Welcome to my blog!

I can hardly believe our first week of MMP studies ist kaput.

Back in September of 2004, I was just beginning my year-long tenure as the representative for Advanced Standing students on RTA's Departmental Council. One of our topics of discussion involved RTA's ending of the Advanced Standing program in order to take a step closer to launching the Media Production MA. As a member of Council I was entitled to read the MA's Letter of Intent to the government and, once I did, I knew I'd found *the* grad studies program for me.

All I had to do was wait. Three years. Week one's done, and I'm already certain it was worth the wait.

What did I do in the meantime? Well, I fell in love with teaching, for one. Whilst completing my RTA degree, I worked in our EFP Lock-Up and studios as a Labbie, and as a Teaching and Marking Assistant for Rick Grunberg and Jon Keeble. It was then that the seeds were sown. I found I was naturally able to reach students, and to motivate and guide them on their collective journey towards production greatness. For someone who'd never considered teaching, it came as quite a surprise to me. In fact, after my first undergraduate experience - a "Double Honours BA" in Communications/German (York made Comm. students choose a second major, and I've always loved languages, so...) - I was duly scared away from academia. Unfortunately, York U and I were, on the whole, not a good fit, for a multitude of reasons. But I digress. After a four-year break from studentdom, RTA took me on and Ryerson quickly reinstilled my faith in post secondary education. After graduation, I returned to work for the School of Radio and Television Arts full-time. And that sealed the deal; working with first-, second- and third-year Studio students has been, by far, my favourite work experience to date. (Though Season 1 on Rick Mercer's Monday Report is a close second; that man is a true enigma.) I still teach studio and EFP workshops, on a part-time basis.

As Clive would say, "Do you have a point, Clive? Why yes I do, and I'm getting to it, I assure you."

Working with students has inspired me to take a closer look at undergraduate production education - both here and abroad - with a mind to making the experience even better for all involved. For as wonderful as the RTA experience is, I believe it could and should aim to be even better. As well, the unique dynamic on student productions interests me greatly, and I've thankfully already had a great deal of exposure to that world as an undergrad, a TA and as a Labbie. When teaching, I am a very outgoing, enthusiastic and motivational sort. I'm full of tips, hints, anecdotes and encouragement. I tell them all exactly like it is, and I assure them that I'll never lie to them about their progress or skills (though I'm certainly always tactful in my comments). I find the students REALLY respond to and appreciate my overall approach, and I've sincerely loved working with them.

As I fear I've now begun to ramble, I'll swiftly head towards my 'AND -- SCENE'. ;) (According to MS Word, I was at a 541 word count just prior to writing "According to..."!) Tune in Sunday, when I'll discuss what might seem like meek, fleeting thoughts on my current main dilemma - "paper or project...ARGH!" - and my initial ideas and quasi-plan on attacking this whole academic research thang. I feel so -- new at this.

Maybe because I am. ;)