#PittsburghMe: Meet Keith Tucker, Cinema Production Major

Meet Keith Tucker

Major/Program: Cinema Production
Graduation: April 2019
Scholarships: Artistic Scholarship
Hometown: Erie, Pa.
High School: McDowell High School
Dream Job: Film editor or audio engineer

"[A film I edited] screened at Point Park when Bob Ducsay, a film editor known for Godzilla, Looper, and Star Wars the Last Jedi was visiting. He and I talked after the screening which was a huge opportunity. He was enthusiastic about my work and encouraged me to move out west after school. It was an unreal experience that I’m very grateful for."

Keith Tucker

Why did you choose Point Park University?

I chose Point Park primarily for the location. I knew I wanted to be in or around an urban environment and Point Park is planted perfectly in Downtown Pittsburgh. The film program, urban environment and the fact that campus is close to home were the main selling points for me. I also knew I wanted to be at a smaller school. My eighth grade class consisted of 14 kids, but my high school class had over 700. Experiencing the two extremes made it apparent that I fit better within a small community. Point Park checked all of those boxes and it hasn’t let me down.

What opportunities have you had through your major?

My biggest opportunity through Point Park has been editing a senior thesis film as a junior. I worked with an amazing crew who are now all working in the field. The film, Late Night Today, premiered at the Shot for Shot Student Film Festival at Carnegie Mellon University. Shortly after, it also screened at Point Park when Bob Ducsay, a film editor known for Godzilla, Looper and Star Wars the Last Jedi was visiting. He and I talked after the screening which was a huge opportunity. He was enthusiastic about my work and encouraged me to move out west after school. It was an unreal experience that I’m very grateful for.

How has your major prepared you for your internship with Animal Inc.?

The cinema program has greatly prepared me for my internship at Animal Inc., a production company in Downtown Pittsburgh. They do a lot of work in post-production, which is my concentration. One of the first things I was tasked with was using Nuke, the industry standard VFX software, to rotoscope 15 different fruits and vegetables for a GNC ad campaign. I’ve taken classes at Point Park that focus on learning Nuke, and have been able to learn more about it from the VFX team at Animal. I’ll have an advantage in the field now that I understand the program better than an average college grad.

You have been a Pioneer Ambassador for two years. What have you enjoyed most about this leadership opportunity?

Being a Pioneer Ambassador (PA) has been so much fun. The best part is having the opportunity to meet many wise and friendly people. Past and current PA’s are now some of my best friends. I’ve genuinely grown as a person through this program. On top of that, there’s no better feeling than aiding the freshman transition into college. Our new students are going to do outstanding work at Point Park.

Pittsburgh is a great food city. What is your favorite dish in the ‘Burgh?

I’m a huge Pamela’s Diner fan and I have to say their blueberry flapjacks are my favorite. I simply love breakfast food and their secret recipe is to die for - just ask former President Obama. However, I also go crazy for a burger and milkshake from Burgatory. Nothing beats eating a fiddy-fiddy burger (patty made with 50% beef and 50% bacon) topped with guacamole and onion straws. An honorable mention goes to any of the mac n’ cheese dishes from Harris Grill.

What advice would you give to incoming students?

One piece of advice I wish I had as an incoming student was to keep better records. There is a lot going on in college and it goes by incredibly fast. Keep a journal, take pictures and write down what you do because eventually, you’ll forget it. And of course, work hard, eat healthy, try to sleep and do as much as you can. Just do things. You never know what it could lead to.

#PittsburghMe: Meet Keith Tucker, Cinema Production Major Student Profile