Meet Stephen
Name: Stephen Stephanian
Hometown: Austin, TX
Major: Radio-Television-Film
Minor: Business Foundations
Favorite study spot: Plaza outside the College of Communication buildings
A Passion for Filmmaking
I have a passion for entertaining people with my creations. I knew a diverse, well-rounded education from UT Austin would give me the skills I need to pursue a career in filmmaking.
The university has a fantastic film school with industry-respected professors like John Pierson (independent film producer) and Paul Stekler (featured on MTV’s Real World Austin). Our film school offers an innovative, hands-on educational approach to filmmaking with the UT Film Institute and Burnt Orange Productions.
The Wendy's Guy
One of the best and most unexpected thing that’s happened to me here at UT Austin was meeting a fast food cashier, Junior, who works at the Wendy’s in the Texas Union. He is an inspiration. His energy, passion and effect on the UT community are unique and powerful, so we made a documentary about him. "Junior: The Wendy's Guy" will be premiering at the South by Southwest (SXSW) 2006 Film Festival here in Austin in March. It will also be screening at the Palm Beach International Film Festival in late April.
"I'd like to thank the Academy…"
In high school I was looking for every opportunity to help fund my education at UT Austin. Through my counselor's office I was able to locate a scholarship that worked well with my strengths. I received the Academy of Television, Arts and Sciences Scholarship (one of only two recipients in the nation). The Academy of Television, Arts & Sciences scholarship has generated opportunities and created relationships that would not have existed otherwise.
Random Thoughts
Stephen's Thoughts on…
The College of Communication
There is a collaborative environment in the College of Communication. In my experience, it has not been about competing with my colleagues, but rather finding ways to combine resources and talents in order to achieve success in our endeavors.
The UT Film Institute and Burnt Orange Productions create such great opportunities for all students—not just RTF students. My roommate is a Burnt Orange development intern who reads scripts and recently recommended the script for their latest production. My producing class provided feedback for the final cut of Burnt Orange’s The Cassidy Kids, which turned out to be a great learning experience in the post-production process of filmmaking.
Connecting with classmates and professors
Some people think the university is way too big to obtain a personal and engaging education. That's not true. The truth is UT has something for everyone; you just have to be motivated to find it or start it. Join a Freshman Interest Group! I met my roommate, close friends and filmmaking comrades in my FIG.
Living on campus
I lived in Jester Center East (fifth floor) during my freshman year—thirty years after my dad had called Jester home. After my freshman year, I moved into Orange Tree in West Campus. I now live in the Hyde Park area. I definitely would encourage students to live in a dorm their freshman year. It’s a convenient, exciting and an easy way to meet people!
Austin
Austin is a very active city with plenty of recreational activities such as some great hike and bike trails and canoeing on Town Lake. With South by Southwest, the Austin City Limits Festival, Barton Springs and Town Lake, the Live Music Capital of the world has something to offer everyone.
UT Austin also has the best athletic programs in the world, so there is always a sporting event to show your burnt orange pride.
Some Favorite Things
- Places to eat: O's Café, Wendy's, Thundercloud Subs and Zen
- Things about the city of Austin: The people, the culture and the pride
- Class: Geology 302P (Living with the Planet) One day in class I witnessed the most exciting in-class demonstration. My professor used two students from class to demonstrate the Coriolis Effect by throwing a football across the room. Those two students happened to be former Texas quarterback Vince Young and basketball player P.J. Tucker.
- Fill in the blank: I can’t ____ without _________.
Answer: I can't bleed without burnt orange.
Send Stephen an e-mail at StephenStephanian@yahoo.com or visit Stephen's web site to view his films.
Updated 24 April 2008
