Biography:
A graduate of Emerson College, Katie Shannon is a Boston based filmmaker and founder of Thompson Films.
She released her first feature length documentary entitled 113 Days, in which she followed the Stonehill Women’s Lacrosse team in their 2012 season. The film was the recipient of the Oak Foundation Grant in January.
As an advocate for the LGBTQ community, Katie has written and directed several short films. The Morning After was an official selection to several festivals including the Boston LGBTQ Film Festival and Boston Independent Film Festival. Katie is the director of programming for Boston’s Wicked Queer Film Festival. This coming April will be it's 38th year for the festival.
LGBTQ+ Representation
in Media and The Controversy of Euphoria
with Professor Shannon
Episode Synopsis:
In this episode, Professor Shannon talks about the process of creating the digital media production minor at Stonehill and how she started her own business , Thompson films. She highlights how she has created short films to increase LGBTQ+ representation and why she chooses to use humor as a method in her films. Then, Professor Shannon and Jenna examine the show, Euphoria, and the controversy surrounding its portrayal of graphic topics in a cinematic light. Specifically, they question if Euphoria is glorifying drug addiction and analyze the choice to make this show display uncomfortable content in order to convey a certain message. Furthermore, Professor Shannon and Jenna discuss the character, Jules, and how her authentic representation of a trans character in the show is an important step in the media industry.
Key Takeaway:
"I enjoyed hearing Jenna's perspective on Euphoria and the important topics, like the glorification of drugs, that were brought up surrounding this controversial show."
Soundbite: