For Edward Fotinos, television and film have always been more than entertainment—they’ve been a lifelong passion. Growing up in Austin, he was drawn to the screen early and found joy in performing and making people laugh.
“I have always been obsessed with TV, movies, and everything related to them,” Edward says. “My first love is acting, and I took numerous classes and attended McCallum Fine Arts Academy. I have always loved entertaining people, so when it came time to choose what I would study, I opted for the practical side of what I already enjoyed doing.”
Edward began at Austin Community College District (ACC) in 2021. Like many students, he wasn’t entirely sure what direction to take at first. He knew he wanted to stay close to the world of storytelling. When he discovered the Radio, Television, and Film program, along with the internship opportunities offered through ACCTV, everything clicked.
“ACCTV was a significant reason why I chose to attend ACC in the first place,” he says. “The state-of-the-art facilities and hands-on training were invaluable.”
Edward dove into the work, exploring both the technical and creative sides of production.
“When I began at ACCTV, my main goal was to work within the traditional TV or film environment,” he explains. “However, it gave me an entirely new perspective and professional path to consider. It was my first experience in that setting, and I discovered many aspects that I loved about live production and broadcasting. There is a sense of instant gratification in seeing everything come together without editing, and especially when you have an audience.”
He also found joy in creative projects that reminded him why he fell in love with film in the first place.
“Within ACC, I usually found myself performing comedic skits, but we also recreated movie scenes shot-for-shot. My favorite was a scene recreation of “The Mask” (1994), where I planned and ultimately ended up acting in as well. From the planning shots to makeup and execution, everything came together perfectly. I always find myself more motivated by projects that I enjoy, so doing something with the intention of making people laugh or smile is always a great advantage for me.”
That hands-on experience and the professionalism expected at ACCTV set him up perfectly for his next step—an internship at Austin PBS, which has since turned into ongoing work.
“This experience greatly helped me with PBS,” he says. “The facilities are very similar but not identical, which gave me a lot of practical experience and know-how without having to start from scratch. While we always had fun at ACC, there was always an air of professionalism that prepared me for a career in the real business. From setting up to studio etiquette and general organization, ACC provided me with the tools I use every day in my career.”
At Austin PBS, Edward’s work has spanned productions from Austin City Limits to Austin Insight, exposing him to every corner of the industry.
“Helping to shoot music is another interesting facet of my job at PBS; it is such a long-running show in Austin’s history, and it is an honor to be a part of that continued legacy.”
He’s also proud of the work he’s done on Austin Insight. “I have also loved being part of the Austin Insight crew, from stories about BBQ at Leroy and Lewis, rocket ships at Firefly Aerospace, and firefighting at a fire station. This is mobile journalism, so it is always interesting to show up at any location and figure out how best to make it work.”
Looking ahead, Edward plans to continue building his skills and experiences. “I plan to continue to work in the industry and find my niche,” he says. “Aside from my work at PBS, I have a few freelance projects, including filming a ballet and a church service. I am always seeking new opportunities and experiences. Currently, I am seeking to take on as much work as possible to gain the extra knowledge and edge I need.”
He credits his professors at ACC for guiding him along the way. “James Froeschle, Cathy Welch, and Phil Collins—all professors at ACC—helped with my growth,” Edward says. “Especially James Froeschle, who introduced me to live production and first told me about the internship at PBS.”
His advice for other students: “Go for it,” Edward says. “If you are passionate about this field, let that shine through. Include a cover letter with your application and tell about yourself! Especially if you have little experience, that can set you apart. But be yourself—there are so many talented and kind people at PBS who are excited to have you.”
For more information or to explore internship opportunities at ACC, visit austincc.edu/internships.
Tags: ACCTV, Austin PBS, Radio-Television-Film
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