Alumnus hits the big apple

     Many students do not jump from graduation to living in New York City after living a charmed life in Milledgeville for four years. Yet living big is what Tyler Flowers, former student at GCSU, is all about. He was a senior this Spring and decided to pursue his dream of interning with David Letterman. After his second application, Flowers found out he was one of the few accepted to intern in New York City with the CBS “Late Show with David Letterman” starting fall 2007.
     “I was so excited when I found out. I was freaking out and all my friends were like ‘What is he doing?’” Flowers said. 
While at GCSU, Flowers was known for being a humble, energetic student constantly pushing to be better and learn more.
     “He improved, because more than anybody, he just dug into it and did things that were nonrequired,” Jared Johnson, Video and Audio Productions professor and Flower’s News Broadcasting teacher, said.
     Flowers was involved in the MBC4 News Production first as the Technical Director that managed video tapes during the broadcastings. Then he served as the director, and finally he was the producer. He also helped with the University TV station.
     “Doing it in school gave me experience," Flowers said. "I got so involved and loved teaching others."
     Part of his experience also came from working with Bobcat Media Productions. He was appointed director his senior year. Flowers, and his friend Mike Taylor, also organized “Mock News Shows” that year with inspiration from “Saturday Night Live.” Plus Flowers helped out with GCSU Idol.
     “At GCSU, it’s a small enough college to get help and the experience you need,” says Flowers.
     Flowers was also awarded for his efforts in the Third Annual Bald Shorts Film Festival sponsored by Alpha Lambda Delta. He was a part of the class that formed the “One Up Productions” that ultimately entered “The Final Slice” comedy film into the festival. Acting as the videographer, he shot the entire film. The film won two awards, the Best Bald Short and Best Bobcat Short on April 27, 2007.
     “His dialogue and ideas were always good,” Karen Bendersky, assistant professor of Psychology and a leader involved with the Bald Shorts Film Festival, said.
     More than being an amazing videographer, Flowers was also a loved student and friend. He was very down to earth and friendly.
     “He is easy to work with," Johnson said. “It’s not hard for him to get along with people. He does that well.”
     Bendersky affirmed what Johnson said.
“While extremely skilled in getting movies put together, he is also very appropriate with those who appear as a superior to him. He is respectful,” Beendersky said.
     Flowers realizes that to get the most out of things you must have an open mind and teachable attitude.
     At GCSU, Flowers was obviously very busy with all of his involvement in the Video Productions around campus. His senior year he even took the job to be the Georgia Military College traveling videographer for the 2006-2007 football season.
     Throughout his time as a student at GCSU, it is obvious that Flowers never took the opportunities presented to him for granted and he always worked hard at everything and to the best of his ability.
     “It is important to never get prideful,” Flowers said. “I always kept an attitude that I could learn more. You have to keep an open mind. Be ready to explore the possibilities. It’s important to ask questions.”
     Among applying for “The Late Show with David Letterman,” Flowers also applied for internships to the Discovery Channel, Food Network, CBS, ABC, and etc. CBS actually wanted to interview him the same day he heard back from David Letterman.
     In his future, Flowers desires to be part of a major motion picture production.
     “I would like to stay at Letterman if the opportunity is permitted to work with musical guests or working with the producers,” Flowers said. “However, sometime in my golden years I want to work in movies.”
     Flowers is the human-interest intern, constantly reading publications to find someone for the “Stupid Human Tricks” and “Stupid Pet Tricks” segments.
     “It’s a great chance for me. The culture is amazing,” Flowers said. “I am adapting quickly to becoming part of the experience.”

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Sep 21 2007. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry