Joey Scher

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Area of Study: 
Film/Video/New Media/Animation & Fiber Material Studies

What kinds of jobs / What professional fields are you interested in?
Film theory, Film critique, Video art, Teaching

Why I Applied to Become a VC Summer Intern: 
I applied to VC because I had never heard of the organization and was in disbelief that it was real. An organization going on 50 years of supporting filmmakers of Asian/Asian American and Pacific Islander descent...whaaat?! 

What were some projects and tasks that you did as a VC Summer Intern?
I reinvigorated the VC Vault/Archive by watching an assortment of VC films and then highlighted them on Instagram and Facebook. I also worked on transforming the old “IN FOCUS” printed editions into a more contemporary website entitled “LATEST NEWS” focusing on filmmaker profiles and a commentary section. 

What were some projects and tasks that you did during the VC Summer Screenings?
I helped photoshop place cards for the “Uprooted From the Scenes” screening and worked the MELE MURALS event. 

What, if anything, did you learn while working as a VC Summer Intern? 
That Asian/Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders can make beautiful films without whitewashed Hollywood. Sounds obvious, but I needed a community of people to reinforce this and help me make strides as a filmmaker of color. It was beyond a workplace, it was a second home.

Tell us about meeting and working with the LAAPFF Staff and other VC Summer Interns.
It was empowering to be working side by side with other compassionate and brilliant staff/intern members. The office was filled with positive energy.

How did your VC experience compare with your expectations? 
Exceeded far beyond my expectations. There are very few job places where you feel this comfortable.  

Which directors or films did you learn about or discover as a result of your time at VC this summer? 
I had the great pleasure to have a rich conversation with Quyen Nguyen-Le, the filmmaker of NUOC. It was incredible to be face-to-face with a powerful artist who so articulately explained their film.

What did you enjoy about your experience?
I enjoyed the amount of passion the staff/interns shared and the inclusivity in the office. 

Would you recommend this internship to others? Why?
I would recommend this position to anyone interested the film industry but discouraged by the limitations of Hollywood.

What will you be doing now after your internship?
Going back to Chicago! :~)