Freelance Spotlight: The Uncensored Truth Podcast [Videographer, Editor]

I love working on passion projects and seeing fellow creatives bring concepts to life!  Recently, I had the pleasure of working as a videographer / editor for three episodes of The Uncensored Truth.  I was commissioned with securing accompanying visual content for socials and YouTube for this podcast series, which is the brainchild of Etolia Magdelena.

EP1 – The Uncensored Truth Podcast featuring Etolia Magdelena

I had a great time working on this project.  Feel free to look the project up on YouTube and/or Instagram.  I worked on the following episodes:

  • EP1 – “Social Media is Killing Our Idea of Relationships”
  • EP2 – “The Power of Prayer and Manifestation”
  • EP3 – “Let’s Really Talk About Red Flags”

Career Alert: News Associate, Production @ CNN Washington

Woo Hoo! I am thrilled to announce I recently started a full-time position as a News Associate with CNN. The name needs no introduction. When I relocated to Washington, D.C. in 2019, I worked at public access station DCTV (Public Access Corporation of the District of Columbia) which featured 24/7 local programming created by and for DC communities. Armed with that experience, I have moved on to a world-renowned, multinational news-based television channel known for the latest news and breaking for the U.S., world, weather, entertainment, politics, and health.  CNN operates as a division of Turner Broadcasting System, which is a subsidiary of Warner Media.

Currently, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, I am alternating between remote work and work on-location at CNN’s Washington D.C. location, conducting research, transcribing, operating TelePrompTer, running scripts, and offering live broadcast production support for the The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and The Lead with Jake Tapper along with others.  I’m super excited, wish me luck.

Freelance Spotlight: Minority Tech Foundation [Set PA]

One of the standout projects I worked on in recent weeks is a freelance assignment completed with Federal Media Solutions.  This Washington, D.C. based video production company also provides event coverage and audio-visual services. 

This shoot of the Minority Tech Foundation took place in southern Maryland.  Below find BTS and a candid from the shoot.

Short Film “Professional Fluff” Wraps Production, Enters Post: BTS

Professional Fluff short film shoot BTS photo with black female filmmakers, Howard University film MFA student - Writer / Director Briana M. Andrews and film actors
BTS from set of short film Professional Fluff – December 3, 2020

Amid COVID-19, this is a challenging time for filmmakers.  I am grateful the shoot for short film Professional Fluff, written and directed by myself, Briana M. Andrews, was able to take place without a hitch.  The shoot took place in Alexandria, VA over the course of two days.  The entire cast and crew were willing participants with coronavirus testing and associated safety measures.  The production also included an on-set COVID manager and ample PPE.

I’d like to extend a special thanks to all of the following individuals:

  • AD: Elon Riley
  • DP: Brandon Wilkerson
  • AC: Megan Sims
  • Mixer: Richard Schertzer
  • Gaffer: Allen Mays
  • COVID Officer: Josh Lowrey
  • Lead Actress: Kathleenah Accilien

I cannot wait to share the finished product!  As always, I appreciate your continued support.  In the meantime, below are some behind the scenes photos with the film crew.

“Let Live” Dramedy Short Film: WATCH NOW

Movie Poster – Let Live, Short Film

Let Live, the dramedy short, written and directed by Briana M. Andrews can be viewed here on BibbyFame Digital.  The trailer and poster are below.  The film along with details on cast and crew can be viewed on www.bibbyfame.com/let-live/

For full sized assets or inquiries, reach out on the contact page.  Thank you for your continued support.

WINNER: Briana M. Andrews Receives Recognition from AWC, 2020 Clarion Awards Virtual Event

Clarion Awards Logo - Association for Women in Communications, WOMCOM, Graphic, Image

Today was super exciting as I attended the 2020 Clarion Awards Virtual Recognition ceremony.  As many of you know, I won the Clarion Award for the Student Wildcard category earlier this year with interactive media / mini-documentary Women in TV and Film.  I have since received the physical award by mail.  You can read more about my victory and read the press release here:

Below, find a short except from the ceremony where host Jillian Schillaci announced my award and category.

Excerpt from AWC 2020 Virtual Awards Ceremony

For more than 40 years, the AWC Clarion has recognized businesses and individuals who demonstrate excellence in clear and concise communications.  Due to COVID-19 and social distancing requirements, for the first time ever AWC will be announcing winners and finalists in a virtual event presented via Zoom.

Career Update: Video Producer and Teaching Assistant / Researcher

This Fall, I was able to secure two opportunities within educational settings.  I will be working as a Video Producer with the Commissioner’s Office for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and as a Teaching Assistant / Researcher with the Literary Media & Communications Department (LMC) at the Washington, D.C. based Duke Ellington School of the Arts.

I am excited about both of these remote opportunities.  At Duke Ellington School of the Arts, I will gain experience in student teaching with lesson plan development, instruction, evaluation, and educational event support with the mission of educating aspiring young artists in poetry, writing, filmmaking, and multimedia storytelling.  I will also assist with administrative support and grant research / writing.

DESE maintains “first in the nation” status on many educational endeavors.  As a seasonal Video Producer, I will work on production and editing for internal communication tutorial videos, script development for the Teacher of the Year radio and television campaign, video transcriptions, and voiceover for the Deeper Learning Kaleidoscope project.  I will also handle audience insight research on radio, television and geofencing analytics / streaming campaigns.

It is my hope that these opportunities will also me to utilize my current skillset, while allowing me to strengthen and expand my abilities for future projects.

Freelance Spotlight: Washington, D.C. Educator – Meleah Campbell Teach [Photography]

BACK TO SCHOOL is here again!  However, the classroom setting looks quite different this year for many young scholars.  Teachers and parents alike are making necessary adjustments in light of the coronavirus pandemic, while officials are making determinations on the safest educational delivery methods.  For this Freelance Spotlight, I’d like to highlight my recent work with an inspiring young educator, Meleah Campbell. This indoor shoot was completed while adhering to all COVID-19 safety guidelines. 

Boasting almost 30k followers on Instagram alone, the UC Davis and Loyola Marymount educated, Teach America alum uses her social media platforms to champion for literacy and the arts.  Ms. Campbell does an amazing job digitally interacting with her preschoolers and I was thankful for the opportunity to work with her on capturing images for sponsored posts.   Here are a few snaps I captured for her paid partnerships with Advancement Courses (a Wiley Learning company) and Lakeshore Learning.

Personally, I am no stranger to distance learning.  I completed high school with an online, Middle States accredited homeschool program, then resumed physical classes for college.  Despite the circumstances prompting the change, I am happy to see more minority families exploring homeschool options and finding alternate methods for educational enrichment.  

Visit Ms. Campbell’s website and Instagram profile.

Daughters of Solanas, Official Selection for Women’s Comedy Film Festival in Atlanta, GA

Daughters of Solanas received placement in another film festival. The dramedy (drama/comedy) short is an official selection for the Women’s Comedy Film Festival. This is part of the Cinema Life Film Festival Collective.

Daughters of Solanas – Women’s Weekend Filmmaker Challenge – Official Selection, Women’s Comedy Film Festival, Atlanta, GA

The event is taking place on Saturday, September 5th in Atlanta, GA (in-person or online). Tickets are available at www.cinemalife.org or at @womenscomedy on Instagram.

Daughters of Solanas was created for the New York / Spring 2019 iteration Women’s Weekend Filmmaker Challenge. The film premiered at the Museum of Moving Image last Spring. As part of the camera crew, Briana M. Andrews shot BTS photo/video and manages the social media accounts for the short. Read previous posts here.

March on Washington: A call for criminal justice reform and racial equality

Here are some of my photographs captured from the August 28, 2020 March on Washington, at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

“Artists for George Floyd” – March on Washington at National Mall commemorating the 57th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” Speech. Photo by Briana M. Andrews, August 28, 2020.

This past Friday marked the 57th anniversary of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. The March on Washington called for criminal justice reform and racial equality. Amid coronavirus safety protocols, there was a remarkable turnout with well-known speakers addressing the civil rights issues of today.

Jacob Blake Sr. delivers passionate speech at the March on Washington. Vertical cell footage captured by Briana M. Andrews, August 28, 2020.

These times call for unity, strength, resilience and preservation. STAY STRONG!