Interview with George, the Summer Videographer
George Parker
Interview by Morgan Bloom
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Onas provides unique professional development experiences for young people across a range of interests and fields. These opportunities give young people – most of whom are former counselors now exploring the possibilities of their future – the chance to develop new skills and continue discovering the paths ahead, while making Onas a better place in the process. Camp Onas works with individuals to determine interests, responsibilities, projects, compensation, and learning opportunities that meet shared needs.
Can you share your background and journey with Camp Onas?
I first found out about Camp because my neighbor, Tyler Seale, a former camper and counselor, told me about Onas. I love camping and hiking so I was excited to go to a sleepaway camp. I was a camper for three years and really wanted to be a counselor. I was a counselor for five years, making this my ninth summer at Camp, sixth summer as a staff member. As a counselor, I did a lot of work on the archery program - leading activities, maintenance, organizing the supplies, and ordering needed parts.
What was your role at Camp this summer?
This summer I was the Camp Videographer, working with the Advancement and Engagement team. I enjoy it because I feel like I'm creating a story with the camera. I also want to have a way to preserve these memories so we can look back on them, and video is a great way to do that. I’ve loved combining what I’ve been learning in school with my love for Camp and working at a place that means so much to me.
This summer, I’ve captured a lot of footage and I've worked on the First, Second, Third and the Fourth session videos. They are essentially recaps of the sessions, recounting the activities and events that Camp has done at a unique moment in time, and showing the highlights, like Theme Weekend and the dance. I've created a Training Week video, documenting Counselors who came to Camp a week before First Session to obtain lifeguarding, wilderness first aid, and high ropes certifications (we make it look pretty fun, too). I'm also working on a "Camp Tour" video to allow new campers and parents to see what Camp's all about and what we have to offer for their kids.
What do you study in school? What are your career goals?
I'm currently enrolled at Montclair State University to earn my BFA, Bachelor of Fine Arts, in filmmaking and cinematography. I enjoy it a lot.
My current career and professional goals are to work in the art of filmmaking and directing. I'd like to make my own Feature Film one day, but also to work on sets for different companies. HBO is one that I really strive to work towards possibly becoming a part of.
How is it different being at Camp as a videographer, versus a counselor?
Being a videographer is different from my counselor summers because it allows me the flexibility to observe and capture all aspects of Camp. Being a counselor, it's so great being with the kids and helping to provide a joyful experience, but now I have a different role and the time to experience everything about Camp. With my job this summer, I'm able to be in multiple places capturing a period in time, whereas that's not always the case as counselors responsible for groups of campers.
Have you learned anything new from this perspective?
I like being able to take a step back and just record. It allows me to appreciate the small things. It’s also fun to look back on as time passes.
What were some challenges you faced this summer with your videography and how did you overcome them?
So usually when I'm on a set or in a film environment, it's more of a controlled environment where everything is carefully checked and put away. Being at Camp outdoors, it's a big challenge to have a lot of technical equipment and keep in mind things like your battery charge, what's on the schedule, and making the most of those those two things. Camp is also a very active place, so there's a lot of movement. Sometimes it’s challenging to capture movement when you have a manual lens that you have to focus by hand.
Lighting was another challenge. I had to use natural light for pretty much all my footage. The best lighting is, unfortunately, when the sun is piercing down; the worst is when it's dark outside.
What's your favorite project you've worked on and why?
My favorite project I’ve worked on was probably the Third Session video. I got attuned to what's best to film given the environment and what truly captures life at Onas. I know Third Session really brings the energy, so I wanted to preserve that on the screen. I also got really good at flying the drone, well, up until a point where I lost the drone. But I'm proud of the good, creative shots and edits in the Third Session video.
First Session Recap Video
First Session Recap Video
S1 Recap Video.mp4A message from George about this video:
My name is George Parker, and I was thrilled to be back at Camp Onas as this summer’s videographer! This role, which marks my sixth year as a staff member, is a unique opportunity that combines my videography background and Camp’s current needs. For nine summers, Camp Onas has been a special place for me, and I’m eager to continue capturing all the fun and memories that campers will be making throughout the summer.
My passion for storytelling extends beyond Camp. I’m currently pursuing a BFA in Filmmaking and Cinematography at Montclair State University. This past semester, I gained valuable experience working as a Production Assistant (PA) for a production company in Los Angeles, CA. This past spring I completed my own documentary titled “The Fall Guy’s Fight”. The film explores the ongoing debate surrounding the lack of a dedicated Oscar category for stunt performers and coordinators.
I’m excited to share with you all the “First Session Recap” video! My goal for this one-time project was to encapsulate the spirit of Camp using only footage from First Session (120 shots total!) in a way that we typically don’t get to see… Enjoy!
Sincerely,
George
Thank you to George, for all his hardwork this summer!
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