Southeastern student wins Emmy for film
Wednesday, June 24, 2015 3:10:54 PM CDT
by: Tonya Lowentritt
SOUTHEASTERN STUDENTS WIN EMMY AWARDS - Southeastern Channel students were recently honored with prestigious Emmy Award honors by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ Suncoast Region. Pictured, from left, are Kaitlyn Morales of Covington, Southeastern Channel General Manager Rick Settoon, Sarah Barbier of Mandeville, Matt Flores of Slidell, and Michael Vinsanau of Mandeville. Not shown are students Paul Rivera of Slidell and Kayla Hill of Walker.
HAMMOND – A student-produced dramatic film for the Southeastern Channel, Southeastern
Louisiana University’s educational access station, has won a coveted Emmy Award.
“Emma,” a short film by student filmmaker Sarah Barbier of Mandeville, won an
Emmy in the “Directing” category given by the National Academy of Television Arts
and Sciences.
The film was recognized in the NATAS Suncoast Region comprised of universities,
television stations and production entities in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana
and Puerto Rico.
“Emma” is a psychological romance about a young man, Nate, whose girlfriend,
Emma, leaves him to move to another city to pursue a career. The young man seeks the
help of a psychiatrist, who suggests a return to society to ease the pain. Upon doing
so, the haunted young man sees Emma everywhere he goes.
“Winning an Emmy is one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences of my
career,” Barbier said. “Being recognized for my advancement in this field while still
a student validates that I am pursuing a career that I will not only enjoy, but can
be successful in as well.”
In addition to directing, Barbier served as screenwriter, cinematographer and
editor. She wrote the screenplay based on the concept by student Matt Green of Hammond.
Student actor C.J. Love of Mandeville played the leading role of Nate.
“The Emmy is the highest award that you can win in television, and Sarah’s special
talent, creativity, vision and work ethic have rightfully placed her in elite company
on a national scale,” said Southeastern Channel General Manager Rick Settoon. “We’re
thrilled that our television and film students continue to be honored at the highest
level.”
NATAS awards an Emmy after rounds of judging against the Emmy standard of excellence,
not against other productions, Settoon said. Categories with nominees often have no
winner.
Barbier produced “Emma” for a short film assignment in a field production class
in the Electronic Media Concentration of Southeastern’s Department of Languages and
Communication. The film, along with Barbier’s interview, airs on the Southeastern
Channel as part of the student film show, “Cinematheque.”
Six other Southeastern Channel students won honorable recognitions for their
work.
Matt Flores of Slidell won an honorable mention for “Directing” with his film
parody, “Donate Blood, Save Lives,” for the student entertainment show, “College Night.”
Kayla Hill of Walker was recognized for “Public Service Announcement” with her PSA,
“Tobacco Free Campus.”
Three news reporters for the student newscast, “Northshore News,” also won honorable
mention honors. Paul Rivera of Slidell won in “News Story-Serious News” for his story,
“Manufacturing on the North Shore,” and in “Arts and Entertainment, Cultural Affairs”
for his feature, “John Schneider Studios.”
Michael Vinsanau of Mandeville received honorable mention in “News Story-Light
News” for his feature, “Blooming Rose,” while Kaitlyn Morales of Covington was recognized
in “Writing” for her story, “Miracle League.”
The Southeastern Channel has won 12 Emmys and received 47 Emmy nominations in
the past 10 years. The channel can be seen on Charter Cable 199 throughout the North
Shore. Its live 24/7 webcast and video on demand can be seen at www.southeastern.edu/tv.
