Adam Bramowicz

Get to know some of our College of Media students! Adam Bramowicz is a Class of 2024 media and cinema studies major.

What made the College of Media stand out to you?
I’ve lived in Champaign all my life, and as a result, grew up around the campus. Once I figured out what to do with my career, I felt Illinois would be the best place. The College of Media has a great program compared to others because of their hands-on learning approach, which engages me more in projects, rather than hypotheticals. Plus, being close to my family and friends is a huge benefit. I knew this was right for me; it was not a second thought.

After completing all my general education requirements, I transferred here from Parkland College, and now focus on MACS courses.

What started your interest in the MACS major?
I discovered YouTube in 5th grade, and ever since then, I’ve been creating short, funny videos. As I gained more experience with editing, creating videos became more interesting. It wasn’t until I visited Warner Bros. Studio in 2017—at the time I was a huge fan of The Big Bang Theory—and saw their editing process for a film that I realized a fascinating career was in front of me. I have grown and developed my skills at Illinois and have enjoyed every part of it.

Which RSOs or extracurriculars have you been involved in?
I’m involved with the Fashion Network, Illini Film & Video, Fighting Illini Productions, Traveling Illini, and BLNKD (previously the Portrait Experience).

The Fashion Network helped me grow my videography, editing, and photography skills, and become comfortable in that environment collaborating with similar-minded peers. Most of the work from Fashion Network is posted on my Instagram account, but you can find my work here.

Working with the Fighting Illini sports production team for football and basketball games has opened my eyes to the sports world. Fighting Illini Productions taught me how to work with others on a production. I joined because I love being a part of productions and the enthusiasm that the students have on set.

Do you have any favorite classes you’d recommend?
Intro to Documentary (MACS 205)—one of my films was nominated for presentation at a student-led film festival during the spring. I was combining multiple styles from documentarians we discussed throughout the semester. As for my planning, I used the opportunity to film on campus during Thanksgiving break to resemble the summertime (the time when Yingying was kidnapped). I filmed lots of B-roll and combined it with interviews from an alum who was in town during 2017, and the Yingying family lawyer in Champaign. I got his information thanks to the help of filmmaker Jiayan Jenny Shi who made the documentary Finding Yingying (available on Paramount+). It was a new experience for me. Advanced Filmmaking (MACS 480) gave me hands-on practice with cameras and gear. I have always strived to be on my feet getting things done and working on projects, rather than sitting in lectures.

What kind of work experience do you have?
I worked in a summer internship with Admissions, filming TikToks and editing projects. I created a project about why transferring to UIUC has many benefits alongside a "If I was…(UIUC)" TikTok. (https://www.tiktok.com/@uofillinois/video/7281394111284808990) It was a good environment with plenty of collaboration.

Any advice or tips you would like to share?
Take all the opportunities you can get. Search for them and if you see a good one, even if you are not 100% sure, take it. I was nervous about joining The Fashion Network, but I saw the opportunity to create, and I took it. And now I’m thrilled every time there’s another photoshoot or any CFVs (Creative Focus Videos) throughout the semester.

—Interview by Kris Modi, New Voices Intern