Stephen is a Feature Producer at Sports Illustrated.  He graduated from Marist with a degree in sports communication in 2015. 

What originally brought you to Marist?

There were many reasons why I chose Marist – the beautiful campus, the people, the culture, the opportunities that came with a school so close to New York City.  But I think the biggest factor for me was the Sports Communication program and the production studios and equipment available to students in Lowell Thomas.

Describe your Marist experience, both academics and extracurricular activities.

I’d say my Marist experience is best summed up with one word: involved.  While I still value everything I learned in the classroom, I knew the best way to separate myself in a competitive industry was to get involved in as many clubs and activities as I could – not only to get experience, but also to learn important skills.  I joined MCTV, WMAR, The Circle, etc.  Through MCTV I got involved with Marist Athletics Department, which was the best thing that happened to me at the College.  Getting my hands on industry-standard camera equipment and being involved in a multi-camera broadcasts for the Red Fox Network during my first semester on campus definitely gave me a huge leg up.

Favorite Marist memory?

There are so many, but just to name a couple:

The 2014-15 basketball pep rally where a student hit a half court shot for $10,000.  I was working in the control room when he hit the shot and had to turn around a video that same night for the website and social media.  It was a huge hit, and I still remember what an exciting moment it was.
The MAAC basketball championships in Springfield, Massachusetts my sophomore year.  That’s when I realized covering sports through video is exactly what I wanted to do.

Are there specific faculty or staff members who really had an impact on you?

The opportunities given to me by Tim Murray, Andy Alongi and Travis Tellitocci on the production side of the Athletics Department were invaluable.  Jeff Bass’ editing class gave me confidence in my ability to edit videos – something that I needed to learn because I had no prior experience before Marist.  Keith Strudler, Ryan Rogers, and Tim Mirabito also had major impacts on my development through the Center for Sports Communication and the classroom.

How did your Marist educational experience prepare you well for career success?

Before coming to Marist, I had never used a camera, never produced a video, and never edited a video.  I now have the privilege of doing all three for Sports Illustrated, which is such a prestigious company, so I’d say the classes and clubs at Marist prepared me pretty well!

What do you do at Sports Illustrated, and what did you do at Marist Athletics?

I’m a Feature Producer at Sports Illustrated, which means that I pitch a story, go out and produce it (which also usually includes shooting it with help from another cameraman), then I bring back the footage we shot and edit it for SITV.  At Marist, I served as a Multimedia Coordinator in the Athletics Department.  In this role, I covered Marist athletics through interviews, feature stories, and live sporting events.

Are there any unique experiences you’ve had as a result of your career? 

With my job, I’ve been fortunate to meet some childhood heroes and athletes whom I admire greatly.  The two that stand out was when I interviewed Shaquem Griffin last year.  He is a one-handed linebacker who now plays for the Seattle Seahawks.  What an inspiring guy.  After that, I got to do a video on Saquon Barkley, the New York Giants’ running back, and his story from the beginning to preparing for the NFL draft.  That was really great getting to meet Saquon and those who watched him develop throughout the years.

Professionally, where do you want to be in five years?

In five years, I hope to still be producing great features on athletes and other sports stories, but on a much bigger scale.  Most of the projects I work on are videos between 8-18 minutes.  I’d like to work on bigger films that would allow me to dive deeper into these compelling stories.

Any advice you’d share with current Marist students?

I would advise students interested in media/production to get involved.  I went to college wanting to be an anchor on ESPN, but I gave other opportunities a try and fell in love with everything that goes on behind the camera.  So, never say no, try everything, and don’t be content with what you learn in the classroom.  Expand your knowledge by seeking out opportunities outside the classroom – Marist offers plenty of them!  The experience you’ll gain will make you a lot more confident when you apply for your first internship or job.