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Elgatha exemplifies what it means to be a true professional – Benjamin McCormick | Casting Director / TV Development and Production
My Story
I grew up on a small island in the Bahamas known as Nassau and immigrated to the US at a young age to fulfill my dreams .
I became a film educator, digital strategist, and storyteller with a passion for empowering the next generation of media creators. Over the past decade, I’ve worn many hats—university professor, communications director, filmmaker, and web developer—all united by a common thread: helping people and brands tell compelling stories that resonate.
As a professor of digital video and film production, I design hands-on courses that blend technical skills (editing, cinematography, live production) with career strategy (portfolio development, freelancing, client work). My students don’t just learn—they leave certified, job-ready, and confident.
Outside the classroom, I’ve directed marketing campaigns that drove millions in revenue, optimized global digital strategies, and trained teams in content creation, analytics, and branding.
My career has thrived at the intersection of art and business—whether directing short films, coding websites, or coaching athletes in leadership, it has never fit neatly into one box—and that’s my superpower.
I thrive where creative vision meets strategic execution, having built a hybrid skillset that’s rare in today’s specialized world: Now, I help others build the same adaptable, future-proof skillset.
The future belongs to T-shaped professionals—those with deep vertical expertise (like film editing or PR) who can also collaborate horizontally across disciplines.
Elgatha is a strong, hardworking and passionate individual. I worked alongside her as an instructor in a different department and have seen and heard her teach her students. She not only performs the duties of being an instructor, but she also imparts the wisdom she has gained from being in her industry.
Marianne Catangay
Educator | Brand & Graphic Designer
Beyond the Resume
- When I’m not teaching or consulting, you’ll find me: Shooting documentary projects.
- Coaching high school soccer (yes, it’s all about teamwork)
- Experimenting with the latest web3/AI creative tools
Why Work With Me?
- Real-World + Academic Expertise: Few educators have both a PhD in Communications and a track record of scaling real brands—I bridge that gap.
- Hands-On Learning: My teaching philosophy is “create first, perfect later.” Students work on real projects—films, ad campaigns, live broadcasts—from day one.
- Industry-Aligned: I constantly evolve my curriculum based on emerging tech (AI, virtual production) and job market demands (certifications, freelance trends).
Let’s connect—whether you’re a student, collaborator, or organization looking for a dynamic instructor or communications strategist.
My Resume
What I Do
Teach Future Creators: As a professor of digital video and film production, I design hands-on courses that blend technical skills (editing, cinematography, live production) with career strategy (portfolio development, freelancing, client work). My students don’t just learn—they leave certified, job-ready, and confident, essentially I help others build the same adaptable, future-proof skillset.
Core Teaching Expertise
- Film & Video Production Instruction (Cinematography, Directing, Editing)
- Adobe Creative Suite Mastery (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop)
- DaVinci Resolve & Color Grading
- Scriptwriting & Story Development
- Live Broadcasting & Multi-Camera Production
- Curriculum Design & Student Engagement Strategies
- Career Mentorship & Industry Networking
Personal Experience
Digital Video Technology Professor Orange Technical College
Aug 2022 – Present | Orlando, FL
Lead instructor for digital video production, delivering industry-aligned training.
Key Achievements:
- Boosted Adobe certification rates by 500% through structured training and certification prep.
- Guided students in live broadcasts, short films, and client projects, enhancing real-world experience.
- Established college credit pathways through articulation agreements.
- Developed portfolio-building workshops, increasing graduate employability.
- Integrated emerging tech (AI tools, virtual production) into coursework.
Digital Video Professor F.I.R.S.T. Institute
Jul 2021 – May 2023 | Orlando, FL
Taught comprehensive film production, from scriptwriting to post-production.
Key Contributions:
- Designed an immersive curriculum covering directing, cinematography, and editing.
- Mentored students in Premiere Pro & DaVinci Resolve, improving technical fluency.
- Produced student short films & music videos, showcased in local festivals.
- Invited industry professionals for guest lectures and networking.
Leadership & Extracurricular Engagement
Girls Soccer Head Coach (JV & Varsity)
Wekiva High School | 1 Year
- Cultivated leadership, teamwork, and discipline in student-athletes.
- Developed training programs to enhance performance.
Education & Credentials
Liberty University – PhD Candidate, Communication & Media Studies
Jul 2020 – May 2025
- Research Focus: Digital Media, Audience Analysis, Content Strategy
Full Sail University – MFA, Cinematography & Film Production
Nov 2017 – Nov 2018
- Specialization: Visual Storytelling, Directing, Post-Production
Full Sail University – Web Design & Development (WDD)
Jun 2013 – Sep 2017
- Focus: Front-End Development, UX/UI Design
Certifications
Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) – Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop
DaVinci Resolve Certified Trainer
Portfolio & Student Success
- Student Films & Broadcast Projects: https://www.elgatha.com/students
- Graduate Testimonials: https://www.elgatha.com/testimonials
Why Hire Me?
- Proven Educator – Demonstrated success in elevating student skills & employability.
- Industry Insider – Brings real-world production & marketing expertise to the classroom.
- Dynamic Mentor – Fosters creativity while ensuring technical mastery.