SEPTEMBER 2017 COMMUNICATION COUNCIL
STAFF LIST
EDITORS MAYA HAWS-SHADDOCK WRITERS ELIZABETH ROSSIO EMMA HUGHES HOLLAND SMITH KENNEDY WILLIAMS ROOPA NAGARAJAN RYAN STANLEY VICTORIA STRANCZEK DESIGNERS ALEXANDRIA CHUNG EMILY WARD JOSEPH WALLACE
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SEPTEMBER 2017
CONTENTS
03 04 05
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
06
UTLOSANGELES
07 08 10
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
12
WRITING CENTER ORG/OF/THE/MONTH
ROOPA ROOVIEWS HARVEY RELIEF MEET THE STAFF
MOODY MONTHLY
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
That fall chill has begun creeping into the air, and boy are we excited about it! Fall weather means many things – pumpkin carving, sweater weather, warm drinks, and more. With that, it also brings the crippling awareness that class deadlines are fast approaching, exams are progressively stacking up, and you still haven’t done laundry in the past month. Luckily, Moody provides many resources for when you just feel like you can’t keep up, or you just feel that you need to get away from it all. Take some time this month to sit back and appreciate the (slowly) improving weather. No matter how stressful things may seem, just remind yourself that you have gotten yourself to where you are today – in one of the top Communication programs in the world – and the only thing stopping you from conquering today is yourself (and perhaps a lack of caffeine). We’ve highlighted a lot of important Moody-related things you all should read about – from how to support your fellow Longhorns that are affected by Harvey, how to drop out and go to LA (without dropping out), whether or not you should really drop the $12 for that It IMAX ticket, and a look at some of the organizations and alumni that make Moody so special. We hope you enjoy this edition, preferably while embracing the coming fall weather with a cup of hot coffee. ‘Till next time, MAYA HAWS-SHADDOCK
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SEPTEMBER 2017
WRITING CENTER
CALENDAR
BOOK CLUB
MOODY MONTHLY
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ORG/OF/THE/MONTH
ORGANIZATION OF THE MONTH:
DIVERSITY IN ADVERTISING & PUBLIC RELATIONS BY VICTORIA STRANCZEK
This month, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jenna Marin, President of Diversity in Advertising and Public Relations (DAPR) to learn more about the organization and what it has to offer UT students. DAPR actually started back in 2013 as Minorities in Advertising. A couple of multicultural women sought a place where they could be themselves both on campus and within their industry. Unable to find one, they created their own, thus Minorities in Advertising was born – a place where they could develop professionally while being unique and diverse. Minorities in Advertising expanded to include Public Relations in 2016 and officially rebranded to DAPR last year in 2017. According to Marin, the reason behind the rebranding was to be more inclusive. DAPR does not only want to be diverse racially, they want to be open to people of all identities in hopes that anyone who feels left out on campus or in the industry can find a home within their organization. That being said, anyone can get involved in DAPR. This organization is not restricted to only Advertising and PR majors. Anyone who cares about a more diverse media in terms of representation and thinking has a place within DAPR. So what exactly does DAPR do? The organization itself stands on three pillars: diversity, networking and professionalism. Their goal is to integrate each of these into their various workshops and teaching sessions in order to expand knowledge and implementation of diversity within the industry while seeking to create an empowering space for likeminded individuals. They are also huge advocates of the Multicultural Advertising Intern Program or MAIP for short. MAIP is a competitive program all across the nation and places students in agencies throughout the United States allowing them to intern for the summer. Jenna Marin herself is a participant and interned at Saatchi & Saatchi last summer in New York City. DAPR offers a home to students who might not fit in just yet at UT. They serve as both an academic organization as well as a family who seeks to build relationships and give people a place to belong. They have multiple socials each year and are preparing to host Donuts with Kahlor – a meet and greet with Professor Kahlor at UT – on October 3rd. The room has yet to be announced, but all who are looking to join are welcome to attend. (J. Marin, personal communication, August 22, 2017) 05
SEPTEMBER 2017
UTLOSANGELES
UT LOS ANGELES BY HOLLAND SMITH
While thousands of students gear up for another semester on the forty acres, a select number of students are doing the same nearly 1,400 miles away in the entertainment capital of the world. Designed for those interested in breaking into the entertainment industry, the Semester in Los Angeles (or UTLA) program is an extraordinary way for students to gain hands-on experience while taking classes geared towards their specific interests. While in Los Angeles, students in the program attend twelve hours of courses including an internship course. Courses range anywhere from How Hollywood Works to Entertainment Press and Public Relations, and the list of places to intern is extensive. In previous years, students have gained experience working at places such as 20th Century FOX, Sony Music, Participant Media, Warner Bros Studios, and the list goes on. With award-winning professionals as your instructors and various producers, writers, and CEOs contributing to the program, you’re guaranteed to learn a valuable lesson both inside and outside the classroom. Since the program was launched in 2005, a large number of alumni have returned to the City of Angels to purse their dreams. If you have a passion for advertising, animation, film, new media, or anything in between, there is no better way to learn the workings of the real world and come away with the abilities and contacts you’ll need for the future. For more information, visit https://moody.utexas.edu/academics/travel-programs/utla or attend an upcoming information session. These information sessions will cover details about the program such as costs, application requirements, life in L.A., and more. KATIE MCCLUNG Radio, Television and Film Class of 2018 This summer I interned at an arthouse film distribution company, Roadside Attractions. I was able to have this amazing opportunity thanks to the UTLA program. Doing the program was easily the best decision I’ve made here at my time at UT. It gave me the chance to see what life in Los Angeles is really like and made me feel like I could really thrive out there in the future! What really surprised me was the strength of the Longhorn alum network out there. I was consistently being introduced to former Longhorns who were working in the industry and it was a great comfort to have a piece of UT out there with me. I would highly recommend the program to anyone interested in broadening their horizons and growing professionally in the film industry and beyond!
INTERESTED? COME AND CHECK OUT AN INFORMATION SESSION
Monday, October 2, 2017 at 2:00pm in BMC 5.102 Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 4:00pm in BMC 5.102 Thursday, October 5, 2017 at 12:00pm in CMA 5.136 MOODY MONTHLY
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT BY EMMA HUGHES AND ELIZABETH ROSSIO
From September 15 through October 15, thousands will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. This time is meant for celebrating Hispanic Americans with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The starting date signifies the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, and is followed by Mexico Independence Day (September 16), and Chile Independence Day (September 17). Hispanic Heritage month was first observed as a single week, starting in 1968, and expanded to cover a full 30-days in 1988. Many alumni from the Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations are celebrating their Hispanic heritage this month, however they embrace their culture year-round. We talked to Jesus Acosta, an advertising graduate, UT Class of 2017, about how he has continued to advocate for Hispanic American rights and incorporate his rich culture into the advertising field.
JESUS ACOSTA UT AUSTIN CLASS OF 2017 ADVERTISING
Do you have any plans to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage month? I attended the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center’s 10th anniversary party on September 16th. It was a blast and a reminder to be proud of my heritage. What have you been doing since graduating from UT? After graduating from UT, I decided to take a well deserved break and I have been pursuing freelance opportunities in art direction, graphic and web design. I started a company with two of my friends that offers a variety of services including graphic and web design, branding, social media management, event planning, consulting, video production, and more. How do you feel about being a minority in advertising? As a minority in advertising, I feel a sense of responsibility to ensure that minorities are well represented in the advertising industry. Now more than ever, I believe the voices of minorities need to be heard in order to avoid the insensitive whitewashing erasure of their struggles. How do you advocate for Hispanic diversity through advertising? Is there a specific issue you’d like to focus on? Advocating for Hispanic diversity is important. DACA is definitely a topic that should be discussed. With over 800,000 dreamers, I believe it is essential to highlight their very significant contributions to the United States’ economy and cultural landscape. Austin is embracing Hispanic Heritage month with several events across the city, including celebrations of art, dance, and history. Go check out http://www.klru.org/blog/2017/09/hispanic-heritage-month-programming-2017/ for more information. 07
SEPTEMBER 2017
ROOPA ROOVIEWS
ROOPA’S ROOVIEWS
BY ROOPA NAGARAJAN
It
September 2017 Directed by Andy Muschietti Written by Chase Palmer, Cary Fukunaga Starring Bill Skarsgård, Jaeden Lieberher, Sophia Lillis, and more This early September’s It, now the highest grossing horror movie in history, is simultaneously a remake of the 1990 “It” and a fresh adaptation from Stephen King’s novel of the same name. Be warned: It might have teen leads, but it is a visceral and bloody film that lives up to its rating. It serves its purpose as a blockbuster horror movie for the masses. Chock full of jump scares and abrupt sound transitions, every scene of the film, from the very beginning, is meant to have the audience on the edge of their seats. But this approach to the scenes, in which every scare is set up and crafted almost formulaically, makes it predictable instead. Many horror movie pitfalls are easy to rely on; why else would an actual stereotype about horror tropes even exist? It finds itself wandering through many of these traps. The fact that the main characters are teenagers made it slightly easier to believe the characters’ stupidity, but not their brazenness, bravery, or intellect. Required suspension of disbelief? Check. The main failing of It, however, is not in its character writing, but in its pacing. Even in the moment, the repetitive system of Pennywise hunting the children one after another was predictable. This monotony was boring, and It suffered for it. I caught myself thinking, “Another?” by the third consecutive red balloon scene. The many scares, therefore, despite being continuous, didn’t flow. The ensuing result is a lack of foreboding that would have done the movie good. For a plot centered around the personification of fear itself, there was resoundingly little overarching suspense. But don’t worry if It sounds choppy and heavy-handed in its horror. While there are many on-the-nose, in-yourface, traditional jump scares, It’s strength is in the fresh faces of its actors. One of the strongest appeals of the movie is the charm of its boyish gawkiness. This is where It’s screenplay and “R” rating work together—adults are the target audience, and they are the only ones who can look back at those awkward teenage years with some amount of nostalgia. Overall, It was unable to maintain its own momentum as it stumbled from one jump scare to another. Despite its flaws, however, It holds up against other horror adaptations. It is ultimately about a group of very different children individually facing their own problems by banding together—friendship, bullying, and teenage romance galore. While the dissonant sequences kept the movie from achieving the bone-deep terror touted by Pennywise, the fantastic acting and solid characterization (if not character development) elevated the film to a suitably heartfelt story about unlikely and reluctant heroism—a mark of director Andy Muschietti. It is funny (in a 14-year-old boy way), true to itself, incredibly wistful, and had that bit of 80’s charm to pull it all together.
6/10 MOODY MONTHLY
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HARVEY RELIEF
HELP FOR
HARVEY BY KENNEDY WILLIAMS
Late last month, Hurricane Harvey devastated the greater Houston Area. While the floodwaters have receded some, it is important that we continue to support those in need. Our hearts and thoughts are with those that have been impacted by Harvey. Not all organizations and charities are made equal. Making sure that your donations are going to a legitimate organization that directly contributes to Harvey relief efforts can be difficult. To make the process a bit easier, we’ve created a guide to help you figure out if an organization is legit. Trust your instincts! If something seems sketchy it probably is. Find an organization that you connect with. Having peace of mind that your donation is impacting a demographic that you are passionate about, be it animals, children, or the elderly. Do your research. Check out the company’s website and social media pages to see how their work is affecting a community. Look for photos, reviews, feedback, and community engagement. Look into the organization’s history. Websites like Charity Navigator and GuideStar maintain information on a charity’s financial history, accountability, and transparency. Always be on the lookout for references to a 990, an important financial document that discloses how donations are spent. Check with the organization. Many organizations prefer cash, but some prefer in-kind donations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Message the organization on social media or send them an email. They should have most information readily available and be happy to give you more details. If you’re donating by participating in an event at a restaurant or store, ask if you will be given any follow-up information about your contribution. Be careful with donations via text. The anonymity can be dangerous. Make sure you know which organization is receiving your donation and carefully follow the instructions. GlobalGiving, a vetted organization, is still taking donations explicitly for Harvey relief. To donate, visit their website or text HARVEY to 80100 to donate $10.
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SEPTEMBER 2017
EVENTS
UPCOMING
MOODY EVENTS ALLOCATIONS
Due Friday, October 6th at 5PM Are you in a UT organization? Does that organizaton need money? Apply for allocations – it’s as simple as that! Visit the Communication Council website for more information about the application process.
COOKIES FOR COMMENTS October 2nd – 5th
Craving some cookies? Come by Belo or the CMA to pick up free cookies – all you have to do is tell us how you really feel about Moody! See the flyer for more information about times.
MOODY MONTHLY
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MEET THE STAFF
EDITOR Maya Haws-Shaddock is a sophomore in the Texas Advertising program, minoring in French and Digital Arts & Media. Having been raised in Austin, she holds a deep-rooted love for local live music, funky aesthetics, and unnecessary winter clothes she’ll never get to wear. While not staring into the endless void of Adobe Masterworks, Maya spends her time working in a variety of other organizations, drinking overpriced chai, watching a vast array of television programs, or listening to some miscellaneous indie bands at Spiderhouse. MAYA HAWS-SHADDOCK
WRITERS Roopa Nagarajan is a junior Advertising major, specializing in client services and management. You can catch her at the theatre almost every weekend, and stressing about homework every day in between. Roopa enjoys (good) stand-up comedy, Star Wars, RPGs, and yelling about the lack of minority representation in media.
ROOPA NAGARAJAN
Elizabeth is a senior advertising major, hailing from Plano, Texas. Her hobbies include petting dogs, watercoloring, and putting off going for a run. Find her in Belo desperately searching for copywriting inspiration.
ELIZABETH ROSSIO
A melted popsicle from Chicago, Emma still finds Austin to be terribly hot, three years later. However, she cannot resist the call of breakfast tacos or Texas’ endless outdoor adventure spots. She hopes to run, karaoke and dance her way to a career in advertising and health communication. Love your body! Love yourself!
EMMA HUGHES
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SEPTEMBER 2017
MEET THE STAFF
Holly Smith is a third-year Political Communication and Government major from a small town east of a weird place. She has always loved writing and informing others, as well as bad puns, good grammar, and uncovering the amazing little stories that make a place unique. As a reporter for the Moody Monthly, she hopes to combine all of these things. When she’s not at the library or the animal shelter, she’s probably at a local fast food chain eating french fries and drinking Diet Coke. HOLLAND SMITH
Kennedy Williams is a third year journalism student from Dallas, TX. After attending NYU, she transferred to The University of Texas at Austin to study journalism. Kennedy is interested in using fashion and music journalism as a lens to analyze the experiences of people of color in America. She hopes to be an editor for a magazine. Along with being a part of Communication Council, Kennedy is on the music and style teams for ORANGE Magazine. In her spare time, Kennedy can be found watching old Barefoot Contessa episodes, flipping through indie magazines, or digging for new music on SoundCloud (almost RIP. Thanks, Chance). KENNEDY WILLIAMS
If you get too lost in his luscious beard and incredibly savage Instagram captions, you may lose sight of the Leo & junior Audiology major, Ryan Stanley. He’s constantly engaged with art, from dream pop music and classic movies to Baroque art and loud fashion. While Ryan originates from Corpus Christi, his thundering personality takes everyone he knows to a new world.
RYAN STANLEY
Victoria is a first-year Public Relations Major from Keller, Texas. She is very excited to be on Communication Council and a part of the Moody Monthly team this semeseter.
VICTORIA STRANCZEK
MOODY MONTHLY
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MEET THE STAFF
DESIGNERS
ALEXANDRIA CHUNG
Alexandria (Alexa) Chung is a third-year Communication Studies, Human Relations (B.S.) major at The University of Texas at Austin. As a recent transfer student, she currently serves as a member of Communication Council and its newsletter committee for Moody Monthly. She has previously worked as a graphic design and social media marketing intern for Powerhouse Entertainment as well as as a user experience (UX) and graphic design intern for Cinema Makeup School in Los Angeles, CA, her hometown. In her free time, Alexa enjoys working out at SoulCycle, exploring aesthetic spaces, and creating playlists to listen to on her Spotify.
Emily Ward is a third-year creative advertising major from Magnolia, TX. She is an art director interested in agency work, nonprofit marketing, and chiweenies. Emily is passionate about creative problem solving, excel spreadsheets, and potato, egg, and cheese breakfast tacos.
EMILY WARD
Joe Wallace is a sophomore newcomer to the newsletter team from Austin, Texas that can be found at the Taco Bell Cantina on Guadalupe eating Doritos locos tacos a minimum of three times a week. When not at Taco Bell, Joe studies public relations and can often be found in the south mall on the grass doodling in his sketchbook, creating designs for his t-shirt printing empire, or drafting a new zine. JOSEPH WALLACE