We’re thrilled to introduce our Fall 2024 Studio Interns! This talented cohort came in with interests spanning camera operation, directing, production management, and social media, and throughout their time with us, they dove into all aspects of film production—from pre-production to post-production—right here at BAYCAT. They’ve been busy filming interviews, creating their own short film, and building portfolios that showcase their unique skills and stories.
Hyazinth Baumann (they/them) is a nonbinary multidisciplinary performance-based artist from Brooklyn, NY. They graduated from Bard College in 2022 with a Bachelor’s in Studio Arts and Written Arts and recently completed The UC Theatre’s Concert Career Pathways (CCP) program in Berkeley. Hyazinth has been featured in film productions and live performances in New York and San Francisco, and has produced several events in the Bay Area. They hope to advance their technical production skills and pursue a career in directing and event coordination.
Sam Billingsly (they/them) recently graduated with their BA in English from Sonoma State University and is looking for production assistant work in Northern California. With nearly a decade of work experience spanning several different industries, they can bring a unique perspective to any project. They’re interested in animating, directing, and screenplay writing and are hoping to gain more professional experience in each industry.
Yaphet Debele (he/him) is a freelance videographer from Ethiopia with a passion for visual storytelling, specializing in a diverse range of fields. He loves capturing the energy of music videos as well as documenting the vibrant Bay Area culture through his lens. Before joining BAYCAT, Yaphet was entirely self taught, dedicated to mastering his storytelling craft. During his time at BAYCAT, he’s been eager to expand his knowledge of the film industry, explore career opportunities, and enhance his media production skills to implement in his personal projects.
Nichol Garcia (he/him) is a recent San Francisco State University graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in the Broadcasting Electronic Communication Arts Program. He has an interest in camera operating and editing, along with building a strong foundation in content creation. He has collaborated with the Gaming Gators organization for events like the Riot Games Worlds 2022 Championship, and also worked as a producer for KSFS Radio, assisting the station in social media content. His goals are honing skills in cinematography and learning from professionals to help build ideas in technical aspects of storytelling.
Deyonce Hill (she/her) is a multi-hyphenated, African-American creative artist from Fremont, California. She studied film in high school, and went on to become a first-generation college graduate with a B.A. in Theater Arts from San Francisco State University this year. She is interested in honing her skills in editing and becoming acquainted with set design.
Devin Schultz (he/him) is an Asian-American Visual Artist and Filmmaker from San Jose, CA. Devin’s work is personal and centered around identity, driven by his experience as a transracial adoptee raised in the Bay Area. He graduated with a BA in Cinema from San Francisco State University in 2020. His short film Sorry I’m Adopted was screened at the Bay Area Media Maker Summit and at the Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema Festival. Devin continues to freelance and develop his work with hopes to begin a full-time career in the film industry.
LaNea Tolbert (she/her) was born and raised in San Francisco and is a recent SF State University graduate with a B.A. in Cinema and Psychology. As she further explores a career in film and television, she’s dedicated to developing a path in production management. During her time at BAYCAT, she looks forward to building an integral skills that can support her journey to becoming a production manager.
KateAn Tolentino (she/her) is a visual artist with an affinity for aesthetics and a photographer who loves working with cameras. Born and raised in the East Bay, as a graduate of SF State with a B.A. in Cinema, she aims to capture enthralling visuals by becoming a cinematographer and director.
Jessica Vallan (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist and filmmaker from Oakland, CA. She holds a B.A. in Radio/TV/Film from Northwestern University, where she also worked in promotions and marketing for concerts and events. Originally pursuing film as a form of memory keeping, she now hopes to develop her skills as an art director and help others turn their abstract ideas into meaningful visuals.
Marlon Wordlow Jr. (he/him) is social media specialist, model, and actor from Chicago, finishing up his degree at Arizona State University in Communications and Media Technology. He hopes to use his social media skills in tandem with companies in PR and marketing. With experience interviewing professional athletes and business owners from Chicago, Marlon is working towards building his social media channel that focuses on interviewing people in business, sports, and lifestyle.
Join us on Thursday, November 7th for our Fall 2024 Internship Showcase, where we’ll celebrate the accomplishments of this emerging, talented group of storytellers who are already beginning to make their mark in digital media. Our interns will present their projects, pitch their ideas, and gain valuable feedback from attendees like you to support them as they embark on their careers.
This is a great chance to see their growth firsthand and offer your support! Family, friends, BAYCAT partners, and employers seeking fresh creative talent or media production services are encouraged to attend. Let’s give these future filmmakers and changemakers the send-off they deserve!