Tell us a bit about your organization and what your specialty is in the film and video space.
Digital Learning supports our university instructors in building out asynchronous, on-line courses for the student population unable to attend classes on campus. The Digital Learning Studio supports the mission in creating educational content which is informative and entertaining. Our staff is able to film on-location or in our 1200 sqft. studio.
What is your organization’s ethos and how does it set you apart from industry competitors?
Digital Learning is a transformative campus unit at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, focused on advancing UT’s commitment to discovery, learning, and engagement, specifically for fully online students. Our team of experienced professionals is driven by a passion for higher education and our shared goal: providing the same great UT higher education experience to online students anytime and anywhere.
How can people join or learn more about what you do?
https://digitallearning.utk.edu
Tell us about your Telly Award winning piece. What’s the story behind it?
These videos were created to bring the in-person experience of touring the university’s greenhouses into an online environment, allowing students to engage with the material remotely while maintaining the course’s experiential learning focus.
What are you most proud of about this piece? What was your biggest challenge during production and how did you solve it?
I loved doing on-location shoots, and this video series had the added pleasure of being outdoors and learning something new. I enjoy telling the story of our university’s endeavors and highlighting the dedication of both the professional staff and students whose hard work keeps the greenhouses thriving and accessible to all.
Do you have any advice to other filmmakers based on your career or your team’s approach to work?
My advice would be to truly care about who you’re speaking to. Don’t just listen—get to know them. Honor and respect the space they’ve created for their work.
Can you share a behind the scenes story or fun fact about the making of your piece?
The professor and I have grown really close through this project, and it’s been so special to see our collaboration turn into a true friendship.
Tell us about the most memorable response you got from this work.
Students have shared with their professors that the videos helped them feel more connected to campus.
Complete this sentence: ‘Great video storytelling is…’
… capturing a story in a way that brings it to life for people who might never have known it existed. It’s about showing the heart and dedication behind a subject — whether it’s people, places, or ideas — and sharing it through the collaboration of a team that makes the story possible. At its best, it connects viewers to something meaningful, letting them experience the spark, care, and effort that went into creating it.
