InternViews: Sophia Davenport

InternViews is a series where we ask Grady College students to describe their internship experience.

Sophia Davenport is a journalism student with a minor in design and media and consumer economics. This past summer, she interned for Lucie Content in Atlanta, Georgia. Read more about her internship experience below.

Provide a brief overview of your role and its associated responsibilities

Lucie Content is a storytelling-first video production company founded by journalists, with a mission to create compelling content that humanizes brands and resonates with audiences. As a Summer 2025 Intern at Lucie Content, I contributed to that mission by producing, editing and curating video content that spotlighted meaningful stories across Atlanta and within the organization. My role involved end-to-end video production, including scripting, filming, editing and client coordination, for a range of projects such as non-profit and community features, executive media training and fast-paced social content. I also supported behind-the-scenes efforts, including content grabs, content planning and on-set creative direction.

What opportunities did you have during your internship?

During my Summer 2025 internship at Lucie Content, I had the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects that deepened my skills in video production, storytelling and brand communication. I produced and edited multiple “Lucie Series” videos that highlighted inspiring stories within the Atlanta community, including a profile on the designer of Atlanta’s official FIFA World Cup 2026 poster, a feature on Goodr Community Market, a DJ school for youth called Scratch Out Loud and a culinary piece with Chef Eric Gephart of Kamado Joe Grills. Additionally, I produced and scheduled an in-depth 50-minute interview with our CEO Craig Lucie and King of Pops. I contributed to internal projects as well, helping to create reels showcasing Lucie’s executive communications services and behind-the-scenes production, packing and preparation. I supported a content grab day with our client ScrubHub and contributed to a video series for the LifeLine Animal Project, during which I gained hands-on experience operating a camera on a gimbal and an Insta360 camera. Beyond production, I was involved in scripting, client outreach, content planning and on-set creative direction. Through these experiences, I grew my storytelling skills and gained a real understanding of the impact purpose-driven video content can have.

What is one piece of work you are proud of creating in this role?

One piece of work I’m especially proud of is the FIFA World Cup Designer feature which spotlighted Jose Hadathy, the creative mind behind Atlanta’s official FIFA World Cup poster. To secure access to film at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, I created a detailed media deck outlining our project and goals. On shoot day, I worked with a cinematographer and production assistant to interview Jose, exploring his life story, immigrant roots, the design process behind the poster and the new Atlanta United collection with Marta. After the interview, we captured both natural and posed b-roll footage throughout the stadium. This project combined storytelling, planning and production to create meaningful, high-profile video content.

How has the Grady curriculum prepared you for this internship?

The Grady curriculum prepared me well for this internship by helping me grow as a storyteller across multiple mediums. I came to Grady loving to write and initially thought I would be the face of broadcast news. However, through my classes and experiences covering local stories in the Athens community, I discovered a passion for telling others’ stories by asking questions behind the camera and crafting the narrative to humanize the subject. In Reporting I with Dr. Briscoe, I was regularly challenged to post on social media and cover events and interviews through video, which helped me understand that storytelling takes many forms. Dr. Cantrell taught me how to create engaging two-minute packages and how to match b-roll seamlessly with soundbites. Professor Johnston emphasized the importance of outreach, maintaining strong connections with sources and championing your own work. Together, these experiences gave me a solid foundation for the diverse demands of my internship.

Did you receive any mentorship or guidance? How did it impact your experience?

I’ve received invaluable mentorship and guidance throughout my journey. I spent countless hours working with Andrea Briscoe and Lori Johnston, brainstorming internships and career paths specifically for a video journalist. At Grady, I also had the chance to serve as a beat mentor, guiding students on AP style and interviewing techniques, which not only reinforced my own skills but also allowed me to speak to others on the importance of multimedia reporting. Additionally, my newsroom advisor, Kayla Renie of The Red & Black, supported my growth by giving me the opportunity to be the Social Media Video Editor for four semesters. In that position, I created one to three short-form videos weekly for Instagram Reels and TikTok, adapting written stories into engaging video formats across culture, news, sports and food content. This mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my specific storytelling approach.

What challenges have you overcome in this role?

In journalism, tight deadlines are a constant challenge, and video journalism amplifies this due to the multifaceted nature of the work. It’s not just about writing; it’s the entire process, from scripting and production to transcription, editing and revisions. This summer, I learned the importance of time management and effective communication with all parties involved in video production. By setting realistic deadlines, utilizing project management tools and maintaining clear communication, I ensured timely delivery without compromising quality.

What is the most valuable piece of advice you gained from your experience?

Before my internship, I focused heavily on the technical side of video production: the editing, pacing and transitions. However, under the mentorship of George Marshalek, I learned that the foundation of a compelling video starts with asking the right questions in interviews and ensuring every clip serves a clear purpose and strengthens the narrative. Additionally, Tori Duncan taught me how to refine my scripts by selecting soundbites that are both newsworthy and engaging and which humanize the story.

How has this internship influenced your future career?

This internship confirmed my passion for video journalism and storytelling, giving me hands-on skills in production, client outreach and brand messaging. Working with professionals under real-world deadlines strengthened my confidence and proficiency in multimedia storytelling.

Editor: Lily Alarcon, lia52467@uga.edu