LET ME INTRODUCE MYSELF
Take a seat, put your feet up, and grab a cup of joe. All comfy? Great, let’s get down to business.
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A Little about Me
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My name is Zakari Kostzer and I am a photographer, producer, cinematographer, and journalist. Currently, I am a Senior at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida.
My interest in photography developed at a very young age when I would use my grandfather's camera and take pictures at family events. As I grew older, my passion for photography (and later journalism/cinematography) became something I loved to do every day.
When I entered Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, I joined the TV Production program there in an effort to further hone my skills. Being a part of this program throughout my high school years has facilitated my love and passion for cinematography and journalism. I recently produced two Documentaries: #MSDStrong Documentary and MSD Reflects. I am also a contributing author of “We Say #NeverAgain: Reporting by the Parkland Student Journalists”.
My interest in photography developed at a very young age when I would use my grandfather's camera and take pictures at family events. As I grew older, my passion for photography (and later journalism/cinematography) became something I loved to do every day.
When I entered Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, I joined the TV Production program there in an effort to further hone my skills. Being a part of this program throughout my high school years has facilitated my love and passion for cinematography and journalism. I recently produced two Documentaries: #MSDStrong Documentary and MSD Reflects. I am also a contributing author of “We Say #NeverAgain: Reporting by the Parkland Student Journalists”.
Throughout my time at Florida State University, I have been a volunteer with Seminole Production, working in positions such as camera operator, A2, video, and grip. Furthermore, as the Creative Development Chair for Dance Marathon at Florida State University, the largest student-run nonprofit in the Southeast United States, I developed media content for multi-medium consumption that correlated and aligned with the organization's messaging and ongoing campaigns. Currently, I am an Intern with the FSU's College of Communication and Information Science's Communication Team. In addition, I am a Coordinating Producer and Videographer for Digital Media Services at the FSU's College of Communication and Information Science.
Upon graduation in May 2023, I hope to find a job doing corporate video production, whether that be in an in-house agency or as a contractor.
Upon graduation in May 2023, I hope to find a job doing corporate video production, whether that be in an in-house agency or as a contractor.
Adobe Premiere Pro CS6 Certified
Resume
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Professional Experience
Video Intern at Florida State University’s College of Communication, Tallahassee, FL. September 2022 - Present
-Maintained schedules, managed deadlines and interfaced with teammates to support production activities.
-Increased brand awareness through creation of innovative digital productions for publications.
-Production of visual effects, 3D animation, graphic design and digital content.
-Cut delivery times through proactive tracking and monitoring of project timelines and aggressive pursuit of customer approval of digital and print files.
-Created content for multiple social media campaigns and visual storytelling projects.
-Identified category trends through social listening.
Creative Development Chair at Dance Marathon at Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL. April 2020 - April 2022
-Managed digital assets and resources for business, promotional and routine filming use.
-Maintained schedules, managed deadlines and interfaced with teammates to support production activities.
-Increased brand awareness through creation of innovative print and digital productions for major publications.
-Assisted in production and achieved stunning results for visual effects, 3D animation, graphic design and digital content.
-Streamlined operational processes and workflow to increase efficiency of team performance and resource allocation.
-Cut delivery times through proactive tracking and monitoring of project timelines and aggressive pursuit of customer approval of digital and print files.
-Created content for multiple social media campaigns and visual storytelling projects.
-Reviewed activities for the production team to complete tasks on time.
-Identified category trends through social listening.
-Production Assistant at Seminole Productions, Tallahassee, FL. August 2019- May 2022
-Support camera and audio operators in setup and operation of production equipment resulting in a smoothly run broadcast.
-Assist crews with set building and identify problems that may be potential safety issues.
-Coordinate with producers and on-air talent to create program content, new ideas, and segments.
-Assist in production and achieved stunning results for visual effects, 3D animation, digital design and digital content.
-Support production needs by performing routine tasks using standard procedures and equipment.
-Complete a wide range of tasks in diverse filming areas to support operations.
-Positions Worked Include: Grip, Camera Operator, Audio Technician
Digital Marketing Intern at Weston Nissan Volvo, Weston, FL. April 2021 – July 2022
-Created engaging content for Facebook and Instagram.
-Assisted marketing coordinators and graphic designers with website and social media copywriting and proofing.
-Collaborated with team members to help expand marketing channels.
-Assisted with capturing and analyzing social media metrics.
-Designed and presented social media campaign ideas.
-Contributed to mock-ups, email campaigns, and social media content.
-Used Adobe Creative Suite to design initial campaign concepts.
-Tracked social media trends and adapted media content to attract target follower demographic.
-Executed consistent online messaging across various social media verticals.
-Researched competitor trends and interpreted findings, and reporting competitor trends to supervisor.
Documentary Production Assistant at Something Else Films, Tampa, FL. December 2019 – January 2020
-Created and updated records and files to maintain document compliance.
-Supported production needs by performing routine tasks using standard procedures and equipment.
-Generated logs and reports detailing production data such as volume, materials used, and quality assurance results, to help management make an accurate operational decision
-Assisted crews with set building and identified problems that could be potential safety issues.
-Aided director with planning and completing film shot, as well as, B-roll footage.
Producer for MSD Reflects at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Parkland, FL. January 2019 – February 2019
-Coordinated all aspects of the production of a documentary on the Parkland shooting a year past the event.
-Orchestrated permissions for various rights to media
-Directed the storyline created for the film
-Co-Writer in the storyline for the documentary
-Managed all participating members for the cast and crew.
Producer for #MSDSTRONG at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Parkland, FL. February 2019 – March 2019
-Coordinated all aspects of the production of a documentary on the Parkland shooting
-Orchestrated permissions for various rights to media
-Directed the storyline created for the film
-Co-Writer in the storyline for the documentary
-Managed all participating members for the cast and crew.
Education
(Expected) BS, Digital Media Production, Florida State University June 2019 - Present
Teaching Experience
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant. College of Communications, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL. January 2022 - May 2022
Course: RTV 3602: Television Interviewing and Hosting
-Assisted professor with assigning group projects.
-Organized, planned, and hosted multiple workshops on video production including all stages of production.
-Aided in the production of the Seminole Showcase, a show that premiered on WFSU that showcases the students' work throughout the semester.
Skills
Technical Skills
Adobe After Effects
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Lightroom
Cinematic Lighting Techniques
Visual Storytelling
Video Production
Soft Skills
Project Management
Time Management
Communication
Adaptability
Leadership Skills
Ability to Work in a Team
Communication Skill
Certifications
Video Communication using Adobe Premiere Pro CS6, Certiport - May 2017
Awards/Accomplishments
National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Foundation: National Student Production Awards Long Form – Nonfiction
Winner and Nominee for MSD Reflects, 2020
National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Student Production Awards: Suncoast Chapter Long Form - Nonfiction High School Winner and Nominee for MSD Reflects , 2020
National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Student Production Awards: Suncoast Chapter Long Form - Nonfiction High School Winner and Nominee for #MSDSTRONG, 2019
Florida Association for Media in Education: Jim Harbin Festival District Winner, 2018
Florida Association for Media in Education: Regional Winner, 2018
Keynote Speaker at Florida Scholastic Press Association District 6 Conference, 2018
References
Available upon request.