Alumna Maranda Wodzinski is a Production Manager for Nancy Glass Productions

Meet Maranda Wodzinski

Degree earned: B.A. in Cinema Arts, 2009
Job title and employer: Production Manager, Nancy Glass Productions
Hometown: Imperial, Pa.
Now living in: Philadelphia, Pa.
High School: West Allegheny High School
Hobbies/interests: Cake decorating, model building and kickboxing

Why did you choose to attend Point Park?

I chose Point Park based on its comprehensive cinema program. It was great to have a hometown school with a degree program that included several different facets of cinema production. You could explore each position and concentrate on what interested you the most.

How did your Point Park experience prepare you for your career?

The education and training I received at Point Park prepared me for the first few steps into the business. We were encouraged to assist upperclassmen and our professors on their projects/films. It was nice to get a taste of what it was like to be on a real set, and it was very beneficial to work side-by-side with our professors in the field.

What are some of your key job responsibilities?

Recently I was a coordinator on Travel Channel's "Dangerous Grounds," starring Todd Carmichael. I was responsible for arranging the logistics for all of our shoots in the United States and overseas. This included everything from obtaining permits/visas, alerting consulates of our arrival, prepping, fixing and ordering gear, along with many other collaborative responsibilities our team shares to ensure that the shoot runs smoothly and safely.

Currently, I am a production manager on a Food Network show called "Save My Bakery," I manage our crew which films in Pennsylvania and Oklahoma. As a production manager, I work with every crew member in order to maintain our strict shooting schedule, along with managing budgets and everything in between.

What advice do you have for a prospective student?

Point Park's cinema and digital arts program is a great first step into the film and television industry. If this is the career you wish to study, I would advise you to learn as much as you can in every aspect of production. Take advantage of the comprehensive program that is offered at Point Park and soak it all in. I would highly suggest applying for internships (even if they are not required) and become active in the film/television community as soon as possible to generate early experiences and contacts.

Anything else you would like to add?

Graduation is only the beginning; it takes a long time to become established in your craft. Be eager to learn, ask questions and work your way up the ladder. It is a hard and cut-throat industry to survive in, but do your best, make friends and never forget who helps you out along the way. One day you can pay it forward and help someone else make it into the business.

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