JTWO Welcomes Intern Kerri Sage
KERRI SAGE
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Back To The Beginning
Back To The Beginning
By Kerri Sage
Kerri Sage is a cinematographer based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She began her career at the age of 26 after serving four years in the US Navy, where she draws inspiration from her experiences in active duty. She tells narrative stories through close up shots of emotion and her use of colored lighting.
I’ve been behind the camera since the age of ten, when my mother finally trusted me with her Canon T2i. It started with photography – taking self portraits, pictures of plants on nature walks, and many, many photos of our childhood cats. I had dozens of folders on the family computer of pictures of my friends and I goofing off, poorly made edits on PicMonkey, and one attempt at photoshopping a tattoo on my shoulder [it didn’t turn out well].
I’ve always wanted to work behind the camera, and in my own roundabout way, I’ve ended up back behind them. My interest in photography led me into the cinematography realm, along with my growing interest in the art of lighting. This past spring semester, I’ve ignited my passion for portrait photography again, and cannot wait to light that same spark for cinematography with JTWO Productions.
I’ve always wanted to work behind the camera, and in my own roundabout way, I’ve ended up back behind them. My interest in photography led me into the cinematography realm, along with my growing interest in the art of lighting. This past spring semester, I’ve ignited my passion for portrait photography again, and cannot wait to light that same spark for cinematography with JTWO Productions.
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 Jase Gibbons
JASE GIBBONS
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I’m not an artist
I’m not an artist
By Jase Gibbons
Now I know that title is a bold statement for someone who has spent the last 7+ years of their life fully focusing on filmmaking, but there is reasoning behind it. My whole life I have wanted to be an electrical engineer. The idea of working with electronics and modern technology trying to solve different problems was the best thing in my young naive little mind. Even going into high school I had it all planned out that I was going to go to college for electrical engineering and that was that nothing could change my mind. The idea of doing anything artistic was completely out of the question as I had nearly failed my middle school art class just the year before. If you’re thinking, “How is it even possible to fail an art class” I was wondering the same thing. The thought in my mind was always that I was never artistic and that I had no ability to create art and stories that people could connect to and enjoy.
Freshman year of high school that all began to change. I was placed into Communication Technology 1, the introductory video production class at my high school, because I had messed up my schedule and that was the only class that was still available. After completing that class I started to rethink my steadfast idea of just wanting to be an electrical engineer. In that class I was able to make “artistic” products and they were videos that people seemed to have enjoyed. They were the worst things I have ever laid my eyes on but they were videos that I had made and they had a somewhat cohesive story behind them.
That summer I tried to figure out why I liked making videos so much and what about it appealed to me so much because I never liked anything traditionally seen as artistic. I figured that it was because it was a very technologically heavy field and so having that technological connection helped me work better and appreciate filmmaking. I was right, sort of, with this thinking, but I wouldn’t really discover what it was that created that connection until much later.
Recently, as in within a year or so from now, I discovered that I enjoyed filmmaking because to me it wasn’t art, it was engineering. I realized that when I’m making videos I’m not making the stories that are being told, like most art does. My videos are all engineering plans and constructions of stories that already exist. I’m just doing the calculations necessary to take all of the raw materials, labor, and planning needed to put them together in a final product. This in particular explains my affinity towards nonfiction filmmaking and wanting to showcase those in the world around me and make their stories into videos.
For the first three years of my Penn State college career I’ve used the filmmaking tools I’ve collected to create a wide variety of both nonfiction and fiction videos. Everything from concert videos, stories about families dealing with pediatric cancer, to a 30 minute short film with a crew of 15+. The one thing that all of these videos have in common is that the stories are already happening. Each video’s story is a living, breathing, and constantly evolving thing that doesn’t begin the moment a camera is turned on. My role as a filmmaker is simply to use the tools I have, to take the raw materials that are stories and mold them into a format that others can connect with.
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 Eva Cheeseman
EVA CHEESEMAN
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From Field to Stage to Frame
By Eva Cheeseman
My brother is a genius. He knew how to program an algebra calculator to run a function game of Flappy Bird in sixth grade. He can solve a Rubik’s cube in less than a minute. He got an Ivy League education in computer science and moved to Seattle after graduation to work corporate in one of the biggest companies in the world. I, on the other hand, did not get straight A’s in grades 1 through 12. I did not know how to code at the ripe age of 13, and I certainly cannot solve a Rubik’s cube. I was the kid who did really well in art class but needed tutoring in math. I was diagnosed with ADHD in 7th grade and had to prepare for standardized tests much longer than the average kid. However, if there is one thing I know how to do, it’s tell a story. Growing up, I loved to make videos. Whether it was a music video for a Jay Sean song or a rant about why grated parmesan cheese is better than shredded, I’ve always had a connection to storytelling through moving images.
I originally came to college for theater, and had years of acting lessons and musical theater experience under my belt. But when I became a full time student at
Temple University amidst a global pandemic, I realized it wasn’t for me. I enjoyed acting, but I wanted even more freedom to be creative beyond the usage of my own voice and facial expressions. Feeling lost, I transferred into Media Studies and Production as a sophomore and immediately fell in love. Not only was I learning how to record and edit footage with professional-grade equipment, but I was able to create a story from scratch and execute it in a team. I’ve gone from telling a story in front of a camera to behind, making my expertise full circle in connection to an audience.
As for my goals, I wish to work in sports for the best fanbase in the world: Philadelphia. As someone who played a handful of sports during childhood and adolescence, I strive to continue to implement sports in my free time and profession. Philadelphia has a level of grit that continues to surprise me, despite growing up here. We’re tough, we’re honest, and we know how to keep things interesting. It seems that JTWO has that same grit, which is why I’m so excited to be a part of this team. I can’t wait to learn, create, and grow.
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 Siena Twiss
SIENA TWISS
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THE STORY BEHIND THE STORIES
By Siena Twiss
I have been a storyteller since I was 9 years old. Picking up my dad’s iPad, grabbing my friends next door, and using my loudmouth and bossy nature to direct them in my stories. Some days they were zombies, other days dancers or girls in love. They’d dress up in costumes and ridiculous makeup and we would all work together to bring a story to life. As I grew up so did my skills. An iPad turned into my first camera, my neighbors to classmates, an app to premiere and a backyard to a real set.
Filmmaking is what I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember. It was the only thing I ever knew for sure, the only thing that ever made me feel like I could really do something. I grew up in a very competitive family, who’s passion lied in mainly sports. I gave their way a shot. I joined the track team, swam for several years, tried soccer and lacrosse; but nothing stuck the way art did. A typical tale, but my journey landed me in the Film and Television department at Drexel University and now JTWO.
One of the most monumental things that has ever happened to me during my filmmaking career thus far was being the first female DP at a film program made for young people. This program has been running for over 20 years. It was my first look into what this industry looks like for women and how important it is to use your voice, and more importantly trust your voice. Part of my passion for filmmaking is using the medium to educate and speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. It is our responsibility as artists to use these platforms we create in an impactful way and tell stories that need to be told.
Despite making films for what feels like my entire life, my passion has never withered. I still feel the magic of bringing a story to life, the excitement of being on set and the satisfaction of seeing that final product. In the past years I have made several projects that I can confidently say I am proud of. My latest project was made in my Micro Budget course, which teaches students to use the resources they have available to them to create the best film they can. After a couple days of shooting and navigating directing actors using entirely improv, the result was a 20-minute-long, completely wild experimental film that has been one of my favorite projects to date. This project reminded me why I wanted to be a filmmaker and what filmmaking really is to me. Filmmaking to me is about trusting your gut and having fun while bringing to life the weird ideas you have as an artist. Filmmaking is all about collaborating and trusting not only yourself, but your team. Most importantly, it is about believing in your story and telling it right. I am so excited to bring my ideas and passions to JTWO and continue to learn and grow as a filmmaker and storyteller in the months to come.
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.
"POLO PRODIGY" BY SARA LATTA
"POLO PRODIGY"
Director: Sara Latta
Chamoinix EQ’s “Work to Ride” program is transforming Philly youth into elite polo players while teaching the skill of horsemanship. The program provides a safe haven for kids who would otherwise have no positive alternatives for after school. The stuents learn to work as a team to maintain the stables while building their self esteem, learning the meaning of teamwork and mastering a new sport. Mosiah (Mo) Gravesande has been apart of the program for 10 years and is now a graduating senior. He reflects on Polo and Work to Ride as a whole and how it has changed his life.
GO DEEPER
Philadelphia is known for the Eagles, Sixers, Flyers and Phillies – all prime time sports in this city. What if I told you that right in Fairmount Park, in the heart of West Philadelphia, there are kids learning how to play polo?
Chamounix Equestrian Center started their “Work to Ride” Program in 1994 as a community- based prevention program to assist urban youth in developing new skills and open their eyes to nature. The program’s vision is to create a safe haven for youth that are in inflicted by poverty and help them to develop confidence, self-esteem and develop skills for chosen activities.
The horseback riding would in the media, is dominated as a place for rich affluent white people in which you rarely see African American or other Persons of Color (POC) in these spaces. However, in the Work to Ride Program, POC are made to feel welcome, and in a place where they belong.
I started riding horses when I was 6 years old. I remember instantly connecting with them and asking my mom for a pony and telling her we could just keep it in our small backyards in the Bronx. Since I am a “city kid”, I didn’t have much of an opportunity to ride all year long. However, I was privileged enough to be able to go to camp ever summer and live out my farm girl fantasies. When I found out about “Work to Ride” I was instantly interested in the program and the kids stories.
Every film has their set backs or bumps in the road. Mine was that it was my first time directing and having a very small but mighty crew in order to bring my vision to light. Being a photographer, I’m used to being solo. It was a challenge having to explain my vision and trusting that it didn’t get lost in translations. That on top of it being my very first time editing/coloring a project this big. I am proud of the end results.
MEET THE DIRECTOR
Sara Latta is an up and coming Digital Media Creator based in Philadelphia, PA. She studied photography at Drexel University and recently decided to bring her visual style to film. With help from JTWO Films and her [INC]ubator project, she was able to bring her first film project to life.
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.
"IN MOTION" By Isabella Medina
"IN MOTION"
Director: Isabella Medina
Julia is an extraordinary person, full of ambition, determination, and kindness. She is currently a D1 rower at the University of Delaware, a sport she had never experienced before trying out for the team as a freshman. In her sophomore year, she was awarded a full-ride scholarship due to her outstanding performance.
GO DEEPER
Being a D1, D2, or D3 rower comes with a lot of mental toughness. Rowing is a sport that utilizes every major body part, your arms, legs, and abdomen. A rower pushes with their legs and pulls with their arms. Rowing requires extreme endurance, strength, and pain tolerance.
My best friend, Julia, is a D1 novice rower and hasprovided me with a variety of knowledge about the world of competitive rowing. This information has allowed me to approach my film project with a unique perspective. As someone with a passion for sports and documentaries, I am excited to explore the world of rowing through the lens of documentary filmmaking. I believe that by showcasing the struggles, sacrifices, and accomplishments of athletes, I can inspire my audiences and create a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world of competitive sports.
I am dedicated to telling meaningful and impactful stories that resonate with audiences, and I believe that this project will allow me to do just that.
Julia’s endurance, strength, and pain tolerance are exceptional, making her an impressive athlete. Julia’s story is poof to the fact that with determination and hard work, anyone can accomplish anything they set their mind to. I would like to honor Julia’s journey and showcase her extraordinary athletic abilities while inspiring the audience to never give up on their dreams.
MEET THE DIRECTOR
Isabella Medina is a dedicated Film and Media Arts student at Temple University, located in the Philadelphia, PA. After years of hard work and dedication, Isabella is finally set to graduate this May. Throughout her time at Temple University, Isabella has gained a variety of knowledge and practical experience in the film and media arts industry.
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.
"LAID OFF" by Nikai Morales
"LAID OFF"
Director: Nikai Morales
When a disgruntled employee is laid off via a mysterious letter that states their company is switching to AI labor, they decide to go fight their former boss for the job back.
GO DEEPER
Erin Walshe lives in unprecedented times. AI labor related layoffs have tanked the economy. Companies have let go thousands of employees using mailed red envelopes.
Then Erin loses their job, just after moving into a new apartment. They decide not to go down without fight. Erin goes into their hastily vacated office. It’s empty aside from the nepo baby who got to keep his job.
But, when Erin’s boss hears their plea. He tells them that there is one open position Erin could be perfect for. Erin is then given a position as a janitor to clean up the mess left behind from all the former employees.
The poster depicts Erin in their former office as red envelopes fall from the ceiling. I opted away from highlighting AI in the title as to not hint too much at the plot of the movie.
The dark red filter over the image references the color of the envelope and symbolizes anger and desire over the lost job. The envelope covering Erin’s eyes also inferences being blinded by anger and acting before thinking.
While searching for an adequate setting, the perfect office location seemed to allude us until reaching out to a non-profit organization that the director was affiliated with. They allowed us to film in their offices.
While on set, the motion sensors around the office would keep beeping anytime we moved in the lobby of the office which would be difficult for capturing sound. With a bit of gaff tape, we covered the motion sensors and stopped the beeping without accessing the system.
During our office shoot day, we sent Ben (Zach) to get lunch as he was done shooting for the day and we needed an extra hand. Ben forgot the director’s meal and drinks at McDonald’s. Instead of using the car to go get the food, he ran to McDonald’s to pick it up.
MEET THE DIRECTOR
Nikai Morales is a 23 year old director and artist based on the east coast. They’ve always had interests in varying media and the way it affects everyday communication. Through their master’s Nikai had the opportunity to pursue research in social media virality. Attempting to learn how it affects the perceptions of people who have gone viral and people who have seen viral content. Nikai has produced 4 short films, and is currently working on an independent feature. They aspire to create narrative stories about interpersonal relationships and how they’re affected by the digital age of communication.
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.
WHY SOUND DESIGN IS SO IMPORTANT
THE UNSUNG HERO OF VIDEO PRODUCTION
Let’s be real, when it comes to video production, most people get caught up in the visuals – cameras, lighting, special effects. But what about the unsung hero of video production? We’re talking about sound design, baby! That’s right, the creation and manipulation of audio elements in a video, including music, sound effects, and dialogue. And JTWO knows that sound design is crucial for creating videos that truly stand out.
Sound design isn’t just about making a video sound good. It can fundamentally change the way a video is perceived. Have you ever watched a horror movie with the sound off? It’s not really the same, is it? Sound design is able to create tension and build suspense. This use of sound is applicable to all genres of video production from a simple social media video to full documentaries. The right sound can transport the viewer to the location and make them fell like they’re right there with the subject or enhance an emotional moment. So if you’re wondering if sound design is really worth the investment, ask yourself this – would Jaws have been as terrifying without the iconic music? Would Star Wars be the same without the hum of a lightsaber? Probably not.
Sound design isn’t just about making a video sound good. It can fundamentally change the way a video is perceived. Have you ever watched a horror movie with the sound off? It’s not really the same, is it? Sound design is able to create tension and build suspense. This use of sound is applicable to all genres of video production from a simple social media video to full documentaries. The right sound can transport the viewer to the location and make them fell like they’re right there with the subject or enhance an emotional moment. So if you’re wondering if sound design is really worth the investment, ask yourself this – would Jaws have been as terrifying without the iconic music? Would Star Wars be the same without the hum of a lightsaber? Probably not.
UNLEASH YOUR BRAND'S POTENTIAL
TOP-NOTCH CREATIVE CREW
In the cutthroat business world, a standout brand story is crucial for survival. As a business, you need to unleash your brand’s potential with the right creative team. A well-crafted tale has the ability to set your business apart from the herd, strike an emotional chord with your audience, and boost sales like crazy. Video content has become a critical component of a successful brand storytelling strategy, with video consumption on the rise. So, what’s the key to telling a brand story that captivates and inspires? It’s all about hiring the right creative team.
First and foremost, the ideal creative crew will bring a truckload of knowledge, experience, and skill to the table. They’ll be experts in the latest marketing trends, consumer behavior, and how to spin a brand story that resonates with your target audience. They’ll translate your brand vision into a narrative that captures the essence of who you are and connects with your audience on a heartstring level. At JTWO, a video production company with a creative agency state of mind, we can help you tell your brand story is a captivating way. With our experience in storytelling and expertise in the latest video production techniques, we can help you make an everlasting impression. A video production company, we go above and beyond to provide you with the tolls you need to share your story across multiple platforms.
Not only that, but the right creative team like JTWO will know how to spread your brand story across all platforms and channels, making sure your messaging stays consistent and coherent. They’ll have the tools and talent to create content like videos, graphics, and written materials that bring your brand story to life in a visually stunning and impactful way.
Moreover, the ideal creative team will know how to measure the impact of your brand story and make data-driven decisions to continuously improve and optimize your marketing efforts. They’ll track metrics like engagement and conversions and use that data to make informed decisions that drive growth and success for your brand.
And lastly, a top-notch creative team will be your trusty sidekick, providing strategic advice and guidance as you navigate the ever-changing digital landscape. They’ll help you evolve your brand story to stay ahead of the curve and continue to drive success for your biz.
Hiring the right creative team is vital for telling your brand story in a way that grabs attention and leads to success in today’s business environment. Whether you’re launching a new product, rebranding your business, or just looking to grow, partnering with the right creative team will give you the tools, expertise, and support you need to soar.
Our JTWO team embodies all of these characteristics that will allow you to unleash your brand’s potential. We put the story first and put our heart and soul into every product we deliver. We understand that a brand is more than just a logo, it’s a promise to the world. That’s why we work tirelessly to craft brand stories that captivate, inspire, and drive success. Join us on this creative journey and let’s make magic together.
JTWO Teams Up with 96andX for City Fitness Commercial
We are thrilled to announce that we are teaming up with LA based Agency 96andX to produce a new City Fitness Philadelphia Commercial to Showcase Philly’s hottest Workout Scene.
We couldn’t be happier to work with the team from 96andX to bring their creative vision to life. Justin Jarrett will act as Director on the project with the rest of our JTWO Crew filling out the production team. We will also be responsible for capturing marketing photos for Ad placements and social.
Our team will also be handling post-production on the project as well.