Work Featured on Fred's Footsteps New Website
Work Featured on Fred's Footsteps New Website
Fred’s Footsteps has recently launched their new website which features several projects that we have created together. Their organizational mission is to help working families stay on their feet through a child’s illness or injury and also direct financial assistance for non-medical expenses, such as household bills, to make up for gaps in income as well as one-time extraordinary expenses, like medical equipment or home modifications.
Click the link below to see their new site and head to “Families We’ve Helped” section to see our work.
JTWO's Incubator Project Brings you "Platform"
Directed by Maria Vattimo
A young cellist unites some unsuspecting bus patrons with a street performance and transports them with his enchanting music.
Project Breakdown
Guess who’s back with her finalized internship video? This gal right here. The process of making the video was lengthy but nevertheless rewarding and I’m very proud to say I created it during my time at JTwo. The initial concept of my video is now just a distant cousin of the final cut, but the message remains the same. After my first concept didn’t pass the pitch, I had to rework my idea and give it more meaning beyond the visuals. I’m almost entirely a visual person, so translating the images in my head to an understandable written story has never been the easiest for me. Growing up, I was surrounded by artists and musicians, and I witnessed how these creative outlets served as an escape from reality for them. I wanted to make a video showcasing the hidden spots inside of us where creativity and spirit are able to flow freely and how music can become a mental time machine.
After workshopping my concept for a few days, Justin had approved my idea and I was able to move forward with the production. I reached out to all the actors I knew and within days, I locked down a full cast and crew which feels nothing short of a miracle. Then the locations… not as easy. My initial plan to film in a subway station and play live music was promptly shut down by the plethora of laws fighting against it, but I made it work. Then came the abandoned building that I needed; good thing my ballerina wasn’t afraid of running on active train tracks and breaking into an abandoned factory.
After four shoots, I had all the footage I needed and it was time to edit. A video comes to life in the edit and that is always the most rewarding part. After adding, deleting, and manipulating footage, the story had taken on a new meaning that I didn’t initially intend for, but I couldn’t be happier with where it went. Cut after recut, I was finally happy and so was Justin. Can’t wait to see what lies ahead next, here at JTwo.
Signing off,
Maria Vattimo
Filmmaker by day, Italian chef by night.
Meet the Director
Maria is a Philadelphian cinematographer and filmmaker. In recent years, her work has consisted of narrative films, fashion films, and music videos. With storytelling at the pulse of her work, she aims to create and illustrate with the camera, whether it be moving or still.
This project was created as part of the JTWO [INC]ubator Project. A semester long internship program built from the ground up to give young filmmakers, content creators, and all around hungry for a challenge individuals a place to stretch their creative minds while preparing them for the road ahead.
JTWO Welcomes Intern Valerie Genzano
Valerie Genzano
Caffeine Fueled and Future Driven
Week one is over, and my excitement is greater than my caffeine consumption.
I’m Val, and I major in Electronic Media and Film with a focus on production and a minor in Art History at Towson University in Maryland. That’s a lot of words that can be summed up by saying “I love making films and also looking at art.” The arts and specifically film have been a part of my life since the beginning of my consciousness. It’s not like I grew up with “artsy” parents – my dad works in IT at a law firm and my mom was a teacher before she decided to be a stay-at-home parent. However, the arts have nourished me since I was a kid. I’ve spent almost every birthday since I was 11 at one museum or another, you couldn’t pry my camera out of my hand from the beginning of middle school, and I played an instrument for 12 years before giving it up to focus on film in college. So, after honing my interest in film throughout high school, I convinced my parents to send me 100 miles away to film school.
While I’m at school, I’m entirely submerged in film. I even make my money by working in the film department. For 3 full years, I have taken every opportunity I have been offered to be on a set or learn new equipment, and that overwhelming of the senses is what has brought me here today. And all the while, I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with this passion. I have tried it all – ADing, directing, producing, post-production, camera, you name it. All of this has culminated in me being an intern here at JTwo. I know I love film, I know I love creating, and I know I love telling real, meaningful stories. And now, thanks to some espresso, I’ve finished my JTwo-U Bootcamp, have gone back to basics, and have learned what I can before I dive headfirst into this summer.
Excited? Definitely. Nervous? A little, but really I’m mostly ready to move forward. It’s all you can do when the world is cracked open by opportunity like the one I have with JTwo. I am consistently looking forward to what comes next, but right now, I’ll focus on what’s in front of me. Learning, experiencing, and existing completely in a realm of creation to become the best filmmaker and storyteller I can be. Cheers to a fantastic chance and bright hopes for the next 11 weeks.
Daniel Foster
Daniel Foster
It's Like Tinder, but Without the Sex
Hey everyone, my name is Daniel Foster.You can call me Dan for short, but then again you can’t call me, because this is a written document and you don’t have my number. Logistics aside, welcome to JTWO Films!
Although I am not Patrick Stewart, I know what you are thinking. “Please for the love of god, don’t let me mess this up!”. Relax, take a deep breath, and pet one of these amazingly friendly puppies. Now, I have only been here for a few days, but can already tell this is the kind of environment that you learn the most in. JTWO was a glistening light in the smog that is post college. Application after application with little to no response, best describes the months of disappointment following graduation. I was starting to lose hope and felt like Tom Hanks on his stranded island, where the only thing I had was my film degree.
Luckily, JTWO took a chance and gave me an internship I couldn’t be more happy about.
You have a relaxed, but professional group of leaders, kind and helpful interns, and amazing gear that industry professionals use. Those three things will make this not only insightful, but a lot of fun! Some tips I can give in your first few days are memorize the boot camp. This tool is insanely well put together and very helpful moving forward. I was constantly looking back to ensure that i was following the proper protocol with footage and will surely reference long after my time here.
When in doubt, ask questions! You don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to figure out everything, sometimes the simplest solution is simply asking someone.Of course, you should do some research on your own. A Lot of the things you work with have answers to questions via the internet. That cool thing that is useful for more things than your “ME” time.
With that said, this is an internship built to give you knowledge to succeed. So don’t pull a Sherlock Holmes and over analyze something for four seasons, just ask questions! I promise they won’t think any less of you……..well maybe Jelani.
I am very eager to get rolling on some projects. The fact that you’re going to spend most your day doing something you went to school for should excite you. This is the time to make yourself stand out, so be sure to come here with your game face on.
Now let’s come full circle with the answer to your question, how is this anything like Tinder? Well……Lemme actually think and make up something. Ok, got it! You built your profile, you put yourself out there, and now you have matched with something really special. You’re going to have those few awkward first exchanges, but eventually things could turn out really sexy (As in the projects that you’re going to be working on). See, told you I could do it.
Now enough motivation, go kick some ass.
JTWO Welcomes Intern Maria Vattimo
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.
Team Travels to San Diego
Team Travels to San Diego
Our team recently travelled to San Diego, CA to continue the Janssen Immunology Storyteller Series.
With the help of Janssen Immunology + Tonic Life Communications we have been documenting the stories of some of their employees in an ongoing series on the Janssen Global channel.
A Day with Simone Biles in DC
With Alcohol Awareness Month coming to a close, our team made one last trip to Washington, D.C. to tag along with Olympic Gold Medalist, Simone Biles and Responsibility.org as well as special guest, ABC’s Dancing with the Stars as they visited students at Arlington Science Focus School and Capitol Hill to help raise awareness about the dangers of underage drinking.
This is the second project to this month that we had the opportunity to produce with Simone and Responsibility.org as part of our Projects That Matter Initiative.
Stay tuned for the video projects!
JTWO Welcomes DP Aly Spengler
Introducing Aly Spengler
We are proud to announce the newest addition to our squad, award-winning Director of Photography / Visual Badass, Aly Spengler. We have been working with Aly for a few years now and we absolutely love her work. We couldn’t be more thrilled to add her in a permanent capacity as JTWO’s in-house head of Visual Storytelling.
She began her career producing behind the scenes fashion editorial videos and small-scale documentaries in the winter of 2008. While pursuing her bachelors degree, she worked with local Philadelphia organizations like FringeArts, Govberg Jewelers, iW Magazine, and the Philly iconic, MadDecent. She went on to produce videos for high-end luxury watch brands like Rolex, Breitling, Omega, and Bulova. After graduating with outstanding achievements and winning Best Portfolio in her graduating class, she quickly landed numerous high-profile opportunities working for Comcast, and some of the most elite names within the pharmaceutical industry.
While her core passion lies in documentary and features, she holds a unique admiration for motorcycles and 2-wheeled adventures. She has worked closely with some of the most famous female icons within the motorcycle subculture, as well as being invited to capture and produce work for both The Dream Roll and Babes Ride Out, two of the most prestigious all-female motorcycle events in the United States. These opportunities went on to land her collaboration works with Triumph, and Harley-Davidson.
Projects with Purpose
Because a large part of what we do here at JTWO is create projects through our Projects That Matter Initiative, we knew Aly was the perfect fit while we were looking to expand our team. She has been working on personal social change projects as a documentary filmmaker covering the recent Presidential Election and the Women’s March here in Philadelphia that has caught the eye of media outlets such as the Huffington Post.
In Aly's Words
“Teamwork is the most essential part of this industry. What we see in movies and on television wouldn’t be possible without a carefully curated group of individuals coming together to help execute a common vision. There is no “I” in team. This is not the industry to float on ones ego, but rather, help boost each other up and forward. I love this industry because it has given me the opportunity to meet and work with people from a wide variety of backgrounds. Writers, composers, directors, visual effects artists – those who grew up with riches, and those who grew up poor. We all have our own backstory and what lead us to this field and what keeps us driven and motivated. The thing we have in common is our passion for storytelling, whether it be in pre-production or the fine tuning in post. For some, finding a solid team can be hard to come by, but with JTwo, I have found a home.”
Chris Coughlan - "Originality in the Physical Form"
Chris Coughlan
Getting Started
Hello, my name is Chris Coughlan. I’m a recent graduate of Temple University with a Media Studies and Production degree.
When applying for the internship, I felt like this was my last resort. Nonprofessional sets weren’t giving me the experience I desperately needed. I’d been out of school almost a year. Not having a job right out of the gate pushed at my buttons.
Here at JTwo, my experience is like I’m at work. That has helped me feel more settled. I’ve been thrown right into working and creating. I’ve been one of the first to play around with the new A7S II. The FS7 looks quite appealing (Guys, this is my official request to try it. I’ve spent the past couple of days reading up on it). My goal is to work in the camera or lighting department. I want to help make the images that you see on a big screen.
At first, it was pretty daunting to be in the office. My bootcamp consisted of me in a room all by myself. That’s the very last place I’d hope to be. The inspirational videos are actually something I come back to when I feel in a rut. Especially when Jelani reminds me, or tells other people, that I look like Kenneth from 30 Rock. Thanks man, now I lack originality in the physical form as well.
I came to JTwo with the intention to hone my skills and work with higher grade cinema equipment. On top of that, I was looking for a team. Week 3 is coming to a close, and I’m happy to say I’ve been enjoying my stay. Opportunities to work on actual client projects are abundant. Your greatest learning experiences will come from these. Say yes to any of these opportunities. Volunteer as a tribute/slave to the Film Gods. I mean…be a PA.
You should absolutely read the blogs, they’ll do you justice. They may scare you, they’ll worry you, but they will HELP you. What’s most important is that you pay attention, they’re speaking from experience. Get through the bootcamp and reap the rewards of working on REAL things. I’m happy to say I’ve started shooting, and I will be going on my first set with the gang tomorrow. (UPDATE: I went, I shot, and had a blast with people of Bringing Hope Home.)
If I could give you the biggest tip of them all, research it before you ask a question. Half of my internship has been research and studying that research. Be prepared for whatever it is you are about to do. Learn more about what you currently do, you do not know as much as you think you do. I haven’t been yelled at or scolded just yet, but I’ve been avoiding it by staying on my toes and trying to get ahead of the game. It’s mostly because I worry myself. It’s probably a matter of time before my feelings get bruised.
Here’s to good luck and preparation. I look forward to the next blog, as I’ll likely have much more to say. You’re reading this because you proved yourself. Now, you have to keep that up.
Jake Price - "Don't Get Too Comfortable"
Jake Price
Rowan University
It’s been a while since I wrote one of these. I’ve been interning at JTwo for about six months now and I’m loving every bit of it! A lot has happened since my last post, so I’ll run you through some quick updates:
- I DJed the JTwo New Years Eve party (lit)
- I wrote a more unified script for the interns video (now titled “The Studio Life” by Justin)
- I started shooting scenes for said video
- Oh, there’s a new intern this semester, Scott. He’s a cool guy!
- I got to star in a video for Comcast. I felt like a big star, having a makeup and wardrobe department at my disposal. But don’t worry, I’m still humble about being an amazing actor.
- I went to the Addy Awards with Scott and Travis and we took home 3 awards for JTwo!
- I started working on another video series to help with revamping the JTwo U program.
- I did some client work for Century 21 and a lot more client work for FAAR.
- Also, another intern, Chris, started a couple weeks ago.
So that’s a rushed overview of where things have been going, but I think what’s most important isn’t what I’ve done, but what I’ve learned. Sure, I learned skills here and there with editing or when using a camera or light, but I think some of the bigger things I learned had to do with my own work ethic. When I first started at JTwo, I was eager to show my bosses what I could do — this hasn’t changed — and I think I really kicked ass my first semester. I’m not saying I stopped trying, but I noticed that I definitely didn’t feel the same need to try as hard when I came back from my winter break. I felt more comfortable in the office (for the most part, a good thing!), but I got a bit too lax about it all. I came in late a few times and sometimes forgot to say when I was going to be in or not (my schedule this semester is confusing and changes week-to-week). For the most part, things have been great, but I learned that I need to always stay hungry for more work, always be at 100%, and always communicate with people. These are life skills I learned through trial and error, but hopefully you, future intern reading this, can see where I went wrong and do things right for yourself.
But, like I said, getting comfortable around the office isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Working at JTwo for six months means I’ve had more opportunities to bond with the people around me (the dogs, too). Some of the best parts of being at JTwo are the (unfiltered) conversations that pop up randomly throughout the day. I know that when this internship ends, that will be one of the things I miss most – the people.
I still have a month left, and after coming to terms with some of my flaws in the past, I’m committing to turning myself around and having an amazing last 4 weeks of being a JTwo intern.
Until next time,
Your friendly neighborhood Spiderman