Cristyna Rhoads and a Guide to NYC
Meet Cristyna Rhoads former Strike videographer, 2018 FSU grad who you can currently find skating around Brooklyn.
Strike Magazine (SM): What was your position at Strike?
Cristyna Rhoads (CR): At the start of Spring 2017 I was the one and only videographer, I had the opportunity to essentially jumpstart the video platform strike has - from the BTS videos to recaps of the season. For Fall 2018, we grew the video team by two and became collaborators creating even better video content.
SM: What did you major in at FSU?
CR: I graduated from the Digital Media Production program. Which is a great program for people interested in learning about all areas of the video production industry.
SM: Tell me about your experience at strike and how it helped you for the future?
CR: My experience at Strike was amazing - it offered me a space to work with like-minded and talented individuals who are creating some dope content. Strike for me was almost like a production boot camp - it challenged me as a creative, allowed me the freedom to think outside the box, and taught me the power of good work ethic. Most importantly Strike is a great opportunity to build a portfolio - which is v helpful post-grad job search.
SM: What was the biggest transition from Tallahassee to New York?
CR: The biggest transition would be finding a place to live that best suits you. In Tallahassee, everything is pretty basic demographic and culture wise but NYC it’s so complex and dynamic, there is a place for everyone... whether it’s in Chinatown or Williamsburg it’s important to find the one that best suits your lifestyle.
SM: How many interviews did you do? Was it easy to find a job? And what do you do for work now?
CR: I did one official interview via Skype and knew immediately after that I was done. It definitely isn’t easy, I spent a lot of my summer days rewriting cover letters, sliding into the DMs, and preparing my portfolio for my dream job. I’m now an editor at a full-service production house in one of the coolest cities on earth - so all the work getting here is worth it.
SM: What do you like about your field?
CR: I like that I can be creative, it challenges me, it offers room for me to grow, and it gives me the opportunity to meet people and experience things that I may have never had the chance to otherwise.
SM: Also, coming from Tallahassee and having the best pizza places around you, what’s your opinion on Tallahassee za?
CR: Love me some Roberta’s pizza in my Bushwick hood, but Tallahassee does have a piece of the pie. A pepperoni pie at Gaines Street Pies is my go-to when I’m craving some Za, which is literally all the time.
SM: Do you have any inspirations for the way you shoot or edit?
CR: Some of my shooting inspiration came from Casey Niestat, I like the way he visually tells stories through material objects. Editing inspirations would be Maxwell Fisher, who works closely with Niestat on bigger projects. His editing style is very dynamic and kinetic, I’m a fan of fast cuts and stylistic videos.
SM: How do you feel about the number of women working in your industry?
CR: The video production industry is male-dominated but there are a lot of talented women who rising to the forefront and making some good sh*t. Being the only chick editor at the place I work, it has pushed me to prove myself and work harder.
SM: What’s your favorite thing about New York City? And any recommendations?
CR: My favorite thing about NYC is the pizza lol Roberta’s pizza Bushwick hit that bish up yo
SM: Everyone loves your Instagram, what made you think of making a grid?
CR: My inspirations is @_chrxx his grid is so beautiful. My Instagram has become my art project - It reflects my belief that coloring within the lines is a waste of time and life is too short for conformity.
SM: What is your long-term goal?
CR: Long term goal is to have a home with a heated pool in the hills of Malibu sipping on some piña coladas getting caught in the rain. Short term goal is to rule the fashion/ beauty commercial industry - I want to edit and direct fashion films, commercials, and work the MET Gala.
SM: You have 24 hours in New York what do you do?
CR: Watch the sunrise, get a bagel for breakfast, go the museum of natural history, sit down in Central Park, get a cookie at Levian bakery, get a city bike and ride it over the Brooklyn Bridge as the sun begins to set, take a train to Bushwick for Roberta’s Za, find your way to Williamsburg for a drink, sit at Domino Park for the best nighttime view of the city. Amen.
Strike Out,
Writer: Audrey Estupinan
Editor: Savannah Tindall
Tallahassee