Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1279181
STU D E N T CO R N E R BY GERRY VAZQUEZ MPSE Winning the student award was a cathartic experience. It was a milestone that signified all the hard work I put into my education. I n 2016, I received my first nomination for the Verna Fields Student Filmmaker Award. I was a senior at the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman University, and I just started editing my thesis film. When I got the news that I had been nominated, I was in utter shock. I couldn't believe that, out of so many submissions and so much outstanding work, I was fortunate enough to make the shortlist. I was equally excited and nervous to participate in the student events leading up to the ceremony. I didn't know a whole lot about the industry at the time and my school's sound program was relatively small. However, the process of meeting the other nominees, learning from industry veterans, and attending the Golden Reel Awards opened my eyes to a community of creatives and a wealth of possibilities that I didn't even know existed. Not only was it humbling to share a room with some of the top professionals in my field, it was also validating to be welcomed by people with similar interests and ambitions, and to feel worthy of their respect. Though I went home empty- handed that year, I left with a renewed passion for sound editing and sound design. I wanted to continue learning, I wanted to be bold, and I wanted to take risks. I hoped that maybe, if I could put everything I had into this thesis film, I might have a chance at receiving another nomination the following year and possibly win. Luckily, all of those sleepless nights paid off. Being recognized again in 2017 was incredibly rewarding. Knowing that I had at least sustained my quality of work from the previous year was a huge relief, and it was comforting to feel like I was on the right track in my career. The night of the awards was nerve-racking. I knew this would be my last chance at winning the student award, and with my professors, friends, and parents all in attendance to support me, I didn't want to let anyone down. When I heard my name called, I jumped up and cheered. I will never forget the sheer joy I felt in that moment as I embraced my friends and walked up on the stage. I had to hold back tears as I accepted the award with my co-winner, Zoltan Juhasz. Winning the student award was a cathartic experience. It was a milestone that signified all of the hard work I put into my education and all of the sacrifices I had to make in order to follow my dream. It gave me confidence knowing that people believed in me and were willing to invest in my future. After the Golden Reel Awards, I was approached by several supervising sound editors and sound designers, including Tim Nielsen, who invited me to tour Skywalker Sound. I was able to expand my network and continue learning. Gerry Vazquez in 2017, winner of the Verna Fields Student Filmmaker Award at the 64th Annual Golden Reel Awards for Icarus which tied with Fishwitch. Having had the good fortune to already have a job as an assistant editor in Los Angeles, my company started offering me more work as a sound effects editor, and my mentors began to challenge me with new opportunities. Three years later, I am now a member of the Motion Picture Editors Guild and work primarily as a sound effects editor and sound designer on TV shows and features. Receiving the Verna Fields Student Filmmaker Award opened so many doors for my career and inspired immeasurable confidence in me to continue pursuing my passion. I am honored to have been selected by the MPSE, and I am thankful for their continued support of students and the next generation of storytellers.