Cinema Production Major Katt Kersting Interns at PMI Digital Student Profile
Meet Katt Kersting '22
- Job Title & Employer
- Production Intern, PMI Digital
- Major/Program
- Cinema Production
- Minor
- Concentrating in directing
- College Activities
- Resident Educator and Mentor, Cinema Arts Ambassador and Apprentice
- Hometown
- North Huntingdon, Pa.
- High School
- Norwin High School
- Dream Job
- Special effects makeup artist and horror filmmaker
- Hobbies & Interests
- Special effects makeup, beauty makeup, cosplay, acting, piano, cooking
"Katt came in with a glowing recommendation from Andrew Halasz, which was a major factor of consideration. This, combined with her vast work experience within and outside of the video production field made our team confident that she has a good attitude and work ethic."
"The cinema production program has passionate professors who have so much knowledge in their respective fields. When you leave Point Park, you take with you a resume/portfolio filled with projects and experiences, a network of industry connections and knowledge on all aspects of filmmaking."
What factors led you to pursue a degree in cinema production from Point Park?
I knew I wanted to go into the cinema industry from a young age. Between my obsession with the works of Tim Burton and my father showing me classic horror films like Halloween and the Saw series, I held a passion for the creepy, gory and whimsical in the world of movies and I knew I needed to get my hands on it.
At age 10, I found my love for special effects makeup and would record/edit short films and tutorials of my looks on my iPad. My parents and loved ones supported me in my unusual interests and guided me to the path of a cinema production degree in the very city where zombies came to life, and the rest is history.
Tell us about the work you do as an intern.
My internship at PMI is in-person and remote. I do a variety of tasks, including: sitting in on the weekly production meeting to hear about current and upcoming projects, helping Colleen O'Neill and the crews on commercial production shoots, loading/unloading equipment and even helping to operate a teleprompter. This internship allows me to network and learn so much about the business, including working on my own mock commercial campaign from scratch.
How have Point Park’s classes and faculty helped you excel in this internship?
Point Park's classes and faculty have appropriately played out the reality that is the flow of the industry with my curriculum. When I walked into this internship, I felt confident in my knowledge of how a project moves through the different stages of pre-production, production and post-production. When I was on set, I understood equipment and positions and was able to be a valuable crew member, lending a hand in a pinch. Overall, the Department of Cinema Arts aims to teach students how to be a reliable individual in the industry, which has prepared me to be a valuable member of the team at PMI.
Why would you recommend Point Park’s cinema production program to a prospective student?
The cinema production program has passionate professors who have so much knowledge in their respective fields. They will push you, but they do so to help you develop your voice and vision. You will create stories and use equipment your first semester of college. When you leave Point Park, you take with you a resume/portfolio filled with projects and experiences, a network of industry connections and knowledge on all aspects of filmmaking.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Dare to be different and never be afraid to be you.