McKenzie Yoakam

I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Digital Media Production at Florida State University and I am currently enrolled in the MA Film and Media Arts Program at American University!

I hope to pursue a career in video production and am passionate about making content that allows people to form a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them. Through my daily meditation practice, I've discovered so much about myself and the world around me. As a human race we are all unique and different, yet intrinsically ever-connected. I wish to promote love and unity throughout my career, and produce work that leaves a lasting emotional impact in order to effect social change. I've found that I really enjoy post production and the ability to shape a story and bring it to life.

Graduate Assistant for Documentary Filmmaker, Laura Waters HinsonGraduate Assistant for Documentary Filmmaker, Laura Waters Hinson

American University, Aug 2022 - Present · 8 Months

District of Columbia, United States 

• Social Media Coordinator for the 95th Academy Awards Oscar Qualifying Documentary, Street Reporter directed by Laura Waters Hinson
• Assistant Editor, Transcriber/ Organizer of incoming footage.
•  Used Adobe Photoshop to update Festival Laurels to promote Street Reporter

Internship Trainee

Level Up Digital Media · Part-time, Feb 2021 - May 2021 · 4 

Tallahassee, Florida, United States

•  Worked as a production assistant for studio shoots, and outdoor shoots
• Was introduced to a wide range of production equipment and was advised on what pieces of equipment are essential when first starting out and how to acquire equipment that is of a high professional grade
• Was able to sit in and observe as my supervisor edited multiple media works such as a political PSA and a 30 minute political TV show. Was then able to learn how to properly organize footage and keep a neat timeline, as well as learned different shortcuts to make for a more efficient editing process

Currently enrolled at American University, Washington, D.C - Seeking a Graduate Degree in Film and Media Production

Fall 2022 - Current First Semester:

Current GPA: 4.0
Created, directed and edited a 12 minute short film Worked as a PA on 5 student films
Took photography assignments on black and white film, developed/ printed negatives in the darkroom

Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL - Bachelors of Science in Communication and Digital Media Studies

Fall 2018 - Fall 2021

Latin Honors: Summa Cum Laude
FSU GPA: 3.936
In final semester: worked on a 10 minute Student Documentary as a cinematographer and co-editor