#PittsburghMe: Meet Janelle DeChancie, Cinema Production Major

Meet Janelle DeChancie

Major: B.A., Cinema Production
Expected graduation: December 2015
Hometown: Forest Hills, Pa.
High school: Woodland Hills High School

Why did you choose Point Park?

Point Park's film program was one of the only actual production programs in the area, and I didn’t want to go too far from home.

What makes going to Point Park for your major different from any other university?

Our cinema production program puts a camera in your hands your freshman year, and you start learning the ins and outs of film making immediately. Plus, Pittsburgh has entered a really great time for film and TV production, so going to New York or Chicago or even Los Angeles for school probably wouldn’t have given me the opportunities I’ve gotten here.

Have you had any internships? What were your responsibilities at your internship?

I worked on the two movies that were produced by The Chair (Hollidaysburg and Not Cool) as a set and wardrobe production assistant through a Point Park internship. I was also the production coordinator of a feature film directed by the former Cinema Arts Department chair and dean of the Conservatory of Performing Arts, Fred Johnson. I’ve had many opportunities for crew positions and internships because of the experience I’ve gotten at Point Park. A lot of the jobs I’ve had I got by simply reaching out when the offer was presented! There are endless opportunities here.

What activities are you involved with at Point Park (both on campus and off)?

I’m involved in many student and alumni productions year-round. Getting the chance to work on films by cinema alumni has been my favorite perk of the school’s program. In the past couple years I have worked on: Alumnus Steve Faber's short film, After Alice, as the second assistant director; Alumnus Lexx Truss' series pilot, Schema, as the fist assistant director, and Bailey Donovan's feature film, Back for Good, as a production assistant. Currently I'm producing two short films for my Production IV class.

What do you like most about being Downtown?

It’s so different from the suburbs of where I grew up. I love being able to walk or catch a short ride and explore an entirely new area of shops, restaurants and galleries.

Who is your favorite professor and why?

My favorite professor is Chris Sepesy. He engages students in film history instead of throwing facts at us, and makes us understand why each movie we’re shown is important.

What advice would you give to an incoming student?

Get familiar with the campus so you don’t get lost! Take some friends and go exploring in all the buildings you didn’t get to see on tours. You could find your own private study spot or an amazing view of the city. Then get outside!

#PittsburghMe: Meet Janelle DeChancie, Cinema Production Major Monday, October 26, 2015