Get to know some of our College of Media students! Ella Yoder is a Class of 2027 media and cinema studies major.
What made you choose the media and cinema studies (MACS) major?
During my search for universities, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign stuck out quickly, specifically, the media and cinema studies (MACS) major. MACS allows its students to engage with film production as soon as freshman year, while other universities I was looking at set a limit for production courses to juniors and seniors. Personally, I knew I had a desire to learn about films and wanted a university that would give me hands-on learning opportunities that I could take advantage of the minute I got to campus. I am so happy that I found the College of Media because of the standards they set for their students with the required engagement that offers a holistic view of the film and cinema industry.
How did you first get interested in your major?
As a kid I always enjoyed making little movie projects. I was the type of person who spent their free time making up funny stories and filming them as a movie rather than going outside. This interest in producing movies only grew as I got older. Starting off as a child with a vision, to now, being a junior in college, I have begun working as a production assistant at a local production studio to continue my passion for filmmaking. While I am on set for these larger productions, I am reflecting on my younger self who had no idea the College of Media was waiting for me to pick up that camera.
What College of Media resources have you found helpful in navigating college?
A resource I will forever promote is the Media Technology Center. There are so many similar offices on campus. The College of Media has their own dedicated unit that is open to students in Media courses in the college to rent out different required items. The range of available equipment may vary per location, but typically there will always be microphones, tripods, lighting, and even green screens ready to be used! The rentable equipment has been particularly useful for me when trying to work on my class projects. With the easy-to-use check-in and check-out system, I truly recommend more students to utilize this resource.
Are there any professors who have been critical to your academics?
Even before the start of my first year, I knew that the professors of media and cinema studies in the College of Media were going to be beyond helpful to my future. This is because I reached out to a few instructors during the summer ahead of my first classes—and there were quite a few who responded with a desire to meet with me and explain the major and all that encompasses studying as a MACS major. This brief introduction into the friendly environment of the faculty stuck with me as I proceeded throughout my time at the University of Illinois.
—Interview by Evita Zimmerman, New Voices Intern