Artist Talks: Taking Risks and Making Films in a Supportive Community
Q&A With SSU Creative Video Editor and Videographer: Poppi
Have you ever wondered what it’s like being in the Film and Television program at Sheridan? We sat down with a recent Sheridan graduate, Poppi, to chat about life in the program and her plans for the future. Whether you’re heading into the BFTV student in the fall, passionate about working in the industry, or just want the inside scoop on college life, check out our Q&A chat:
“I've learned to be more confident in my decisions and my creativity, and that I have to keep trying in order to succeed.”
- Poppi Pellegrino
Q: What's the most exciting part of your program so far?
A: I think the most exciting part of my program would have to be being on set. There's nothing like helping out on a project you truly believe in and seeing it come together with the help of so many talented individuals!
Q: What's a project or assignment you're really proud of working on? What made it so rewarding?
A: I'm most proud of my thesis film "BROCA." This is an experimental-documentary hybrid that I directed this year, my final year, about how the mind-body connection alters after trauma. This was such a rewarding experience because I felt like I really got used to the role of director and improved in so many ways. It was incredibly affirming to finish the film and be happy with it, and I can't wait to direct again! :)
We have also been selected for the Oakville Film Festival, which is incredibly exciting! Here is a link to the trailer if you're interested!
Q: What's a hidden gem (an item, app, tool, software, etc.) that wasn't on your syllabus that you found to be essential to your success?
A: I love the Notion app for organizing my notes.
Q: What made you choose Sheridan and what made you select your program?
A: I've always been interested in films and making films, so I've known since I was a kid that I wanted to work in this industry. Originally, I wanted to go to Concordia University since they have a specialization in experimental film, but after getting into Sheridan I thought that this was my better choice. Sheridan has a very hands-on approach to filmmaking that is refreshing in post-secondary. Other schools like Toronto Metropolitan University have more of a focus on the historical elements of film and the theoretical side, which didn't fit what I wanted to pursue.
Q: Tell us about your experience in your program. What surprised you most? What was challenging?
A: I really loved my program at Sheridan. Here, I found a really supportive community of staff and students who just wanted you to succeed and would go out of their way to help you. I was most surprised by how especially supportive my cohort was. I'd been told before I went to college that film is a competitive field, but at Sheridan I think the true spirit of film is understood; it is a collaboration between creatives and not about one person being "the best." This was really nice to have and made the experience so much better.
I found the workload to be very challenging in this program, especially balancing my creative work (which I was often very excited to do) and my academic work (which still benefited my skillset but was harder to focus on when there was creative work I really wanted to do).
Q: What's something you wish you knew before going into this program?
A: I think nobody told me how important it would be to take risks. When I started in my first year, I was very scared to make personal stories because of how vulnerable that could be. However, when I stopped being scared of that I found that my films got better, my work became more meaningful, and I had an excellent creative outlet that I could use to process things in my life and get to know my creative side better.
Q: Favourite Course(s) & Why?
A: My favourite courses have been the sound courses because I loved the professor (shout out to Christien Ledroit!) and I found those classes to be super informative. Sound is something I am incredibly passionate about, and learning more about the technical elements brought my passion to a whole new level of understanding.
Q: What's something you learned about yourself in this program?
A: I think I've learned to be more confident in my decisions and my creativity, and that I have to keep trying in order to succeed. Those are very basic lessons, but I think it took me a while to understand that to be successful I have to say yes to as much as I can and to keep applying and trying new things.
Looking to get creative?
Check out these blogs and get inspired to try a new creative outlet or platform! You can even read the authentic experience of an Illustration student at Sheridan!