Recently, I had the chance to sit down with RWC student Mark Borison to talk to him about his upcoming graduation and the incredible project required by his major: Electronic Media Technologies. Among this talented student’s repertoire of interests, “The Mark,” as he is known, is an accomplished martial artist and a singer for a metal band. His self-proclaimed interests include “music, films, TIVO-ing old TV shows, Sour Patch Watermelons, and briefcases full of money.”
Mark’s focus of study in the program revolves around the video and audio production portions of the program. His graduation date is scheduled for June 10 of this year.
Activist: How would you define the roles played by people working in the e-media field? How do these people influence our society in your opinion?
Borison: I don’t think you can necessarily define all the roles. However, as producers of media we shape the way you view the world. Think about it–every magazine you read, every movie you watch, every song you hear, every website you visit, someone that had training in this field was behind it. It’s a lot of power…and responsibility. I’ll spare you the Spider-Man speech, though. Ultimately we have the power to shape the world, so it’s up to the next wave of media producers to make sure things stay on track. I make us sound like we’re of divine lineage. Ha!
Activist: What was the biggest draw to you that led you to the E-media program?
Borison: The aforementioned power. And money. And fame. I really just wanted a major that involved little to no math. So far, so good. All kidding aside, I’d been involved in a telecommunications program at Indiana University for about a year and a half when I met a student in the program who really sold me on what the department did. Needless to say, I left Bloomington and decided to call Blue Ash home. I’d also say that Department Head Mike Sanders’ beard played some part in it.
Activist: How do you see yourself after you graduate? What kind of work would you like to be doing?
Borison: I figure if the studios aren’t clamoring for my work after this interview, I should probably just give up anyway! I’ve recently gotten into producing radio advertisements. I’d be interested in pursuing that, you know, play with a little marketing. I’ve also been doing a lot of writing–mostly for this sitcom I’ve been working on. That’d be one of my dream jobs, to have my own television show. Right behind rock stardom.
Activist: Have you set any personal goals involving your major/career choice?
Borison: Not huge goals at this point. I like to stay ahead of the game obviously, but at this point I’m so clearly focused on the upcoming Degree Project and graduating that I can barely think about anything besides that…and sour candy.
Activist: What were some of your inspirations? Who were your role models in the E media industry?
Borison: I’ve always been more of a find-your-own-path type of guy and didn’t really try to emulate anyone. I find that we’re all too different to try and be similar. Break some rules, step over some boundaries; if you don’t ever offend someone, you’re doing something wrong. Use real life to inspire you. You create from what you know, so pay attention. Oh, but I do have to give it up to Mike Sanders and the rest of the E-Media faculty. We’re like a big family who doesn’t have to get together for awkward dinners. Their dedication to us as students is a real inspiration to me.
Activist: Can you describe the terms of your degree’s final project?
Borison: When I asked Kevin Suttle (friend and graduate of the program) this question once I was met with puzzled looks and a few swears. To truly paraphrase him, I’d say that Degree Project is a chance for you to see a complete media project through, from concept to creation to presentation. It’s a chance for you to display and apply every facet of knowledge obtained while studying in the E-Media program.
Activist: How have you decided to meet the demands of this assignment?
Borison: Well, as I’d mentioned before, I’ve been working on a sitcom for a few months now. I’d started writing a pilot for a short series and began expanding it into about a 13-episode arc. At this point most of the writing has been just basic framework for a narrative that branches between each episode. My plan is to produce a 10-minute short version of the pilot that sells the concept of the show. Most of you would balk at 10 minutes, but you really have no idea the kind of undertaking a video of that length really is. The rest of you are saying, “What does balk mean?”
Activist: What were your inspirations/background of the material(s) comprising this project?
Borison: Like I said before, pull from real life. I always liked to extrapolate stories from real-life happenings. This story line is a relatively personal one, but putting a comedic spin on everything ends up being totally cathartic. What better than to laugh at less-than-happy events in your life? Nothing…besides free money. You know, you can just tear through misery and find yourself a little peace.
Activist: Where would you like to be in 10 years?
Borison: It’s kind of late right now, so I’m hoping I’d be in bed already. If I’m not sleeping I’m sure I’ll be sitting on MySpace reposting chain letters that threaten my very existence. There’ll probably be a guitar in the room, but I won’t play right now. Maybe later. This is all pretty much dependent on whether or not the events from The Terminator come true.
For those of you who are done giggling as they read ‘MySpace,’ my serious dream would be to see one of my scripts go into production. I think within 10 years time I should in between productions of some of my work. That is only if my leading of the rock and roll revolution doesn’t get in the way. Don’t believe me? You should hear me sing.
Activist: Who would win in a fight, Marky Mark or Karl Marx?
Borison: I’m going to go with Marky Mark. I believe his super moves would be the best–“Third Nipple” and “Good Vibrations.” I mean, Karl Marx can’t throw socialist ideas like a shield, can he? I don’t think so.