I just finished my first week of my PR Video Production internship at Newport Aquarium, and may I say that it is just so much fun and rewarding! Things I did this week included:
- Film my first video, “A Day in the Life” segment and edit it, a video that follows one of our lead biologists
- Meet everyone from marketing, sales, guest services, care takers and more
- Get to know my mentor more
- Stay overnight at the aquarium and see what animals do at night for a fun video package
- Rounding up some crickets that got loose
- Get up close for a shark ray feeding
- Get to attend the world-premiere of a Herschend mini docu-series highlighting the love we GET to show to our co-workers, guests, and communities (we were featured in it!)
- Met an octopus that was wielding a light saber (how cool is that???)
- Got to meet CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment Andrew Wexler (super nice guy!)⬇️
If I had to pick my favorite part, I would have to say without a doubt getting to meet a youngster who’s family drove him all the way from New York for the sleepover at the aquarium! The special occasion, you ask? It was his birthday! His family asked what he wanted to do and he heard that there were sharks at Newport Aquarium. Mom said that he didn’t want to do anything else BESIDES this! He was so excited to be there, it just made my day!
I also got to take on the role of a character I created called “Investigative Intern Kyle” at the Overnight Adventure, as I went “undercover” to see what animals really do at night and the kids thoughts on it. I disguised myself with sunglasses and a fedora hat saying “PRESS” on it. The guests seemed to really like my persona, as I was able to keep kids entertained, was followed around, and had my investigator sunglasses stolen from me multiple times by sneaky individuals 😉
So far the coolest part about interning at Newport Aquarium is not only getting to work with animals, but watching families be educated, excited, and engaged in all the experiences and teachings we offer here. Guest service is a very important part of the entertainment industry (which I hope to go into someday as I’m sure some of you may know), and seeing what you can do to make a families day, a kid smile, or even just have the opportunity to ask how someone’s day is going is an honor. “Creating Memories Worth Repeating” is HFE’s mission, and I could not agree more. You never know if that one interaction you have with a guest may be the only positive interaction they may have that day!
Well that’s it for this week’s blog, check back next Saturday for my week 2 of my internship!
Thomas Kyle Creative 