In this episode, the students sit down with local Rhode Island journalist and videographer David Lawlor, also known as Filmmaker Dave. Dave emphasizes a gritty, fast-paced style that often involves getting "in the mud" or shooting in abandoned places to capture authentic stories. He details how modern filmmaking and storytelling are revolutionary, leaning into the fast, engaging "Tik Tok format".

Filmmaker Dave shares the story behind his biggest viral success: a video about marbles. He explains how the industrial history of these marbles is connected to the creation of fiberglass, which was used in NASA spaceships, and suggests there’s a one-in-four chance the flag on the moon originated in Rhode Island, all thanks to this local history.

The conversation dives deep, touching upon the realities of the media hustle, the debate surrounding AI usage in art, and the importance of networking and building your reputation. Dave offers concrete advice for aspiring young creators, encouraging them to use their cell phones (even in RAW mode), write down ideas, talk to mentors, and always find a historical hook or relevance to engage their audience.

Students also ask about the dangers inherent in "run and gun" exploration, leading Dave to share harrowing tales of going to abandoned places, including nearly getting stuck in the Ashton Mill arches and encountering serious risks for the sake of the shot.

Finally, Dave reveals his unique creative outlet: a personal superhero persona named Marble, who was born out of a disaster caused by mill owner negligence at the Owens Corning fiberglass site. This hero serves as a deeply artistic alter-ego, mirroring Dave's own path as a photographer/storyteller.

Tune in to hear how this self-described passionate journalist navigates the challenges of building a career, the power of local history, and the profound journey of confronting his own adoption story.

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