By Ashley Wehrs
The SCAD Alumni Panel began at 4:00 p.m. Oct. 31, featuring five alumni, four of which studied film and television, and the fifth, sound design. The returning alumni included: Fox Digital Studios’ Director of Production Thomas Verrette, Prop Fabricator and Master Noreen Souza-Bailey, Independent Producer Paula Wood, BUNGiE’s Cinematic Director Matt Ward and Sound Editor Filipe Messeder.
Verrette, Souza-Bailey, Wood, Ward and Messeder revealed the moment they first realized they were a part of the industry, what they wished they’d done at SCAD and practices to begin before entering the professional world.
The alumni described their series of internships and odd jobs that led them to where they are now. Fox Digital Studios, “Be Kind Rewind,” “The Get Down” and George Lucas were all names dropped for their previous projects.
Although they acknowledged their pride in the successes they’ve garnered, they made sure to emphasize constant learning and humility. “You’re going to have many ‘A-HA!’ moments, and you’re going to have many failures,” Souza-Bailey said. “It doesn’t matter if you did a great job on a film last year, this is this year.”
The group had a lot to say about feeling like imposters. Despite being confident in their skills, the fear it’s all a dream that could be yanked away still lingers. “I think it’s fundamental for artists to feel like they’re imposters,” Ward said. Beyond that, they each admitted to making things up as they go along or learning in short timelines. Messeder addressed his own fear and how he uses it as an advantage and catalyst for his projects. “There is nothing more inspiring than being on the edge,” Messeder said.
Souza-Bailey touched on the importance of taking in surroundings and learn from peers. “You ultimately figure out how to do it [just] talk to guys who have more experience,” Souza-Bailey said. “I’ve got this guy who wants us to blow up a car. What’s a safe way to do that?”
Past their fond memories at SCAD, the five alumni didn’t shy away from their regrets. Wood addressed the importance of connecting with peers in the lens of self-care amidst school work, but also what comes with those relationships later on. “You rise up, you bring everybody else up,” Wood said.
Verrette reflected on some missed opportunities with SCAD’s study abroad program. It wasn’t until Verrette graduated, that he finally visited SCAD Lacoste. “I found myself uninspired from working so hard,” Verrette said. That trip left him wishing he’d gone sooner, as it changed his perspective and provided so many experiences to inspire his work.
As many students wonder how to succeed in this industry, they advised to start some practices now. They included simple tips such as staying present, showing up on time and never stop learning. “[Be conscious of] how you speak, the things you say,” Souza-Bailey said. “Before you start your career, don’t end it.”
