Katherine M. Nelson
Alto
Summary
Innovative film director with expertise in directing and writing both narrative and documentary films. Strong technical skills in editing, cinematography, and sound design enhance storytelling capabilities. Proven ability to manage production processes efficiently while bringing creative visions to fruition. Previous projects highlight leadership qualities and a talent for inspiring teams to achieve exceptional results.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Film Director
Tripping Sierra Productions
Alto
10.2019 - Current
- Produced and directed original short film awarded grant to offset production costs.
- Coordinated with cinematographers to establish visual style and shot composition.
- Oversaw editing process, ensuring cohesive storytelling and pacing throughout.
- Fostered collaborative working environment by engaging crew members in creative discussions.
- Enhanced actor performances by reviewing dailies and providing constructive feedback.
- Edited footage using Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro X.
- Created budget for film project, monitoring spending during production.
- Coordinated color correction and audio mixing in post-production to ensure high-quality final cut.
Assist. Professor of Composition
Austin Community College
Austin
09.2022 - 08.2023
- Developed and delivered comprehensive curriculum for college-level writing practices, integrating online and in-person teaching methods to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Developed engaging course materials for diverse student populations.
- Facilitated interactive classroom discussions to enhance critical thinking skills.
- Mentored students in academic and career planning throughout their studies.
Professor of English & Film
Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso Branch Community College
08.2018 - 12.2022
- An experienced educator recognized for having a knack at motivating students using advanced teaching practices and compelling classroom discussions.
- Collaborated with English Department Chair to review and enhance pedagogy for new courses prior to submission to New Mexico Department of Higher Education.
- Evaluated instructional materials for English and Filmmaking courses to promote equitable student opportunities.
- Designed and developed new multimedia/film courses to establish and implement a comprehensive Film Program at the college.
- Conducted English and Film courses, fostering comprehensive understanding of key concepts and critical analysis among students.
- ENGL 275 – The Motion Picture – Covered a multitude of film education from the early history of movies, to writing a logline to pitch a film.
- ENGL 2520- Film as Literature – Covered film history and the creative writing techniques used in screenwriting.
- FDMA 1525–Introduction to Film - Focused on the strategies of independent cinema production. Introduction to video cameras, editing, plus sound & lighting equipment.
- ENGL 2998 –Internship in Filmmaking – Created promotional & social media videos for the college with interns from ENMU-Ruidoso
- Taught Communications for Teachers, emphasizing effective communication strategies for educators.
- Instructed Preparatory Composition, providing foundational writing skills for college readiness.
- Facilitated Composition I, guiding students in crafting effective essays and arguments.
- Instructed Composition II, enhancing students' advanced writing and critical thinking abilities.
- Taught Professional/Technical Writing, preparing students for effective communication in professional contexts.
Education
MFA Grad. Studies - Motion Picture & Television
Academy of Art University
San Francisco, CA01-2026
M.A. - Writing
Western New Mexico University
01-2020
M.Ed. - Curriculum & Instruction
Texas A&M University-Commerce
B.A.S. - Geography & Education
University of North Dakota
Skills
- Directing & Project Management
- Collaboration & delegation
- Visual storytelling
- Effective interviewing
- Creative writing, scriptwriting & proofreading
- Story development & storyboarding
- Project management and team collaboration
- Video camera operation and directing talent
- Editing & editing software expertise
- Problem-solving skills
- Expertise at Verbal & written communication
References
- Miriam Maske, Director of eLearning & Assessment, Ruidoso, NM, 88345, (575) 315-1136, miriam.maske@enmu.edu
- Jeff Frawley, English Department Chair – ENMU-Ruidoso, Ruidoso, NM, 88345, Jeff.frawley@enmu.edu
- Dr. Katherine Oubre, Professor, Chair-English Department WNMU, Silver City, NM, Katherine.oubre@wnmu.edu
Awards
- Honorable Mention, ATX Film Festival, 02/2023
- Summer Research Scholar Award, Western New Mexico University, 05/2020
- Grant Award recipient, Western New Mexico University, 05/2020
- Film scholarship award, Sundance Films Collab, 03/2019
- Highest student ranking on campus, 12/2018
Creative Work
- Gila River Rising, Documentary Film, Writer, Director, Editor, and Producer, 05/22
- Silent Space, Literary Journal, 2021
- An Afternoon of Poetry, Reading of Silent Space, 2021
- Screenplay of Tripping Sierra, Western New Mexico University, 2019
- Invitation to the Southwest Festival of the Written Word, Reading my essay Sunday Afternoon in Roosevelt Park, 2018
Timeline
Assist. Professor of Composition
Austin Community College
09.2022 - 08.2023
Film Director
Tripping Sierra Productions
10.2019 - Current
Professor of English & Film
Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso Branch Community College
08.2018 - 12.2022
MFA Grad. Studies - Motion Picture & Television
Academy of Art University
M.A. - Writing
Western New Mexico University
M.Ed. - Curriculum & Instruction
Texas A&M University-Commerce
B.A.S. - Geography & Education
University of North Dakota