What I liked
Firelight Films is a small production company so I was able to witness most aspects of both documentary production and the function of a business relatively intimately. The staff was super friendly and open to answering questions about anything whether it had to do with a specific project or the industry in general. Specifically, I was able to attend a Q&A with the producer of Strong Island, an autobiographical documentary about a transgender man's brother who was shot and killed by a white man who was never convicted in Long Island, which was an invaluable experience. I was only able to do so because the company was small but extremely prestigious with connections throughout the entire documentary film industry, specifically by and for people of color. The fact that the company had a specific mission and was very successful within its purpose made it a worthwhile place to spend a summer. Additionally, all of the interns spent everyday together at one table, so I was able to connect with them and learn about different college experiences and where they planned to take their career or interests. It's super valuable to bounce ideas off of other college students, particularly ones who don't go to Wesleyan and have different perspectives.
