Meet District 2 Representative: Vic Costello, Elon University
How long have you been a member of BEA?
Since 1999
What is your favorite book?
Please forgive the shameless plug, but I would have to say Multimedia Foundations: Core Concepts for Digital Design. For pleasure, I enjoy reading adventure/spy novels by Clive Cussler
What is your favorite TV show?
It is tough to narrow this down to just one. In addition to select British dramas such as Downton Abbey and Foyle’s War, I enjoy the Food Network (Chopped, Next Food Network Star, etc.), NCIS/NCIS LA, and The Voice. I just discovered White Collar on Netflix and so far I really like it.
How is BEA unique for you?
BEA brings together educators, students, and professionals with diverse backgrounds and interests who are passionate about storytelling and the practical and theoretical processes underlying the production, distribution and consumption of media in all of its splendid forms. Involvement in BEA has contributed greatly to my professional growth and development as an educator and multimedia producer.
How did you get started in the industry?
I developed an interest in corporate video in the mid-1980’s after graduating from college. I worked for 15 years as a technical director and creative consultant for corporate meetings and awards shows. Along the way, I also worked in television station management (operations director), as a radio talk-show producer, and as the director of corporate and educational media departments.
As a board member what are your goals for BEA?
a. To increase interest and membership in BEA within the nine states representing District 2. To identify and reach out to potential new members and past members.
b. To encourage, assist, and facilitate in the planning for an annual (or biennial) District II regional conference.
c. As a past chair of the Festival of Media Arts, I would like to assist in assessing and making recommendations for improving the procedural and operational systems and protocols required to manage such a large competition. The Festival has grown rapidly in recent years and continuing effort must be put into refining the infrastructure and management of the Festival as it grows both numerically and in national/international prestige.
What is your favorite BEA memory?
Topping the list would be the infamous rear-screen silhouetted entrance of Heather Birks and me taking the stage at the beginning of the 2010 Festival of Media Arts King Foundation Awards ceremony. This was my last year serving as Festival Chair and I really enjoyed the creative way that Scott Hodgson and his students from OU choreographed the show open (remember SD and HD?). This made for a nice memory and a fitting close to our three-year partnership with the Festival ceremony.
