DoD names AUTV Airman as best videographer

Senior Airman Joseph Givens edits video in a computer-based edit suite at Air University TV. Airman Givens was named the Defense Department's Military Videographer of the Year on March 29. (Air Force photo by Jamie Pitcher)

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DoD names AUTV Airman as best videographer

Published April 1, 2009
By Joy Ovington
Air University Public Affairs

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- A broadcaster from Air University Television has been recognized as the best in the Department of Defense.

Senior Airman Joseph Givens was named Military Videographer of the Year on March 29. He received the honor against entries submitted by his peers from all branches of the U.S. military worldwide.

He was also awarded second place in the Editing category. That award recognizes the best use of post-production techniques such as narration, interviews, music, dissolves, wipes, split screens, slow motion and computer graphics.

Airman Givens is in his 7th year of active duty service. After technical training school, he started his professional career at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. under the old career of video production.

He attributes his success to the cutting edge training he's received as well as the support of his co-workers.

"I believe that true talent and creativity can be achieved when a performer has studied his craft well," he said.

Awards notwithstanding, Airman Givens said his proudest moment actually came when he was first accepted into the Military Motion Media Program at Syracuse, N.Y. in August 2006.

"This program is phenomenal and a must for people looking to advance in their knowledge as both broadcasters and producers," Airman Givens said.

Airman Givens graduated from the Military Motion Media program at Syracuse University in May 2007, completed his associate degrees from the Community College of the Air Force in Audio/Visual Production in October 2007, graduated from Airman Leadership School in February 2008, attended Trenholm State Technical College in October 2008 receiving his certification in Web Database Development and will soon complete his Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Arts.

Mr. Patrice Grant of AUTV supervised, mentored and assisted Givens in his DoD contest submissions. Mr. Grant said that after being in the business for 16 years, you can tell who has the qualities to become a great videographer.

"I've seen Airman Givens grow from just an average videographer to one of our best producer/directors," Mr. Grant said. "To be recognized as the best in DoD is a testament to the training the Air Force provides, his creative abilities and how we groom our people. We're extremely proud of him."

A native of Waco, Texas, Airman Givens said he has always been a "creative spirit." He excelled in drama and performed with the drum line in high school.

He now uses his gifts to tell the "action-packed" story of the Air Force to the best of his ability. Airman Givens said that orders are coming down for him to transfer to Kunsan Air Base, Korea for a year where he'll gain even more experience.

When asked if he had any advice for up and coming military videographers he said, "train all you can, accept and use criticism well, and never discount or lose the passion you have for what you do."