Life Through the Lens of a Student Director

Nearing the beginning of her last quarter at Film school, Kathryn looks back on the things she’s learned thus far.

Trustees Theater on Broughton Street, Savannah, Georgia

For the past three years I’ve been a film student at the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD)! I’m a senior this year, meaning I graduate in a little under THREE MONTHS!!!!! AAHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!! My time spent here has opened so many doors for me, and has gotten me to assume roles on set that I never thought I would, and has helped me hone my skills in many different facets. I wouldn’t trade it for anything!

On set of my thesis short, The Book of Kyle

One of the main differences I find in everyday life since my introduction to the film industry is how I view movies and shows now versus before. I find myself appreciating how a scene is framed more than before because I’ve worked closely with people to figure out how to best tell a story through the framing alone. There are so many things that go into a shot, and though it may not seem like it, nothing is unintentional. (Unless it is, but most of the time it’s not.) The lighting, the colors, the costumes, the blocking, it's all a deliberate language, working in tandem with the script to tell a story. It's a puzzle meticulously assembled, and the effort invested is always evident on screen

On the set of Harmless, a SCAD senior thesis shot in March 2024 with Kronos Media Productions

The same goes for post production, everything is done for the sake of the story! I’ll be honest, I don’t know a lot about the technical side of editing, but I can appreciate the power of pacing and transitions in shaping a narrative. I've sat in on editing sessions, and even tried my hand at assembling cuts, and it's truly amazing how much a scene can change in the edit. A single cut can completely alter the emotional impact of a moment. I've learned to recognize the art of rhythm, how the length of a shot, the speed of a transition, or the choice of a sound effect can all contribute to the overall feeling of a scene. It's like a final layer of storytelling, where the editor acts as a conductor, orchestrating all the elements to create a cohesive and compelling whole. While I may not be the one at the editing bay all the time, I now have a much deeper respect for the craft and its crucial role in bringing a film to life.

My awesome and amazing crew on set for my senior thesis

These past three years have been a whirlwind of learning, creating, and discovering. I’ve poured my heart into my projects, and I’ve learned so much about myself and how I work as a creative in the process. As I prepare to leave SCAD, I’m filled with a mix of excitement and nostalgia. I’m ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, armed with the knowledge and passion I’ve gained here.

The next time you watch your favorite movie or TV show, try to notice the subtle details in a film's visual storytelling. What single element – lighting, framing, color – stands out to you the most, and how does it contribute to the story?

Thank's for reading, Happy Friday!