West Potomac Film Whiz Wins State Competition

Full name: Dimitri Daoulas

Age: 18

School and Grade: West Potomac Academy, 12th grade

Accomplishment: 5th place in the SkillsUSA State Competition in Pro TV Production

Patch: What was your project about? 

Dimitri: Our project was a mock interview about a former member reflecting on the impact that SkillsUSA had on his future career choice. It shows him going to a few different competitions because he is trying to get an idea of what he wants to do and finally he comes to TV Production and is amazed by it, immediately falling in love and deciding he wants a career in it.

Patch: How did you come up with the idea for the project? 

Dimitri: We came up with the project like any other; we just bounced some ideas off each other until we decided on the one we felt would be best. We were actually a little disappointed with our video because we could not put any music into the video because there was no converting software on the laptop that could convert the music so that it could import into the editing software.

Patch: What kind of preparation was involved? 

Dimitri: First, we came up with a solid idea and jotted down some notes on where we wanted to film as well as what we wanted to say to go along with what was shot. Then, after we filmed everything and captured the video into the editing system, we both worked on editing the video as well as creating storyboards for the project. 

Path: How did you submit your project? 

Dimitri: The project was submitted via flash drive to the competition judges after the competition where they judged our video.

Patch: What do you enjoy most about Television Production? 

Dimitri: The thing I enjoy most about TV Production is being able to write my own movie scripts and then being able to turn my vision into a reality. I love how creative the class lets me be and how I can express myself into an form of art.

Patch: How did you first become interested in film/TV?

Dimitri: I first became interested in the film/TV industry when my aunt and uncle gave me three Mel Brooks movies (Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, and Spaceballs) when I was younger. I watches them over and over again and I wanted nothing more than to be the next Mel Brooks. After my counselor told me that I could take a class that would help me become a director, I knew that I had to take it and I don't regret it at all. 

Patch: What's next for you?

Dimitri: Currently, Adam and I are working on a movie for the school's film and dance festival and next year I plan on going to film school to broaden my knowledge of film and the industry.

Know a ? Email Local Editor Naomi Nix at naomi.nix@patch.com