In mid-August, members of Wide Angle Productions (WAP) had the opportunity to visit Video Production Consulting, Inc. (VPC, Inc.) in Reisterstown, Maryland. VPC is a production company that specializes in content creation, live event production, digital signage, and A/V systems integration. This was VPC’s second summer hosting WAP for a Job Shadow Day, and our team had the pleasure of meeting many members of their incredible staff! They gained key industry insights from Josh Harmon and Neil Gerardo of the video department, Geoff Bowman, who’s an amazing animator, Eileen Rothouse who oversees marketing and development, and the CEO, Eli Eisenberg, who shared many career stories and powerful words of wisdom. 

Wide Angle Productions’ visit was led by Mace Lester. He was accompanied by Curtis, Saki, Sama, and Brandon Armstrong. Everyone enjoyed this experience and had many thoughts to share afterwards. Here are a few take-aways!

“I learned that there are plenty of opportunities for media makers in Baltimore that many students don't know about. I was amazed at the amount of history and innovation that VPC, Inc. created as an organization over the last few decades...if you work hard, you will find the results that you are looking for and opportunities will find you. I learned that many of us filmmakers run into identical technical issues and personal issues as professionals, creators and entrepreneurs. I learned that I should always invest more into myself. I should always be on a quest for knowledge and diversify my skill-set and network with the people who are as motivated as I am to grow and develop.”

-Curtis Wilson

“I was surprised to find that VPC does a lot of what we do (with the exception of much sooner deadlines) and it reassured me that I’m on the right track! I definitely want to learn more about animation because I feel it is such an important skill-set and creates opportunity to really expand my creative vision. I also want to expand my presence in the event coordinating aspect. Curating the environment, not just the media aspect, is important to set the stage for the entire event.” 

- Sakinah Bowman

Thank you VPC for inviting us into your space, for showing us your workflow and sharing your history. You have truly inspired our apprentices to embark upon their media journey. Good luck to you all and your endeavors - see you next year! 

Workforce partners like VPC share industry knowledge with youth apprentices and give them a sense of what it's like to work in media. We're always looking for new partners to host our youth - email us at info@wideanglemedia.org for more info!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mace Lester is the Producer & Equipment Manager at WAYM.