Lycoming College seniors Christina Moliterno and Jehiel Boner recently participated in internships at EC Productions, an Emmy Award-winning commercial and documentary production company based in Los Angeles. The company visited Williamsport twice to film Susquehanna Health commercials, which are expected to appear on television in Pennsylvania and New York.
Moliterno is a digital media communications major with a focus on filmmaking and Boner is a business marketing major with a minor in digital media communications. They received the chance to work with EC Productions by way of Lycoming’s digital media program and Leah Peterson, assistant professor and chair of communication, who was enthusiastic about the opportunity.
“It’s a good feeling when national organizations reach out to the digital media program looking for students to work with them due to the strong reputation that we’ve built,” Peterson said. “It says a lot about the strength of the program and the high quality of work that our students produce.”
On the set, Moliterno and Boner worked as production assistants for producer Bruce Spears and director Eric Christiansen. Moliterno’s day-to-day duties consisted of assembling shooting packets, which included story boards, locations, directions and phone numbers — everything a producer needs to know to navigate the area and get in touch with people as quickly and efficiently as possible.
“I was an asset to the company because I knew the area really well and was able to run out and get supplies for them if they needed,” Moliterno said. “Everyone was so willing to help me out in answering my questions and seemed interested in the things I’ve done as well. It was a great back-and-forth I did not expect. We all were friends on a set rather than co-workers.”
Boner’s daily roles included preparing the set for the day, as well as being a sit-in model for the production team as they arranged the lights and cameras. He also was able to study Christiansen as the director arranged shots, guided actors and managed all the complicated elements that go into making a commercial.
“I have not only gained experience about commercial video production, but I also started building a great network within the industry,” Boner said. “People say that it’s all about who you know in the entertainment business, but I found out that it is more than that. It’s all about how hard you work and the impression you make on people, especially on set. People are more likely to help you out or refer you for a job when you do a good job.”
Both students were introduced to several people in the media industry, including a production crew member of the hit comedy “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” producers from Harrisburg and cameramen from Salt Lake City, Utah. They also had fun experimenting with an aerial camera rig called a “Cinechopper.” The hovering camera, which is used to get smooth shots from above, has eight propellers and requires two people to control it by remote at all times.
Lycoming College is a four-year, residential liberal arts and sciences school dedicated to the undergraduate education of 1,400 students. Its rigorous academic program, vibrant residential community and supportive faculty foster successful student outcomes. Lycoming offers 36 academic majors and is recognized as a Tier 1 institution by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1812 and located near the banks of the Susquehanna River in Williamsport, Pa., Lycoming is one of the 50 oldest colleges in the nation. For more information, visit www.lycoming.edu.