Senior and television fanatic Janice Wheaton eyes film career
Senior Janice Wheaton eyes a future behind the camera on a television set and perhaps moving up to a documentarian role. Her lofty goals start with a solid foundation in broadcast classes.
October 27, 2014
Magnet student, Varsity basketball cheerleader and Tribal Connections chair member senior Janice Wheaton views television as an escape from the monotonous drag of her daily routine.
On Saturdays, she firmly holds the remote control and switches between HBO series, such as Game of Thrones, and TV One reruns, like Living Single. As a faithful Shonda Rhimes fan, she tunes into Scandal and How To Get Away with Murder every Thursday evening. And as a self-proclaimed Netflix binge-watcher, she seeks out older series’ to watch until her eyeballs burn. She enjoys watching dramedies at home and action comedies at the movie theater.
But when Wheaton emerges from her ongoing marathons, she takes position behind the lens. She actively participates in the video broadcast course and works as a line producer, requiring her to review each video’s content and visual appeal. This leadership position allows her to work closely with broadcast teacher Mr. Dempsey, who has sharpened her work ethic and influenced her craft.
Wheaton loves working for Tomahawk Today and honing her skills that will propel her into a film career.
“He’s put a lot of faith in me, and he trusts my judgment and lets me get my creativity out in each video,” Wheaton stated.
Although she produces videos for personal enjoyment, Wheaton plans to pursue a career in this industry. She has researched Elon University, Syracuse University, Howard University, and Georgia State University and decided she wants to major in Film/Television Communications.
“There’s something about her that lends herself to be trusted. I know that if I give her an assignment, it’s going to be done right the first time. That’s just who she is,” Dempsey said.
Her career goals include running a television show, becoming an assistant producer for a film company, or a documentarian capturing social issues. Her dream job, however, would be a casting director, and the first to ever receive an Oscar.
“Janice is a hardworking individual, and you can tell she really enjoys participating in class. I can tell she wants to work in the film industry,” senior Savanna Solomon said.
Wheaton admires filmmakers Judd Apatow, Martin Scorsese, and Joss Whedon and looks forward to working with them. She also hopes to reach their caliber of impressive filmography.
With her humility and appreciation for collaboration, Wheaton can surely accomplish the dreams that rest in her heart.
