Events for the School of Communications

Landing an entry-level position can be trickier than it used to be, especially with the advent of AI. In this workshop, Melinda Love will reveal the three most important keys to that first stepping stone into the market. This is not your basic workshop on resume writing, portfolios or LinkedIn. Love will share three real-life stories on how entry-level talent have found positions in St. Louis — and how you can benefit from what they learned. Attendees will receive a promo code to download an free e-book and learn of a few important events to attend this spring. This workshop is relevant for anyone interest in working for a marketing, advertising, digital, creative or punlic relations agency.

• 9–9:50 a.m., Thursday, March 6

Presenter Bio: With a background in visual communications, Melinda Love has spent her career on the agency side of creative content. She has played key roles with creative, account and operations in three types of agencies: a start-up in Washington, D.C., a large global agency and a highly specialized boutique. Melinda now runs her own consulting business, M Consulting Group, where she is known for connecting people, agencies and brands for assignments, full-time positions or large-scale contracts across the country.

While Virtual Production (ICVFX) has made huge strides in reshaping the media landscape since 2020, the potential of the Epic Games Ecosystem offers even broader horizons for students, creatives and emerging talent in media and entertainment. Beyond ICVFX, there are a variety of exciting opportunities for creative minds to explore emerging trends in storytelling with Epic Games tools like Unreal Engine, TwinMotion, Motion Graphics and UEFN.

• 9–9:50 a.m., Thursday, March 6

Presenter Bio: Jamie Hurcomb is an academic advisor on the Unreal Engine Education Team for Epic Games, working with media and entertainment programs across North America. She is passionate about helping students, faculty and practitioners realize their creative potential using real-time workflows. Hurcomb is also an instructor in the RTA School of Media at Toronto Metropolitan University and an experienced documentary filmmaker, producer and film editor.

This powerhouse workshop is led by two industry experts who have built thriving, multiple six-figure businesses through the power of authentic storytelling. Dive into the tools and techniques behind creating a stand-out, consistent brand that doesn’t just attract attention but builds a loyal following. From crafting compelling narratives to creating content that resonates, this workshop is packed with actionable insights that will help you build an attention-commanding presence. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, you’ll leave this workshop with the strategies to turn your brand into a movement and take your social media game to new heights.

• 10–10:50 a.m., Thursday, March 6

Presenter Bio: Justin Michael is a visionary brand owner, content creator and top real estate leader. As the co-founder of @TwoDapperDads, he and his husband Chris have transformed their platform from a hobby into a multiple six-figure business. Their heartwarming journey of raising three children via IVF and surrogacy has captivated a wide audience, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Two Dapper Dads has partnered with major brands like Walmart, Gerber, Kraft Heinz, Bayer and Netflix, and they currently serve as the 2025 National Brand Ambassadors for Huggies & Pull-Ups. In real estate, Michael is known for his expertise in luxury homes, new construction and equestrian properties, specializing in high-profile clients and complex transactions.

This powerhouse workshop is led by two industry experts who have built thriving, multiple six-figure businesses through the power of authentic storytelling. Dive into the tools and techniques behind creating a stand-out, consistent brand that doesn’t just attract attention but builds a loyal following. From crafting compelling narratives to creating content that resonates, this workshop is packed with actionable insights that will help you build an attention-commanding presence. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, you’ll leave this workshop with the strategies to turn your brand into a movement and take your social media game to new heights.

• 10–10:50 a.m., Thursday, March 6

Presenter Bio: As Director of Operations at The Wells + Michael Collective, Malorie McClintock oversees its strategic marketing, creating high-end materials, coordinating communications and executing events that ensure a seamless, concierge-level experience for every client. She also streamlines internal systems and processes to enhance team coordination and efficiency. Her role is crucial in maintaining operational excellence and delivering an extraordinary client journey, allowing the Collective to stand out in the luxury real estate market with exceptional results and service.

This workshop is a must for any current or future independent filmmakers. Beginning with an overview of the state of the film and television industry in Missouri, Andrea Sporcic Klund will explain the function of the Missouri Film Office, including a review of its available resources and how to apply for the tax credit program.

• 10–10:50 a.m., Thursday, March 6

Presenter Bio: Andrea Sporcic Klund is the Missouri Film Commissioner and director of its Film Office. For over 25 years, she has worked to market Missouri locations to the film and television industry nationwide. She has helped coordinate production logistics for more than 40 feature films and hundreds of television segments and series across the state, including the films “Up in the Air,” “Winter’s Bone” and “Gone Girl,” and television shows “Sharp Objects” and “Ozark.” Before joining the Film Office she served as the Director of Operations for Cinema St. Louis, the producers of the St. Louis International Film Festival.

As digital platforms continue to play a critical role in elections, news organizations must design experiences that inform, engage and empower audiences. This workshop will explore the design strategy and UX considerations behind digital products created for the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Christian Eckels will discuss the research, design process and real-world challenges of developing election-focused products that balance accessibility, real-time information delivery and user trust.

• 11–11:50 a.m., Thursday, March 6

Presenter Bio: Webster University alumnus Christian Eckels is a product designer, mentor and design strategist. His guidance covers a wide range of areas from research synthesis and design strategy to usability testing and portfolio development. His work at CNN focuses on the Production Design Foundations Team, where he focused on enhancing user engagement with CNN’s digital coverage of the U.S. presidential election. An adjunct instructor in Santa Monica College’s Interaction Design Department, Eckels is committed to supporting students and new graduates in refining their design thinking and communication skills.

A demonstration and discussion on how storytellers can utilize Unreal Engine for virtual cinema production.

• 11–11:50 a.m., Thursday, March 6

Presenter Bio: Webster University Assistant Professor Joshua Johnson is a filmmaker and VFX supervisor with over 17 years of industry experience. In 2023, he was voted into the Visual Effects Society (VES). He has contributed to 28 feature films including several Sundance selections, and his co-directed short film "Monument" won multiple awards at the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase and screened at the Nantucket Film Festival. He holds an MFA in film from Vermont College of the Arts and has presented at industry events, including SIGGRAPH, NAB and SXSW. He has also served as a Cinereach creative Visual Effects advisor.

The feature film “Inhabitants” won the jury prize at the Austin Film Festival in 2023 and was recently released on VOD platforms across the world. Matt McClung and Pearce Healey, the film’s creators, will take you through the five-year process of developing, financing, shooting, distributing and marketing an entry-level film. This workshop offers an inside view of the independent film landscape as it currently stands, including the pitfalls and complications that must be navigated along the way.

• 12–12:50 p.m., Thursday, March 6

Presenter Bio: A native of Corpus Christi, Texas, Matt McClung is a writer, director and editor based in Los Angeles. “Inhabitants” is his debut feature.

The feature film “Inhabitants” won the jury prize at the Austin Film Festival in 2023 and was recently released on VOD platforms across the world. Matt McClung and Pearce Healey, the film’s creators, will take you through the five-year process of developing, financing, shooting, distributing and marketing an entry-level film. This workshop offers an inside view of the independent film landscape as it currently stands, including the pitfalls and complications that must be navigated along the way.

• 12–12:50 p.m., Thursday, March 6

Presenter Bio: Pearce Healey is a cinematographer and Media Arts adjunct faculty member at Webster University.

This workshop demonstrates how motion graphics and design enrich non-fiction storytelling by turning complex information into visually captivating and accessible narratives. Learn how leading online publications bring clarity to data and real-world narratives and produce compelling visual experiences.

• 12–12:50 p.m., Thursday, March 6

Presenter Bio: Drew Jordan is a senior designer at “The Athletic,” the subscription-based sports journalism department of “The New York Times.” He previously served as a graphic editor and producer for the Visual Investigations Team at “The New York Times.” A Webster alumnus, Jordan takes pride in using ingenuity and problem-solving to manage the challenges that arise when balancing the creative, analytical and logistical needs of a project.