Interview with Drew Raught
by Vicki Heisser & Wendy Goldstein |
PWSC: Tell me a little bit about yourself. Where are you from, and how did you end up coming to Prince William Sound College?
I am 21 years old. I was born and raised in Athens, Georgia, lived in Cunningham, Pennsylvania for a few years, and moved back to Georgia. After graduating from high school, I knew exactly what I wanted to do, which I feel is pretty rare for most people. I had always dreamed of moving to Alaska. When I found out that my sister, Kayla Echols, and her husband, Joe, were stationed in Valdez for the Coast Guard, I took the opportunity to visit, worked out housing with them, and the dream became reality.
PWSC: Why did you want to intern at Seed Media? What were your expectations? Has this experience met them?
I am a film student, and when I heard of the production company in town, I connected with them immediately. I knew that I would get some hands-on experience in the film industry, and more specifically the Alaskan filmmaking industry. I didn’t think my internship would lead to such a great position and the amazing hands on experience that it has provided. I became an asset to the team, and the experience very quickly passed my expectations by a long shot.
PWSC: Tell me about your coursework. In what ways is it relevant to this intern position?
I have taken a few different outdoors training classes through the Outdoor Leadership program at PWSC. Because many of the productions done by Seed Media are outdoors, these classes have helped me see and exercise the importance of safety and respect for the outdoors.
PWSC: Based on this internship, what have you learned about this industry? What skills have you gained from this experience?
I have learned that filmmaking is a great way to express anything. During my time here, I have had first-hand experience of how film can impact others. A great example of this is the media camps that Seed Media constructs for local organizations. During the most recent camp, kids were able to reach out to the community of Valdez and shine a light on the difficulties that townspeople might be struggling with. This is only one example of the amazing impact that the industry can make. Through Seed Media, I have grown in my filmmaking abilities tremendously. I have developed new skills in editing software and operating all kinds of production equipment.
PWSC: What are your goals after graduation? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I hope to be part of a business, such as Seed Media, in my home state of Georgia. The filmmaking industry is growing rapidly in Atlanta, and there will be plenty of opportunities for me there to get involved if I choose to.
I’m not opposed to traveling to other remote locations for filmmaking opportunities. I am also an actor, so I have put in a great deal of thought on studying to further my acting career. The filmmaking industry is broad and consists of what seems like endless opportunities. I know that I want to be in the industry no matter where I am, and that’s all I need in order to make my next move.