Video Production Internship with Pittsburgh Opera Provides Hands-On Experience for Cinema Student Student Profile
Meet Julius Thomas '22
- Job Title & Employer
- Video Production Intern, Pittsburgh Opera
- Major/Program
- Cinema Production
- College Activities
- Cross country and track
- Hometown
- Washington, Pa.
- High School
- Chartiers-Houston High School
- Dream Job
- Editor for narrative television
"I was very impressed with Julius’ reel. It showed good vision, creative thinking and polished editing skills. This internship requires the intern to have multiple skill sets. They have to capture footage inconspicuously and then edit it in innovative, compelling ways. They also must be confident enough to approach strangers and get good man on the street sound bites. His reel told me he could do the former. Our interview told me he could do the latter."
"My undergraduate experience has prepared me for this role by giving me opportunities to gain filmmaking experience. Before coming to Point Park, I had little familiarity with working on films or creating content, but throughout my years here, I’ve worked on more and more projects, honing my skills on each one, collaborating with others and figuring things out along the way."
Why did you choose Point Park’s cinema production program?
I always knew that I wanted to be involved with filmmaking at a young age, so being from the Pittsburgh area and finding out that Point Park offered a cinema production program was an ideal situation. It was not only close to home, but it’s located in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh.
What steps did you take to secure an internship with Pittsburgh Opera?
The steps I took to secure an internship with Pittsburgh Opera was first applying to the organization, sending them my cover letter, resume and reel. I then was offered an interview, and during that interview, I had to make sure to establish that I had the skills necessary for the position and the drive to go above and beyond any given tasks.
What are your responsibilities as a video production intern?
As a video production intern, I help make promotional content for the Pittsburgh Opera. This consists of video projects like opening night testimonials, where I record footage of each opera performance and intercut that with sound bites from audience members talking about the opening night of the show and hearing their thoughts. Some future projects will be behind-the-scenes videos to see what happens off-stage in the opera world, and a video capturing the Pittsburgh Opera’s fashion show.
In what ways has your undergraduate experience prepared you for this role?
My undergraduate experience has prepared me for this role by giving me opportunities to gain filmmaking experience. Before coming to Point Park, I had little familiarity with working on films or creating content, but throughout my years here, I’ve worked on more and more projects, honing my skills on each one, collaborating with others and figuring things out along the way.
What advice do you have for high school students considering Point Park?
My advice to any student considering Point Park is that they should just go for it. Point Park feels like a close-knit community that presents its students with a variety of different opportunities.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I’ve never seen an opera before interning with Pittsburgh Opera, but after seeing my first show, it’s truly an interesting experience. I recommend going to see a show at least once because you never know if you might like it.