Abby Wildgoose ’24, film/media, dedicated her time at URI to all things photo, video, and social media. After joining the Harrington School Social Media Agency as a sophomore, Wildgoose found her passion for photography and content creation. Between interning as a fashion photographer in Boston, directing her own film, and providing photo support for the College of Arts and Sciences, she has gained a vast array of skills. From behind the camera, Wildgoose has left her mark at URI.
Why did you choose URI?
I came to URI for the Film/Media program because it offers a lot of opportunities across different concentrations of film: screenwriting, film production, film theory, and photography. It was great being able to dive into different areas of interest through a variety of courses.
Why did you choose to study film/media?
In my first year at URI, I was a communication studies major, but I always knew I wanted to fall into something where I was able to explore my creative side. One day freshman year, when I was having lunch on the Quad, I noticed a bunch of students with vintage Bolex cameras shooting for Professor Keith Brown’s 16-millimeter film class. Everyone was having so much fun; it inspired me, and I wanted to be a part of that.
What is unique about the Film/Media program at URI?
What’s special about URI, especially in the film department, is that students have access to a lot of unique locations that other schools may not have access to, especially in large cities. Because of the strong alumni network in Rhode Island, there are so many people who want to give back, and my peers have experienced this firsthand through filmmaking. This semester, we were granted access to film at restaurants in Newport, a quirky bar in Providence, and the Cumberland Public Library, which was an old monastery. Interesting locations are what bring your film to life.
Were you a part of any student organizations or on-campus internships?
For two years I participated in the acapella group Musically Inclined, where I got to meet other students with similar interests. We would pick popular songs, arrange them ourselves, and perform twice a year, which was a blast. Since my sophomore year, I also have been interning with the Harrington School Social Media Agency which was full of a bunch of rewarding experiences. I was able to refine my skills in video production, graphic design, and content strategy, and it’s where I discovered my interest in photography.
What skills did you gain from your internship at the Harrington School Social Media Agency?
Working at the Social Media Agency taught me so much about video production, setting up the camera, syncing audio, and editing short-form video for socials. I learned about social media strategy by writing captions for social posts, pitching content with other interns, and organizing editorial calendars. I am very fortunate that I’ve been able to explore the many facets of content creation. Interning with the Social Media Agency helped to grow my portfolio and inspired me to venture out into new, exciting roles, such as an internship in Boston as a fashion photographer. My experience with Harrington gave me the confidence to pursue my interests outside of school.
Have you had any notable mentors during your time at URI?
Yes, Leah Pisari, who runs the Harrington School Social Media Agency, has been an amazing mentor. She has extensive experience in her field, and I’m so lucky to have learned so much from her. Leah works hard to ensure that I’m always working on something that I’m interested in. After taking a photography class, I expressed to Leah that I wanted to pursue photography, and she worked to train me in photography, bringing me on shoots, introducing me to different software, and sitting down to edit with me. To any question I ever have, Leah will make sure that we find the answer together. She’s very honest with her feedback, which is always super helpful because it’s what allows for much more growth. I’m grateful for my time with Leah.
What is your favorite memory from URI?
One of the best experiences that I’ve had at URI was directing and producing my short film, “Trich,” about a young woman in the 1960s who compulsively pulls out her hair. The capstone film class is a culmination of everything you’ve learned in the program, and it’s really satisfying to see what comes out of that. It was such a rewarding process to work with your friends, from writing scripts, planning shoots, and filming to editing and presenting your work at screenings. The Film/Media Capstone Screening every spring is a wonderful event where you get to walk the Harrington carpet with friends and family there to support you.
What do you wish you could tell yourself as a first-year student?
Make sure that everything you do is worth your time, and you have to value yourself as an artist. Whether you are entering college or the workforce, never sell yourself short. Take pride in your work and value yourself.