On March 3, 10 Grand Valley State University students traveled to Chicago for a Film & Video Alumni Gathering, which was coordinated by faculty from the Department of Visual & Media Arts (VMA), as well as the GVSU Career Center. The event took place at the post-production audio facility Noise Floor Sound Solutions, an alumni-owned space, and provided students with the opportunity to connect with a group of alumni working in various entertainment industry sectors.
The gathering provided an informal setting for students and alumni to engage in conversation over a catered dinner. Attendees discussed career trajectories, industry challenges and the transition from academia to professional life. For the students, the event offered invaluable insights into how their education at GVSU can translate into real-world careers. Engaging with professionals who were once in their position allowed them to gain a deeper understanding of industry expectations and the skills necessary to thrive.
Noise Floor, which is co-owned by GVSU alum Bryen Hensley, specializes in sound for commercials, film, television, radio, web, video games and interactive projects. The studio boasts over 30 years of experience in creating immersive audio projects. Noise Floor’s extensive portfolio includes collaborations on projects such as “Hoop Dreams,” “Apollo 13” and the “Halo” video game series. Their client list features prominent names like Coca-Cola, EGO, the Big Ten Network and Warner Brothers.
Elysia Azzi, a student filmmaker in attendance, has a deep passion for storytelling and a strong foundation in film and media production. Her journey began in high school when she worked as a camera operator for a live comedy show, an experience that solidified her desire to pursue a career in the industry. Since then, she has expanded her skills by volunteering in various production roles. Through these experiences, Azzi has worked on live productions and collaborated with fellow filmmakers.
“Attending the film and video Chicago trip gave me a clearer vision of the many paths available in the industry and the importance of building connections within the film community,” said Azzi. “It showed me that a filmmaking career is possible. This trip reassured me that there are so many opportunities out there, and it motivated me to keep pursuing what I love and what I’m most passionate about.”
Hensley and fellow film alum Tom Seffernick hosted the students, and noted that speaking to alumni from diverse fields such as production, post-production, animation, graphic design, and writing provided students with a comprehensive view of potential career paths. Hensley felt the event was incredibly important, as students were exposed to varying aspects of the industry.
“The alumni were from all different disciplines in the film and entertainment industry, so it was great for current students to get a sense of life after school from different perspectives,” said Hensley. “The GVSU film program is pretty far-reaching and getting more so every day. Chicago is just one place that has a very strong GVSU contingent, but other places like Los Angeles and New York also have strong representation.”
Suzanne Zack, an affiliate professor in film and video production, helped organize the event. She highlighted the gathering as a way to build community and connection between current students and alumni. Zack observed that such events allow alumni to reconnect, build new relationships and share advice with students, thereby strengthening the overall GVSU community.
“We really value and admire our GVSU film and video alumni,” Zack said. “Gatherings like this give everyone the opportunity to connect and feel the benefit of the community. There were alums who reconnected with each other at the event, (as well as) alums who met and built a connection. Alums (also) connected with the current students, welcomed them to Chicago and shared the kind of advice they wish they had heard when they were in school.”
The Chicago Film & Video Alumni Gathering underscores the value of experiential learning and networking in preparing students for successful careers– in this case, in the film and entertainment industry. By connecting students with alumni and providing firsthand exposure to professional environments like Noise Floor, students were able to network in their chosen profession and increase their knowledge.
