Chartiers Valley graduate, Ryan Quinn (Class of 2006), can now add Emmy Award winner to his resume.Ryan started developing his video story-telling while working with his family’s VHS video camera when he was three years old. He loved creating short segments of his favorite stuffed bear chasing Lego characters as they drove miniature monster trucks around the living room. Little did he know, his passion would grow in to a successful film and video career. Using top of the line equipment, perfecting his skills, and winning numerous film festivals over the last seven years, he can now add Emmy Award winner to his list of accolades.
The 2015 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards were presented on September 20, 2015, when Ryan was posted as winner of the prestigious award and professional recognition. He earned it as the primary video editor and ENG during a live broadcast. Ryan was responsible for coordinating the field talent – including 11 reporters in the field and on Chopper 11 – and managing the ever-changing communication towers throughout the WPXI-TV/NBC broadcast.
The Emmy follows two consecutive years of winning the Associated Press Award for helping produce WPXI’s sports program, The Final Word. The show has been recognized as Pennsylvania’s best sports show with live integration of social media.
Chartiers Valley provided great opportunities for Ryan, including creating numerous videos for Mr. Jeff Ackermann’s TV/Media class. In 2004, Ryan’s music video won the Award of Excellence at the TVT competition at Robert Morris University, which was the first of its kind for a Chartiers Valley student. The same year, one of his videos was aired on cable television. Some of his productions are still used as models for Mr. Ackermann’s current TV/Media students. In addition to Mr. Ackermann, Ryan would like to thank Mr. Rodrigues, Mrs. Beattie, and Mr. Kallet for their ongoing support.
After graduating from Chartiers Valley High School, Ryan went on to Penn State University, where he continued his video production education.
While at Penn State, Ryan’s senior film, Iowa Is Closed Today, won a best film award and gained recognition around the country in 2011. As the writer/director of the film, Ryan had the opportunity to speak about creative process of filmmaking at various festivals. Three Telly Awards for previous projects provided him with the multi-leveled platforms of filmmaking expertise of different genres to present.
Penn State University honored Ryan as the Student Marshall at the 2010 graduation ceremony. Award-winning documentary filmmaker, Ken Burns, was on hand to help present Ryan with his award.
After his college graduation, Ryan continued his film career. In 2013, his independent documentary film, Invincible Pep, highlighted Pittsburgh’s beautiful skyline, the steel workers era, and his grandfather’s dangerous career as an Iron Worker connecting beams on skyscrapers. Narrated by retired Pittsburgh Steeler Craig Wolfley, the film earned several accolades.
Ryan captured first place and an audience award two years in a row with thematic music videos at the Off-Centered Film Festival in Austin, Texas. His independent work also garnered two consecutive Best Pennsylvania Filmmaker nominations in 2012 and 2013 at the international West Chester Film Festival.
Ryan’s video productions have also been shown on one of Pittsburgh’s largest screens – the Heinz Field Jumbotron. They featured pump-up videos and local talent in humorous public service announcements to motivate and inform fans during Steeler games.
Finally, Ryan would like to thank his family and especially his sister Laura (Chartiers Valley Class of 2009) for always being by his side on his film and video projects. Her set photography captures the essence of creativity by the film crew and talent.
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Submitted story.
