USC ESPORTS WRAP-UP #18 — My standard is very much my own.

By: Richard Wang

Heya USC Games! Today we have a little bit of a different interview with the current media director of USC Esports, Emma Kate Hamlin, a sophomore in Film and Television Production. As both a cinephile and Overwatch player (a Zenyatta main) Emma gave us an insight into the world of visual media, production, and promotion. 

1. When was the first time you picked up a camera? Why? 

The first time I picked up a camera I believe it was late middle school early highschool. I had told my mom that I was interested in film and so we found this film camp online— I think it was called NY film academy— and it was the first time I was given a professional setting to explore film and how to make it. It was an eye opening experience because it made me realize that this was something I loved and something I wanted to pursue. 

2. When you’re making a project, both as a filmmaker and photographer, what do you love the most about that process of creating the media itself?

I love the collaborative aspect. Making a film, you have so many people on that team that are helping you to do the same thing: art, sound, directors, producers, and actors. Being on set— it's fun, it's enjoyable, and it creates an environment that I just thrive in— and it’s also inspiring to be around people who are passionate about a similar thing. Creating a film is the most satisfying experience: You put all your hours and dedication into this and you go to a premiere and see it play— it’s like your child. 

3. What is your standard of work? What’s that one box you always want to tick to be satisfied with a project?

I definitely uphold myself to a very high standard with both photography and film, and it’s kinda hard because my standard is very much my own. If other people tell me ‘I think this is great,’ it really doesn’t affect me because I need to believe in myself. For photography, I want to produce something that my subject is happy with, especially when it comes to Esports. I’m doing headshots and photos for teams, and I want it to be photos that they can take with them and be happy.

4. What do you do as the media director for the USC Esports team? What do you love about it? What could be better?

As media director, I produce and manage all the media we make here at USC Esports. That can vary from short form content for social media, long form content for Conquest or promotional purposes, and then also photography. I host our media days where I get individual headshots and group photos of all our teams and staff which we use on our website and social media. I also try to take photos of our events or tournaments, like Conquest is a big one where we get as many photographers to capture as much as possible. Last semester, I flew to Vegas with some of our teams to go to capture their time there and their tournament. USC Esports is still trying to reach its audience here in USC and even the rest of California, so being able to capture these photos and videos is really good promotional material that can help tell people who we are as an org and maybe encourage them to watch a stream or two.