Filmmaker follows passion

by Rachel Janzen

Darria Dennison, '18, works at KSNT where she’s a video editor and technical director.

The word “free time” is not a commonly used phrase in Dennison’s vocabulary. When she’s not working at KSNT, she’s freelancing for multiple film roles including shooting, editing, acting, and more.

When she does have time off, she’s had the opportunity to work on numerous film projects.

“All of the people that I’ve come to know and the connections I’ve made have probably been the biggest thing I’ve gotten from Washburn and have still affected me today and influenced me in what I work on,” Dennison said.

A professional relationship was formed for Dennison when Sue Vicory spoke in one of Dennison’s film classes when she was still a student.

Dennison has since worked with Vicory on a handful of music videos and a short film. She’s also had the opportunity to work on two feature films since she graduated.

Dennison’s other projects include being the head production assistant and a producer’s assistant for “They Wait In The Dark” and a production assistant on “The Stylist.”

Dennison continues to work toward her dream of moving to Los Angeles and getting into the prestigious graduate USC film program. She hopes to pursue directing and acting, eventually at the same time.

“Directing is at the top of the list,” Dennison said. “For whatever project I want to work on next, unless I find a really good reason to act in it, I’m going to exclusively direct it. I would like to get to a point where I’m more frequently directing and acting in my own things once I get to a point where I can navigate that.”

Matthew Nyquist, an associate professor in mass media, had Dennison in some of his film classes.

“She is very very dedicated to always doing the absolute best she can and learning everything she can about what she’s doing to be able to pull it off to the best of her ability,” Nyquist said. “I think that’s something we all should strive for and I think that she’s a great representation of Washburn and the film program.”