My name is Tyler Andrew Davidson, and I have been interested in a career in cinema and video production for as long as I can remember. I got my first video camera and YouTube channel at 12 years old and started shooting action sequences and Lego stop motion with my friends. Through the years I learned some of the basics of production and storytelling through experience. My senior year of high school, I signed up for the only video production class the school offered, which gave students the opportunity to work together to produce the school’s weekly news program. Since graduating high school, I have worked on a handful of notable projects outside of my school assignments. Twice, I participated in the LDS Film Festival’s 24-Hour (now 48-Hour) Marathon competition. The first time, I wrote, directed, and edited the project myself. For the 2019 competition, I worked with a partner on producing, writing and directing, but edited myself. I have also started a small wedding video business in the past year, but have only had the opportunity to do two weddings so far. In classes, I have always strived to do my best and to fulfill my assignments and tasks on time, especially in group work. I have had a number of group assignments that I worked on writing or directing, but my main focus is post-production.

I am most interested in pursuing a career in editing and visual effects work simply because I like the way it makes me feel. In editing, I get to directly see the results of my work and I am able to more easily recognize the effect that one frame has on the finished product. In the editing room, I get to take a series of video and audio clips, and turn them into a story. Ultimately, it feels to me like the type of work I could enjoy doing for as long as I am able to work. I have also recently taken an interest in visual effects and coloring work, and I am very excited to be able to learn more as I go through this program. While taking the Motion Picture Editing class, I was able to earn my Avid Media Composer User Certification.

The entertainment world is changing. I, and many others my age, now consume more media from Internet sources like YouTube than from broadcast television or traditional cinema. Because of this, I have been influenced toward a career in online content creation, rather than the same Hollywood dreams that are had by many others with similar interests. I want to be able to use my talents to influence other people, whether that be through educational or entertaining content, because I know I would not be the person I am today if it were not for those who have gone before me.