Professional info
After 10 years of video production and broadcast news experience, I want a professional career that will allow me to incorporate those skills as well as new writing and social media skills I've acquired in graduate school. My professional experience working in education and graduate schooling have prepared me for a position in communications in education.
Work experience
Communications Intern, Dallas ISD
Dallas, Texas
January 2015 - present
As a communications intern for Dallas ISD's Communication Services, I research and write news articles that feature student success for the district's online newsroom. I photograph classroom engagement, students and school volunteers, using Photoshop to create visual layouts for the website. My photos have been used for the district's social media platforms as well. I also interview, write, film and edit stories into video news packages.
Teaching Assistant, The University of North Texas
Denton, Texas
January 2014 - present
As a teaching assistant, I work with professors and mentor students enrolled in JOUR 2310, Intro to Media Writing, and JOUR 3321Reporting, Writing and Editing. I instruct undergraduate students on the frameworks of print and broadcast journalism and grammar. As a mentor, I work closely with students as they go through the process of reporting and writing a news story. I also edit their news stories, correcting AP errors, sentence structure and fact checking.
Multimedia Specialist, South Texas College
McAllen, Texas
August 2010 - August 2013
As the only multimedia specialist for a college that serves more than 30,000 students, I executed more than 100 videos annually, such as news packages, distributed via the Internet and 18 local TV stations. I produced promotional commercials, including storyboarding, recruiting talent, art direction, production and editing, that would air on TV and radio stations across the Rio Grande Valley. I was also an advisor for Media Club, teaching students about the media industry, structure of news writing, interviewing and reporting. My commercials and news packages received advertising and public relations awards from the American Advertising Association and the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations.
Intern, KATS-TV
Edinburg, Texas
February 2009 - May 2009
I previously worked for KATS-TV, the ECISD school district TV station, as a senior in high school and had the opportunity to intern as a senior in college. During my two terms of employment, I edited video and wrote news packages for E.C.I.S.D. In Action newscast. I gained experience in the control room as a technical director for Pop Quiz, an elementary games show based on knowledge and skills. I also reported and interviewed ECISD students, staff and administration.
Station Manager, Bronc TV News
Edinburg, Texas
July 2009 - February 2010
I produced 10- to 15-minute bi-weekly newscasts focusing on news relating to the University of Texas–Pan American. As station manager, I managed a team of 15 students while editing news packages myself. For many students, this was the first time reporting for broadcast TV. Based on my previous experience, I assisted the faculty supervisor in teaching students the structure of packages, VOSOTs, readers, etc. I was also the first station manager to produce a Spanish language newscast.
Reporter and Editor, Reel to Red Productions
Edinburg, Texas
April 2007 - September 2008
I created news packages for the Lone Star Emmy-nominated UTPA Today Show, which aired on the Edinburg Cable Network. I worked with clients outside of the university to produce, edit, and shoot commercials for their businesses. I was also part of the editing team for a documentary that followed UTPA students studying abroad, which earned a Lone Star Emmy award.
Education
University of North Texas
August 2013- present
In May 2015 I will earn a Master of Journalism at the only nationally accredited professional journalism master's program in Texas. I was awarded the Mayborn Graduate Scholarship worth $10,000.
University of Texas–Pan American
August 2005 - May 2009
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism and was involved in the student-run TV station, Bronc TV, under the College of Arts and Humanities. I was employed by Reel to Red Productions, a production group under the public affairs department for the university. During all four years of college, I was awarded the Texas Scholar Award, which helped pay for tuition.
Languages
Fluent English
Conversational Spanish
Skills
Final Cut Pro (Certified Pro, Final Cut Pro 6, Level One)
Adobe After Effects
Photoshop
Copy Editing
AP writing
Camera Operation
More testimonials
"Luci was one of the early student founders from Bronc Television and Radio. She established the first-ever Spanish newscast, which is now a weekly event for Bronc Radio. Luci's peers recognized her in our annual BRTV banquet where she won Best Editor, Best Producer, Most Dependable, and Most Dedicated in TV."
Frederick Mann
Bronc Radio Adviser, Department of Communication
The University of Texas–Pan American
"I have known Luci Lopez for over eight years. She was a conscientious, enthusiastic student in my classes during high school and at the University of Texas-Pan American. She used her time wisely and always did more than what was required. She has a good work ethic and takes pride in her work. Luci has a great personality, a positive attitude and a good sense of humor. Luci Lopez is a respectful, hardworking young woman."
Susan Smith
Media Technology Teacher
Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District
2010 - present
2010 - present