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Lycoming College’s film and video arts department recently welcomed four panelists to a discussion as part of is visiting filmmaker and artist series. The virtual event provided students with an opportunity to hear first-hand about these industry professionals’ experiences, ask questions, and listen to the advice of seasoned experts.
The film and video arts department at Lycoming College balances film production and postproduction with film theory as aspiring student filmmakers, animators, and content creators study and produce works that represent humanity, culture, and society. Leah Bedrosian Peterson, professor of film and video arts at Lycoming College and chair of the department, moderated the panel discussion.
“On the cusp of launching their careers, it’s crucial for students to hear from professionals about the different paths they followed to finding success. Film and video arts majors, as well as many others from the Lycoming College community, found motivation and inspiration in their words,” said Bedrosian Peterson. “We’re grateful for the time these very busy individuals dedicated to young people who seek to follow in their footsteps.”
Panel participants included:
Molly Collier ’13 has been working as an artist in New York City since she graduated from college, though the road has not always been easy! She was most recently seen originating the role of "Jennifer" in Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Stephen Adly Guirgis’, “Halfway Bitches Go Straight To Heaven” at the acclaimed off-Broadway house, Atlantic Theater Company. Before that, Collier was in the extended run of “Salutations! I’m Creative Dave” by EST Youngblood, Jake Brasch. She has performed at locations such as: Joe’s Pub (The Public Theater), Theatre Row, The Kennedy Center, and is a member of the renowned Labyrinth Theater Company. As a producer, Collier co-wrote a web series called “What Am I Doing Here?” with Juilliard playwright, Alex Riad. They had a successful fundraising campaign that provided them the funding to produce three episodes. The series premiered in Los Angeles at the HollyWeb Festival and is currently available to watch on YouTube. More information on Collier can be found at www.mollycollier.com.
Linda Larkin is an actor and producer best known for providing the speaking voice of Princess Jasmine in Walt Disney’s classic animated feature film, “Aladdin,” as well as every animated Aladdin sequel and spin-off, including “The Return of Jafar,” “Aladdin and The King of Thieves,” and the Emmy-nominated 100-episode “Aladdin” television series. She can also be heard as Princess Jasmine in the critically acclaimed “Kingdom Hearts” video game series, Disney Junior’s “Sofia the First,” and in the 2018 Oscar-nominated animated feature “Ralph Breaks the Internet.” From read-along story books, Jasmine toys, and interactive educational tools, to “Disney on Ice” and Tokyo Disney’s Aladdin theme park attraction, Larkin’s voice can be heard wherever Princess Jasmine appears. In 2011, Larkin was honored with the Disney Legends Award, recognizing her extraordinary and integral contribution to The Walt Disney Company.
Christina Moliterno ’14 is a designer, animator, and illustrator working in New York City. Currently, she is the lead motion graphics designer at Rockstar Games. Starting her career fresh out of college as a freelance filmmaker, Moliterno pivoted to motion design once she realized she couldn't stop animating. Landing an internship in New York City opened up many doors, allowing her to work at a fast-paced pharmaceutical ad agency, freelance at Nick Jr., then eventually land a job at Rockstar Games as a mid-level motion designer in 2017. She rose to lead in less than 4 years and now manages a team of other amazing mographers. Her work can be viewed at christinamoliterno.com.
Yul Vázquez is a recent inductee into the prestigious Academy of Arts and Sciences, and is known for his distinguished performances across film, television, and stage. He has never shied away from playing enigmatic characters. Vázquez was recently seen as ‘Detective Yunis Sablo’ in HBO’s drama series THE OUTSIDER, based on Stephen King’s best-selling novel of the same name, opposite Ben Mendelsohn and Cynthia Erivo; and in Hulu’s feature film, BOOKS OF BLOOD, opposite Anna Friel. Prior to this, Vázquez was seen on Netflix’s Emmy-nominated series, RUSSIAN DOLL opposite Natasha Lyonne, and created by Lyonne, Amy Poehler and Leslye Headland; and on TNT’s miniseries I AM THE NIGHT, directed by Patty Jenkins and opposite Chris Pine. Vázquez will next be seen starring in the Apple TV+ series, SEVERANCE, opposite Adam Scott and Christopher Walken, and directed by Ben Stiller.
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