Graduating Media Arts Student Erin Gibson Answers Questions About Her Time at BYU
Q: What was your favorite project you worked on as a student?
Gibson: It's hard to pick a favorite. I have loved and learned so much from all of my projects. For the film “Pilot” that was produced during the fall of 2024, I had the opportunity to direct and work with some of the most dedicated and talented crew members and mentors. It was a remarkable experience that I wouldn't trade for the world.
Q: What piece of advice would you give to current students?
Gibson: Don’t make your movie longer than it needs to be, but also don’t make it shorter than it needs to be, either. Work hard and get to know your classmates and your professors; they are your future network. Oh! And be observers of life.
Q: How have the arts increased your capacity to serve others?
Gibson: The arts have a very unique way of teaching empathy. I think visual media like film does that very well. The more I learn about and make my art, the more I feel like I am serving people by giving a voice to the voiceless and helping others understand their fellow man. It’s a beautiful thing being an artist.
Q: What initially drew you to the world of media arts and how has your perspective evolved during your time at BYU?
Gibson: I grew up doing theater my whole life, with a certain love for directing. But when I first came to BYU, I was a biology major with hopes of doing medical school. But I couldn't get away from the feeling that biology just wasn't a good fit. So I prayed about it and searched my scriptures and found D&C 8:4, and I just knew that I needed to go back to the arts, specifically directing. Then I found the Media Arts major and I fell in love with the prerequisites, one of which required us to work on a student set. That is when I fell in love with every aspect of filmmaking and knew I wanted to do it for the rest of my life. From then on, I have loved every moment of being in this program. It made my BYU experience and I owe all my love for my education to the Media Arts major!
Q: What was your favorite class that you've taken at BYU?
Gibson: I have two that are tied for favorite! In no particular order:1) African American Civil Rights Seminar, taught by the wonderful professors Anthony Bates, Leslie Hadfield, Ryan Gabriel and Rebecca DeSchweinitz
2) TMA 319 (now TMA 418) Visual Storytelling taught by Jeff Parkin, who has since become a mentor and friend. Both classes were such amazing learning experiences.
Q: How many consecutive hours have you been on campus in one day?
Gibson: I think the longest is right around 16 hours-ish. I had an early morning meeting at 8 am, class until 10 pm and then editing my film until around midnight. I do not recommend that schedule though.