Fourth Wall Films' Kelly and Tammy Rundle welcome Jessica Karolczak (center) to the team.
Fourth Wall Films has welcomed a new addition this spring! Intern Jessica Karolczak, a junior at St. Ambrose University, has joined the team to discover more about the art of documentary film-making.
“I’ve interned for a newspaper and a TV station and neither seemed like the right fit for me,” Karolczak said. “I like the depth of newspaper writing and the visuals of TV, so my dad and I figured documentary-making would be the perfect balance of both.”
Karolczak is currently a Multimedia Journalism and Theatre major with a Spanish minor. She also serves as the editor-in-chief of SAU’s newspaper The Buzz and the Theatre Department newsletter. She is excited to be a part of a team that combines many of her interests: history, creative communication, theatre, research, writing and storytelling.
“I am both honored and ecstatic to have the opportunity to work with accomplished filmmakers,” Karolczak said. “Not to mention, they are such great people who share my passion for showcasing stories in relatable, unique ways.”
Dr. Corinne Johnson, a professor at St. Ambrose, introduced Karolczak to the Rundles. Dr. Johnson knew them through their participation on the QC Theatre Workshop board. Through good luck and timing, Karolczak met the Rundles at a showing of their Emmy-nominated documentary Country School: One Room – One Nation. The rest is history in the making. Karolczak started her internship February 13.
“Growing up in the small town of Ashton, Iowa, [in northwest Iowa] you don’t expect opportunities like this to come around,” Karolczak said. “I actually couldn’t get a ticket for the event I was supposed to meet the Rundles at because it was sold out. But I wanted the opportunity so badly, I just showed up and hoped I could talk my way into the event. I’m glad I did because now I am fascinated with every observation and aspect of what the Rundles do. I could not be more blessed to take on this position with such flexible, willing people.”
Jessica Karolczak learns ADR for Thunder by observing director Kelly Rundle, sound engineer Chris Ryder, and actress Jess Taylor at work.
While interning, Karolczak will experience multiple aspects of documentary-making from voice over work and production to press releases and marketing to fundraising and research. Since the Rundles are currently working on several projects, including their new docudrama Sons and Daughters of Thunder, she will experience all stages of the documentary-making process.
For now, Karolczak is only exploring the realm of documentary-making. She does not have set plans for the future but thinks working independently may be up her alley.
“I have always been an independent person because I have a constant thirst for knowledge and like to think I am partially OCD,” Karolczak said. “I also like the idea of creative freedom and the opportunity to choose projects to work on that I am passionate about.”
Currently, Karolczak is considering making documentaries for non-profit organizations to help tell the stories behind their causes. For now, she continues to study hard at SAU while soaking in all she can learn from the Rundles.
Welcome to the team!
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