Maria Vattimo
Become the Sponge
As a newly found graduate of JTwo-U bootcamp, the excitement of week two at JTwo begins with my first intern project. The first few days of interning consisted of being a mere sponge, soaking in pages and pages of information, inspirational storytelling tips, and videos of monotoned middle-aged men explaining how to properly hold a boom pole. Don’t get me wrong, it has been more than helpful as most things we were taught our freshman year of college have been long forgotten.
Remember that horrible camcorder movie you made with your middle school friends? Remember showing your parents and unnervingly staring at their faces, with the anticipation of the big punch line, wanting nothing more but for them to crack a smile? That was our first taste of what we’ll be doing for the rest of our lives. The drive to create meaning and inspire a feeling can’t be formulated, only developed through practice and determination, and that’s why I’m here; to become better at what I do and learn from those that are doing what they love.
Now, why am I doing this? Why wasn’t I a business major? Well….
My dad is a professional jazz pianist and my mom is a photographer so it’s no wonder I’ve been sucked into the arts my whole life. I’ve bounced around from one art form to the next from painting, dancing, acting, and even trumpet-playing but nothing captured me quite like photography and film. I started taking photos and dabbling in film when I was about 12 and from then on I felt at home behind the camera. Whether it be still or moving, capturing an image that explores something beyond the frame is where my heart is. In the past few years I’ve been working as a photographer and cinematographer for short films, an AC/Cam Op on feature films, along with working as a freelancer for advertisements, music videos, and events. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve done so far but I want to expand my reach and grow as a DP and I have no doubt that JTwo is the perfect place for me to improve my craft. Wish me luck over the next twelve weeks, I’m sure I’ll need it.