Featured Friar: John Chatfield ’19

by The Cowl Editor on February 28, 2019


Campus


Chatfield ’19 encourages students to sign up for PCTV.

By Brian Garvey ’20

News Staff

John Chatfield ’19 is Providence College’s own TV wizard. As president of PCTV, Chatfield has put his creative skills and digital production experience to good use, bringing his ideas to life on the big screen. 

One of the reasons Chatfield chose PC was related to PCTV; he mentioned how there was just so much to do. “The clubs and activities were the first thing that caught my attention, and I was struck by all the ways to get involved. The academics are great, the faculty cares about your success, and networking opportunities are everywhere, but it’s the people that make it special.”

In high school, Chatfield started the foundation for his love of digital production by making sketches, video essays, and envisioning a sitcom or YouTube channel. 

“Towards the end of high school, I started writing for fun. I wrote scripts and storyboards for a bunch of wild concepts, and I logged a few hundred pages that summer. I remember telling my best friend that for the first time in my life, I’d found something I was passionate about,” said Chatfield.

Chatfield took a big leap at PC, trying out for the 48 Hour Film Project. He said, “I think that’s when I realized this was something I wanted to pursue long-term.”

PCTV has been a creative heaven for Chatfield, allowing him to explore new ideas, work with talented people, and take risks. “I don’t know where I’d be without the club. It’s expanded my horizons and taught me a great deal about the tech side of production. Those skills have actually gotten me employed on several occasions.” 

It has given Chatfield some of his closest friends, and he takes great pride in watching the club and its members grow over the years. 

Chatfield stated, “It’s a fun, collaborative environment. You’ll find so many friends and like-minded people that are more than willing to help bring your ideas to life. Everyone contributes to the process in some way. It’s also just a great space to learn.”

Chatfield loves the sketches he and his team make for the club, but he also has a real passion for directing his own projects. “Last semester, I made a crime drama for my Video Production class. Tonally speaking, it was way different than what I’m used to, but I had a lot of fun exploring a new genre.” 

Chatfield has hinted at a new project that he hopes to advance to the Rhode Island Film Festival. “It’s a comedic take on the thriller genre, and it’s a fun, fast-moving story that spans the city of Providence.”

Clearly, Chatfield has shown real potential and the ability to make a splash with his projects.

What he wants people to know about PCTV is that it is one of the tightest clubs on campus. “We’re a creative space that will teach you so many marketable skills. Whether you are into media coverage, sports broadcasting, or traditional filmmaking, you can find a home with us. You can grow your skills in writing, filming, and editing, and you’ll always have an awesome team behind you.” 

Anyone who has any desire to be involved in digital production, do not be afraid to reach out to Chatfield, or just walk into the PCTV office. You will be welcomed with open arms.