‘15 Telecommunications Alumna Julia Ricci is a true cinephile. From working with peers on Reel Deal to walking the red carpet interviewing celebrities, to starting her own film blog, Ricci’s love for cinema has guided all her choices since college. Today she is the senior programmer at Heartland Film in Indianapolis. We sat down with her to talk about her time at Ball State and what happened after CCIM.
Writer: Caitlen Ramey, Department of Journalism Student • Interviewer: Chris Zurisk, Telecommunications Department Student • Video: Ball State UMS
What kind of student were you at Ball State?
I definitely studious and focused on my academics but I was also heavily involved in student organizations like Reel Deal which is an entertainment news show. I was like a sponge because I wanted to absorb every ounce of knowledge and bit of experience I could while I was at Ball State.
What was your favorite place on campus?
Every Tuesday we recorded our show for Reel Deal so I definitely enjoyed being in the studio with other members of the organization. We would do the show and then we would go out and grab something to eat. The studio really allowed me to explore my interests and gain skills outside of the classroom.
What is your favorite memory at Ball State?
I think my best memory would have to be doing media coverage of the Heartland Film Festival which is how I got to where I am today. The team and I were able to interview celebrities like Robert Downey Jr, Geoffery Rush, and Vanessa Hudgens on the red carpet which was really cool. As students getting to produce segments was an incredible experience and we were the only student crew amongst all of the professional media outlets. I learned so much and really enjoyed the experience because of my passion for films.
What professor had a positive impact on you?
Looking back, Dr. Wes Gehring was a professor that I enjoyed having class with because he taught film studies. I had my lightbulb moment during one of his classes and realized the potential of what I could do with this degree. Dr. Gehring’s classes taught me how to be a better writer and how to analyze film in a way that connects to the greater world.
How did the Telecommunications department equip you with the skills for the real world?
TCOM really helped me when it came to critical thinking and understanding the “why” behind the film. I analyze films as part of my job as a programmer so understanding the big picture is really important. Overall, Ball State allowed me to get hands on experience both in the classroom and in extracurriculars which really made an impact me. Getting the real world experience as a student really allows you to grow before even stepping out into the professional world.
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