Katie Chapman talks about her internship experience with Neal Broffman
By Rachel Chaikof
Katie Chapman, a fourth-year photography student, is currently interning with a highly regarded-photographer, Neal Broffman of One Production Place. Chapman talked about her internship experiences with Broffman and how it benefits her major and future.
Why did you choose to take the opportunity to intern with Neal Broffman of One Production Place?
I heard about the internship working with Neal Broffman in collaboration with the High Museum of Art and was immediately interested in how I could get involved. As a senior student at SCAD, I’m trying to learn as much as I can and take on as many opportunities as I can before I graduate this spring. After sitting down with Neal, and learning more about the work that this internship entailed and the experience that I would gain from it, I knew that this would be a good fit for me.
Could you please explain who Neal Broffman is?
Neal Broffman works as a director of photography, producer and editor of his company One Production Place, based in Atlanta. Before he started his company in 2002, he worked as a correspondent for CNN. During his time with CNN, he was based in London, Rome and Moscow where he covered major international stories in over 40 countries, as a videographer and editor/producer. His experiences with video production both in the U.S. and abroad have helped create his unique and creative vision as a talented photographer, editor and video producer. Multiple production awards include three CINE Awards, seven Telly Awards, and two International World Media Festival Awards.
Could you please explain what One Production Place is?
Neal Broffman’s company, One Production Place (www.oneproductionplace.com) specializes
in digital video production and post-production. Some of their clients include Johnson & Johnson,
The Chattahoochie Nature Center, Pur Mineral Cosmetics and Via Elisa Fresh Products.
What projects are you doing with Mr. Broffman?
I have been working with Neal Broffman on a short documentary that will be part of an upcoming photography exhibit on the Civil Rights movement called “Road to Freedom.” I have done a wide range of work for the project, including hand-logging some of the interviews, isolating some images and helping out a bit on other tasks related to the project. I have also had opportunities to travel to relevant, historical locations with Neal and Julian, and participate in interviews with several major players in the movements, including John Lewis and Andrew Young.
What will be featured at the upcoming exhibition at the High Museum, Civil Rights Movement?
This exhibition (opening in June) will feature the work of over 20 photographers. These photographs taken during the 1950’s and 1960’s documenting the Civil Rights movement are not only important pieces of American history, but are also works of art. These images helped to change the mentality and understanding of many Americans and have played a pivotal role in our country’s battle for equality for all citizens. In addition to the images, the exhibition also will include the short documentary film with interviews with some of the photographers and important members and advocates of the movement.
How is this internship beneficial to your major?
This internship has been beneficial to me in many ways. For any photographer, looking at the work that has been done in the past is important in helping us to understand where we are today. Some of the lessons and experiences that I have had during the course of this internship are not necessarily photography-related but instead are lessons of America’s past and what went on in the South during the 1950s and 1960s during the time of the Civil Rights movement.
How is the internship helping you prepare for your future career?
Over the past five years, I have done several different internships, from working with an advertising agency, to a graphic design/new media company. The reason that I have done all of these internships, many of which have been unpaid, is because I truly believe that the best way to prepare for a career is through experience. These experiences have allowed me to get an inside look at different types of small businesses, so that I can see what type of employees these companies are looking to hire, as well as learning what type of companies I would want to work for.
Photo by Brian Steel
