact on your life? 

A: So many! Ah…(Media X professors) Lisa Tromovitch and Gary Armagnac. 

Q: Latest you’ve stayed up studying for a test? 

A: All night.  

Q: What did your best friend major in? 

A: My best friend at Pacific majors in computer science.  

Q: What was your favorite class? 

A: Right now, film production, but I also really enjoyed acting for the camera. 

Q: Hardest class you’ve ever taken? 

A: Astronomy.  

Q: How many students were in your smallest class? 

A: 7… I think. 

Q: How many were in your largest class? 

A: That was psychology… and that was… like… over 30? 

Q: Your favorite pitch at PIES Pacific Pitch? 

A: Samantha Tannahill’s pitch for Copycat.  

Q: Advice for students considering Pacific? 

A: Don’t be afraid to take the leap. 

Q: Favorite organization on campus? 

A: Stocktones. They’re really talented.  

Q: Favorite location on campus? 

A: I don’t know. The campus is so pretty. I feel like I can sit anywhere.