Multimedia journalism

Phil Daquila produces thesis, “The Improvisers”

• español

2009 UNC master’s graduate Phil Daquila recently launched his thesis, “The Improvisers.” In it, he beautifully documents how people improvise in all aspects of life, from the extracurricular activities of dance and music, to the life-altering decisions made in our professions. Notice how all aspects of this site are carefully designed, from the typography in the videos to the site header. All together, there are eight videos documenting everything from firefighters improvising while putting out fires, to musicians improvising on stage.

In Phil’s own words, “The genesis of this project lies in my interest in jazz studies, both as a listener and amateur sax player. I noticed that the tools to make anyone an improviser in the music world were out there to be digested, and I wondered how those who had mastered these techniques might be different from the rest of us. This site departs from the thinking that improvisation is reserved for artists (some say for geniuses) and explores the everyday nature of improvisation. My own efforts in creating this site also had its share of improv in action—give and take with the people I interviewed, push and pull with my readings, writings, videography.”

Kudos to Phil for integrating exceptional videography with an aesthetic-pleasing design. Enjoy!

Other posts that might interest you:

• A critique of Columbia’s 2008 masters projects
• Hidden treasure: The Oregonian’s “Always Celilo”
• UNC launches latest multimedia project, “Living Galapagos”

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