Contact: Kimberly Osborne (304) 766-3363 kosborne@wvstateu.edu INSTITUTE, W.Va.Learn to harness the power of media at West Virginia State University’s (WVSU) next Creators Program workshop and lecture series event. West Virginia native and talent agent Burke Allen will present a “Creators Talk” on media impact Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 7:15 to 9 p.m. at the WVSU Economic Development Center (EDC) in Charleston.
Burke, CEO and Chief Media Strategist of Allen Media Strategies in Washington, D.C., will discuss “Television, Radio, Print, Online and Social Media in the New Millennium – How to Utilize, Maximize and Monetize the Media for Maximum Impact.” The event is hosted by Dr. Trevellya Ford-Ahmed, WVSU communications professor and coordinator for the University’s master’s degree in media studies.
“I plan to give real-world examples to attendees of how media coverage shapes local, regional and national conversation and perceptions, and how everyday individuals can participate and in many cases significantly benefit their cause or passion via both traditional and new media,” Burke said. “In other words, I’ll show ’em how to be media rock stars and to use their powers for good.”
Burke’s work includes helping place authors, entertainers and public figures into the world’s leading media outlets, such as “The Today Show,” CNN and The New York Times.
He also represents West Virginia clients like filmmaker and graphic novelist Daniel Boyd, a WVSU communications professor; bestselling author Homer Hickam; Dreama Denver, wife of late “Gilligan’s Island” star Bob Denver and head of The Denver Foundation and Theatre West Virginia’s Hatfields & McCoys Outdoor Drama; and “America’s Got Talent” winner Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.
The Creators Program launched in 2012 as a series of community workshops for all levels focusing on skills and knowledge essential to creating for mass media and art. WVSU partners with the West Virginia Economic Development Council and the West Virginia Film Office on the series.
“The series allows our students, as well as others-at-large, to engage with professionals who can share unique insights and experiences of their industry,” Ford-Ahmed said.
Other workshops scheduled for the fall include “Business of Film” by Pam Haynes and staff from the West Virginia Film Office (Oct. 21), 3-D Animation 101 by WVSU Professor Steve Gilliand (Nov. 8) and a Creators Under the Tree holiday event (Dec. 3).
Space is limited for the workshops, and registration is required. To register, visit www.wvsuedc.org and click on “The Creators Program” tab. Most events are free but in some cases there is a $20 fee. WVSU students have free admittance.
The WVSU EDC is located at 1506 Kanawha Blvd. W. in Charleston. For more information, please call (304) 720-1401 or visit www.wvsuedc.org.
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