Profiles of Tenacity: Landon Shell

Landon Shell is a third-year Entertainment Media Studies major from Peachtree Corners, Georgia. Shell serves as a Digital Dawg for the University of Georgia and is a member of both the club spikeball team and the club swim team.

Read his Q/A below.

Why did you choose your major?

Video production has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. In middle school, I fell in love with making videos through playing around on YouTube and editing my own work. I had the opportunity to then attend a high school that had an audio-visual technology class, which sparked my passion for filmmaking. As I grew as a filmmaker, I had the opportunity to attend film festivals and make videos for others. I realized that this was the path I wanted to go on for my future career and decided to major in entertainment and media studies at UGA.

What does tenacity mean to you?

Tenacity, to me, is realizing that I need to continue to pursue my passions, even though the steps to get there can seem so impossible. Through my own tenacity, I have learned to push through adversities in order to create my best work, and by trying time and time again, I can eventually accomplish my goals. I can remember a time in which I was shooting a film and I had to film a hockey game. I struggled with lighting and was unable to get any good footage. This was extremely disappointing to me, as I wanted to create the best film I could, so I decided to go back and try again. This time, the footage came out better, but since I was filming by myself, there was only one angle, and I wanted to have more angles for the film. I chose to go back a third time with a friend and filmed a game again. This time, the footage came out exactly as I had wanted, and when we entered it in a film festival, I learned just how much my tenacity could pay off. My film placed first, and I can still remember the feeling I had in the moment of shock and excitement, a feeling that continues to drive me today. Although being tenacious can be difficult, it is something that I strive for every day and know now that it will pay off in the end.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to other Grady students?

A piece of advice that I would give to other Grady students is to make connections with others in your major. You can’t make a film by yourself. Making media requires help from as many people as possible. Don’t forget to say “hi,” introduce yourself, and make sure you’re not strangers. I think introductions are extremely important, not just for the connections, but to form a community that will help you learn and grow in college and make your years at UGA more enjoyable.

What or who has had the biggest impact on your life?

My parents, for always being so loving and supporting. Whatever I pursue, they are always fully behind me and support me, whether it’s the big or little things, which I am truly so grateful for. Over winter break, they agreed to be in videos for my Instagram account, and they were fully committed and brought energy, which I really appreciated. I appreciate them for being UGA fans and helping me unlock the extreme passion you can have for football and UGA in general. There’s no way I would be standing where I am now without them, and for that I am forever grateful.

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the past year?

Putting myself out there creatively as a Digital Dawg. Creating content on my own for others to enjoy has allowed me to grow as a content producer and become more confident in myself on camera. All the content I’ve been able to produce, experiences I’ve had, and people I’ve been able to meet through this position has become an important part of my life, and it’s hard to imagine what my life would be like now without it.

What is your favorite place on campus and why?

My favorite place on campus is the Tate-fil-A food court because it is in the middle of campus, so I see all of my friends there. It acts as a social hub on campus and is one of the best places to meet up and hang out with people, to catch up, do homework, and to get some of the great food options that I can get with my paw points. Additionally, it is very close to Grady for all of my classes and the beautiful Sanford Stadium.

What advice would you give to your future self?

Never stop putting yourself out there and being creative because sharing your creativity is a very rewarding thing. I want to keep creating because it is something I am passionate about, not because it is a requirement of me.

Editor: Anyi Morfaw, abm40431@uga.edu