Brooklynne Costa, film/media and communications, is passionate about visual storytelling, especially cinematography and editing. During her time at URI, she took advantage of hands-on opportunities like student advising and academic experiences that helped her build skills and prepare for a career in the film industry.
Why did you choose to attend URI?
When I toured URI with my dad (a URI alumni), I fell in love with the campus. It was so welcoming, and I could see myself thriving in this environment. When I got to the film/media and Harrington school portion of my tour, I was so impressed with all the equipment and classes they had to offer at a public school price. All the professors I talked to were helpful with my questions, and I was excited to start my college journey at URI. That day, I decided to go to the University of Rhode Island for the next four years.
Why did you choose to study film/media and communications?
Initially, I was only going to study film/media at URI. I’ve been interested in film and its creation since I was nine. I loved the classes I was in and was so excited to start my hands-on learning and critical studies.
One of the classes I took as a first-semester freshman was Com 100. During my introduction speech, I mentioned that my goal was to become a film director. My professor pulled me aside and told me I should add a double major in communications to help me achieve this goal. Adding this major was so helpful for me in film sets, communicating with the crew and cast, and getting my ideas and creative vision across while planning in the pre-production and production phases of the film process. I have since changed my aspirations to becoming a cinematographer or an editor, but these majors have made these goals more attainable.
What was your experience as a film/media student advisor like and how it has shaped your academic journey?
I have worked for the film/media department since my sophomore year but didn’t start peer advising til my junior year. It was such a fantastic experience being able to help other film students for the past two years. I’ve been able to mentor them, assist them in picking their class schedules, and provide advice for them in shaping their four years at URI. It can sometimes be intimidating as a first- or second-year student to pick your class schedule after having it assigned to you during your first semester. It can also be hard to ask a professor to sit down and help hand-pick a schedule based on how busy they are. I did my best to provide the most advice and help students select classes that helped them complete their required course outcomes and classes that contained subjects they were interested in. It has been amazing to be a helping hand in these future filmmakers’ lives.
What’s your favorite memory of URI so far?
My favorite URI memory so far has probably been filming a short film at my old high school. While taking FLM 445 last semester, I was selected to be co-director of photography for Geeky in Pink. Some scenes required a football field and a high school background. For the second day of filming, I secured East Providence High School and the Townie Marching Band (which I was in during high school). It was indeed surreal filming in the place where I decided to pursue film as my future career.
What are your plans for the future, whether in film, media, or beyond?
My plans for the future are still up in the air. I’ve been trying not to think too much about graduating because it is bittersweet. However, I do plan on working at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp for my second summer as the camp’s videographer. After summer is over, I’m not sure what the future holds, but I’m hopeful that I will find a job in the film industry and continue to create media and make an impact.