What is your current role?
I lead the internal digital production arm with the Boston Celtics. We handle internal content production needs from digital to social and commercial. Over the past couple years, I have developed my strengths in motion graphics. I spend most of my creative time in post-production and motion graphics. I work with IT managing our infrastructure and digital assets in addition to leading a talented team of versatile shooter/editors. We cover a wide range of events and document what we can to connect and grow the bond between our fans and our players, which includes traveling with the team for some behind-the-scenes access.
Name a person who helped you be successful at Nebraska and how:
There are many names, but Rick Alloway and Trina Creighton are two I'll highlight because opportunities are huge in broadcasting for practicing and honing the craft.
I was on 90.3 KRNU my first semester thanks to Rick. He also gave me many opportunities to broadcast sports on KRNU, so he played a role from the start.
Trina was like a mother to me, always supportive and encouraging. She included me in many projects she had going on over the years. Many of her sayings still stick with me to this day. One saying I've used the most is: "Leave them wanting more!"
Star City News for two reasons:
1. I remember covering a story about someone who won the lottery. I had a camera, and I was amidst a flock of other media. Someone walked by and gave me a rough description of someone to look out for. A guy in a hat and sunglasses rounded the corner, and went down a staircase. No other media moved, so I didn't either. Come to find out, the info I heard was legit. I missed out on capturing it because I was influenced by other media. I learned that following the crowd wasn't always the best idea.
2. I also learned that I was better behind the camera than in front of it. I enjoyed editing and working on packages in the edit bay more than being on camera, so it helped me make that decision and keep moving forward.
Are you working on any special projects?
I have teamed up with two former Huskers to start a podcast called CREATIV sports podcast. Brock Raum (Engineer at Beck.tv), and Garrett Wright (Big Ten Network Producer for The Journey) have both been great resources since our time together at Nebraska. We have all taken different paths since we graduated, and they have both been great resources for me over the years. It's been a really fun project to connect with them on a more regular basis, and lean on each others strengths to deliver variety and insight in the sports production industry. It's our way to give back to a community that we feel fortunate to be a part of.
What would you say is the most important skill or quality to have "out in the real world"?
Effort!
It sounds simple, but is a difference maker. I like how Angela Duckworth puts it in her book "Grit":
Effort x Talent = Skill
Skill x Effort = Achievement
She notes that effort counts twice. You will run into people who just want to show up in the real world. Cultivating a growth mindset and focusing on finding a way to get better is more fulfilling.
What advice do you have for current students, prospective students?
Opportunities to explore and try new things are imperative to your growth and helping you better understand what you want to do. I started down one path, and after many opportunities and experiences, I found something else that I enjoyed more still within broadcasting. It's these opportunities that you get at CoJMC that will jump start your career.
See what Justin is working on:
