AC receives first win in national competition with student's creative video

Amarillo College mass media major Casey Niccoli recently won first place for her creative video submission to a national competition.

Niccoli’s video, titled “The Takeover,” was awarded first place in the Creative Video category at the fall conference of the College Media Association on Oct. 29 in Washington, D.C., where student work from across the nation was judged.

"It's such an honor, and it was such a surprise. For me, it was so validating as an artist to be recognized for my work. Being in a national competition, I almost thought that they wouldn't even watch it, so winning was a huge shock and I feel very honored," Niccoli said. "This was something that I was limited on in creating but proud of, and to have that validated is amazing."

The first-place film artist produced, shot and edited the winning submission, which also features her daughter and musician, Poppy Jean Crawford, whose original song is the centerpiece for the artistic music video.

According to Niccoli, there was no budget established for the production, with much of the props and clothing consisting of items that they already owned. After enlisting the help of a few of her and her daughters' friends, the production was shot in one day.

Niccoli is the first AC student to enter and win this contest. She said that, had she not received encouragement from Jill Gibson, AC's Media, Arts and Communication Chair, she would have never considered this an option.

"Having seen Casey's work and her passion for video production, I asked if she would like to submit an entry to this national contest. She is extremely talented. She and I discussed which piece to submit and chose one. Casey's national recognition just validates the quality of the education and training Amarillo College provides and is a testament to the opportunities the Matney Mass Media program offers our students," Gibson said.

Looking forward, Niccoli hopes to have more opportunities where she can create projects like her winning submission as well as embrace a more journalistic side such as with a documentary.

To view the winning submission, go online to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7zBB0lSI4E .

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: AC student wins national competition with her creative music video