Antonio Bocanegra II
UIW Alumni
What made you go into Video Production?
I started learning about Video Production back in high school. My high school offered a program in Communication Arts. Within the program, I learned about broadcast journalism, graphics design, & animation. After being exposed to this, I was able to elevate my knowledge when I entered college at UIW. While at UIW, I continued to learn more about my field of study. During this time, I was able to focus on what content I wanted to produce and I got advice from others within the industry. Since I have graduated from UIW, I have been continuing on with my education, currently pursuing my Master of Fine Arts in Digital Media Production.
Do you have any projects on which you’re currently working? If so, what are they?
This semester, I am creating a documentary about the life journey of my high school broadcast journalism advisor, who is also an UIW alumni. It should be complete in December 2023. I am also working as Video Consultant for Perry Homes. I am constantly producing videos for the company as a freelancer/contractor. I have completed several model home reels, testimonials, & special projects, like the new headquarters sign installation for the company.
What influenced/inspired you to work on this project?
Entering into my first semester at Sam Houston, they offered courses on documentary filmmaking. It still uses the same principles of filmmaking, but it has different aspects to it. This inspired me to create the documentary on my high school broadcast journalism advisor, reminding me it a good thing to try new things. As for freelancing, all the videos I have created have been experimental for me. They are to use the same branding as the company, but unique for each video.
What does this project mean to you?
The documentary film means a lot to me. For this documentary, I am highlighting my high school broadcast journalism advisor, who is a father figure to me. With freelancing, I want to showcase what the client wants. It’s amazing, really. You get to produce content that you make it your own while trying to give what the client wants from the project.
What might your audience take away from your current project?
My takeaway for my projects, and especially my current projects, is to invoke a conversation, question, or experience within a person. I hope the audience will relate to my work, one way or another.
Do you have any advice you’d like to share with UIW’s current undergrad students that are interested in this field?
My advice for current UIW students pursuing multimedia production or filmmaking is to not be afraid to take on various projects. By creating as much content content each semester, while maintaining quality, will show just how far you have improved and advanced in film making. You will also have a portfolio full of work to show your talent to potential graduate schools or career opportunities.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with your audience about the work you’ve done since graduating from UIW?
It will take time to continue your progression in your career, and that is okay. After graduation, it took me a bit to start my freelancing career. I did volunteer work try to support organizations that I have been involved with while at UIW by making videos or taking pictures for events.. Luckily, I was approached to start my freelancing career by being a video contractor for Perry Homes, as I previously interned at their company. I was able to transition working full time with Perry Homes and while focusing on my master’s program.
