Katrina Morgan
Katrina Morgan received a Bachelor of Science degree in Digital Recording Arts (now named Digital Media Production) from New England Tech in 2009. Since that time, Katrina has made her mark in the world of filmmaking. The mother of two children, Aurora, 11, and TJ, 5, Katrina works long days as a Production Office Coordinator and film Co-Producer. With the help of her mom, Katrina is able to balance her career with raising a family. “Working three months and then enjoying a few months off before I gear up for the next film allows me to spend quality time with my children. They are amazing being so supportive of my unique job.” Katrina shares her experiences with Tech News Readers.
Why did you decide to attend NEIT for your degree?
I really liked how unique the campus was along with the class sizes. The degree program attracted me as well as the hands-on experience using various video and audio equipment.
How did you choose your program?
I grew up in the theatre and always knew I wanted to work in the entertainment business. However, it was difficult for me to find an area within the business that I felt confident in. By attending NEIT, I was able to learn all aspects of film and audio production, which helped me focus my career.
How did you get your career started?
I was willing to work for free. A friend, Andrea Ajemian, who is a film producer, had posted on Facebook that she was looking for volunteer Production Assistants (PA) for her new movie. At the time I was freelancing so I was able to work for free. I also wanted the opportunity to learn about the film scene in Worcester, which is near where I live. After I interviewed with her and volunteered for a few weeks, the production team ended up hiring me during the shoot as the Assistant Production Coordinator.
Tell us about your current position.
I am a member of Local 161 as a Production Office Coordinator, and I am also a Co-Producer with Andrea whom I have now worked with for five years. I have worked on 12 movies as the Production Office Coordinator and 2 movies as the Co-Producer where I received my first front end credit. I have learned a lot from Andrea and look forward to doing more films together.
Most of the films can be seen on Lifetime. Currently, two features that I co-produced are being shown on Lifetime, “The Assault” and “Don’t Look Back” the latter of which was filmed in Idyllwild, California, and my first film shot outside of Massachusetts.
One theatrical film, “The Forger” with John Travolta, was released to On Demand while other theatrical films I have done are yet to be released. I recently worked on “Purge 3” filming in Warwick and Woonsocket, Rhode Island.
What do you feel ultimately prepared you for your position?
I feel my years in customer service, my education at NEIT and my drive to work in this business prepared me for the job.
Do you have any advice for graduates who are just beginning their job search?
To be honest, getting your foot in the door is the hardest part, but once you’re in and you prove yourself, people will refer you for other projects. My advice is to be honest and true to yourself. Don’t take a job on a film if you don’t really believe in it or want to be there. Working in film production means 12 hour days or longer so if you don’t want to be there, it won’t be a good experience.
What can current students do to better prepare themselves for jobs in this field?
Although you do a lot in school, you have a lot more to learn out in the field so never stop learning. Be willing to “get the coffee” without complaint, no one is above getting coffee. Also listen and pay attention. There are opportunities everywhere. When I first was volunteering, I was doing various PA jobs for the production. Only by paying attention to what the production needed was I able to end up working in the office and thus starting my career as a Production Office Coordinator.