Behind the Lens: Katie Santana
We all know ASR Media Productions’ hardworking, Emmy® award-winning, Vice-President of Production & Operations, Katie Santana but do you know how she entered the world of videography and editing?
Katie first became interested in videography in junior high when she was “on-air talent” for the school’s morning announcements. This gig had her considering two potential career paths - learning more about how cameras work or becoming an on-air meteorologist. Katie took a class in telecommunications and learned the history of cameras and film, how they work, and the basics of editing. The rest, as they say, is herstory!
She recalls her first time using a camera in high school: “We pasted pictures of some products on a black poster board and then filmed the pictures with studio cameras. It was barely a real application of using a camera.”
She chose cameras and storytelling over forecasting the weather and eventually enrolled at DeSales University for TV/Film Production. Her “real” first college project introduced her to friends Abby, a current ASR Media coworker and Troy, previously with ASR Media and now a post-production coordinator in LA. As freshmen, they created a music video for the song Semi-Charmed Life by Third Eye Blind which was the only project from their class to be accepted into the DeSales Film Fest.
Take a look at the 11 year old video!
While at DeSales, Katie excelled at filming, specifically with a Steadicam, which led to her involvement in many projects. She may have put in countless hours behind the camera, but her true passion during those four years was editing. She exponentially expanded her filming resume once she began working at ASR Media in 2012. Katie stepped up to the plate and honed her filming and editing skills when tasked with creating the company’s weekly television program, The PEAK TV.
“I remember that time of my life as a sink or swim moment. But we’re still here 16 seasons later so I think it worked out!”
A commercial for 6ABC, one of Katie’s favorite projects.
The type of filming and editing Katie executed for ASR Media were a big jump from the work she did while at DeSales. Her collegiate work was more artsy while the content she filmed and edited for The PEAK TV was more reflective of longform, in-depth news stories.
Her penchants have changed over the years. “If you had asked me 8 years ago if I preferred shooting or editing, I would have said editing. When I took on the role of Director of Photography a few years back and became more involved with the how and why ASR Media films its footage, shooting became my preference.”
Katie has recently taken on a new leadership role, Vice-President of Production & Operations, and is busy managing the team’s day-to-day schedules and client relations. With new responsibilities, she has less opportunity to film around the Valley so when she does, it feels even more special.
Another favorite project of hers - a commercial for PPL Electric Utilities.
While Katie loves to produce and film commercials, the moving and inspiring stories ASR Media captures for clients like United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and St. Luke’s University Health Network are the ones that mean the most. She adds, “I love all the opportunities I've been given over the years with ASR Media! We've worked with some amazing people and even celebrities. I've also traveled for work, which is always fun and presents new challenges and creative opportunities.”