2018-19 Student Spotlight | Media Arts
Young Artists Head Back To School At Louisiana’s Arts Conservatory NOCCA
Student Spotlight | Brandon Ellis
Brandon Ellis | Media Arts
As NOCCA (New Orleans Center for Creative Arts) opens its doors for the 2018-2019 school year for hundreds of students from across the state, take a moment to learn more about a young artist who is making it happen at the prestigious arts school.
Interview with Brandon Ellis, 12th Grade Media Arts student |Slidell High from Slidell, LA
Why do you have an interest in Media Arts?
It is a tool used in everyone’s everyday life: News, Television, Movies, Social Media, and Radio. Digital media is like a manipulated tool, used to impact, change and inspire. I have always wanted to help or change anything in a positive way since a young child. I was blessed to have this God given gift in Digital Media, which gives me the opportunity to use it through the voice of God to spread positively to the world and inspire my generation to rise up. My mom once told me, if you can change just one person’s life, you’ve used your gift for its purpose. I love the arts and digital media is my voice
Did you do anything this summer to prepare you for your second year at NOCCA?
This summer, I attended digital media summer programs at Delgado Community College and Loyola University to gain more knowledge in my craft. I also took time to organize my thoughts and ideas for further projects. I also entered my film “Gene E” in Pontchartrain Film Fest and won best High School film.
How have you grown over the past year in your arts?
I have grown within myself as a filmmaker and editor by always staying rooted to who I am as a visionary and storyteller. I strive to continue to be unique, pushing myself past normal limits, working longer hours and by challenging myself, ambitiously, to be the best at what I do to advance in my field. Over the years, I became more confident, by not allowing anyone to discourage my creativity or distract me from who I am as an artist. Always be true to yourself.
What is your goal for the next school year?
My goal for the next school year is to enjoy my last year in school, make more connections, continue to Work on projects, get accepted into the college of my choice, and learn as much as I can while at NOCCA.
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
My advice to the incoming freshmen is Be YOU. Be original, Be unique, Be different. Never think any idea or video is too big for the class or world because whatever you put your mind to do, you can achieve it. Don’t forget to create your mark that the world will know you for and being at NOCCA is your start to a bright future.