This summer, I interned at Fuse Technical Group in L.A., a leading multi-media design and development technology company specializing in LED lighting, virtual production, live events, installations, and project management. From observing short films shot in state-of-the-art extended reality (XR) studios to learning the ins and outs of working in a warehouse to meeting incredibly talented and genuine people, I truly enjoyed my time with Fuse, as it provided me with exposure to an emerging, fascinating branch of entertainment I hadn’t previously considered — I’ll never forget my first time stepping into an LED Volume and being completely immersed by a digital oceanic environment, highly-realistic waves lapping over my head amid a storm brewing in the distance — piqued interest in on-set production, increased my understanding of the complexities surrounding warehouse inventory intake, distribution, and management (after removing shaders on LED panels, I have a newfound appreciation for LED installations as well as barcoding and scanning items), developed my interpersonal abilities, and further solidified my desire to work in the entertainment industry.
In addition to observing production shoots, perhaps the most invaluable opportunity I’ve had with Fuse is interviewing Vince Pace, a cinematographer, stereographer, underwater camera and lighting expert, and the Fuse Film/TV lead, who’s passionate about bridging the dynamic between emerging technology and artistic expression, one in which technology complements an individual’s creative vision. Pace has worked extensively on films and series, serving as Director of Photography on Ghosts of the Abyss (2003), Aliens of the Deep (2005), Expedition: Bismarck (2002), and Avatar (DP L.A., 2009), and crew on Titanic (1997), The Abyss (1989), The Blue Planet (2001), and Tron: Legacy (2010), later forming the Cameron-Pace Group in 2011 with James Cameron to promote 3D filmmaking. Our conversation lasted nearly an hour, though it didn’t feel like it as I was completely absorbed, and it’s been the most resonating and meaningful discussion I’ve had regarding film, both in terms of the medium’s evolution and life advice. There’s just so much intelligence, depth, and sincerity to Vince, and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity.
Check out the article on my Her Campus Media @ UGA profile!
Outside of my internship, I immersed myself in the “City of Stars” and explored what L.A. had to offer, per my own adventures and the Grady L.A. Internship Program. I’m not sure if I’ll move to L.A. but living here for two months and figuring out traffic, where to shop for groceries, and the basic layout of the city has been extremely valuable. Still, the industry is here but alas, my heart is set elsewhere.
