
We are pleased to announce the following breakout sessions for our 3rd annual Shoots Summit Hawaiʻi event. Mahalo to these industry professionals for donating their time and mana'o for our students!

Astrophotography
How to capture the night sky using a basic DSLR or mirrorless cameras
Davin Carvalho
Native Hawaiian videographer and photographer. Born and raised on the west side of O'ahu in Wai'anae. My favorite subject to capture is the night sky.


The Art of the Interview
This breakout session will help student reporters develop the skills needed to draw out the best possible material from their interview subjects, material that will become the building blocks of a strong story.
Robert Pennybacker
has worked in Hawai'i's television industry as a writer-producer-director for over 40 years. He has written more than 25 documentaries for television and was the executive producer of PBS Hawai'i's HIKI NŌ student news network from its launch in 2011 to 2023. He was the co-creator of the nationally televised PBS series "Pacific Heartbeat" and is currently the Vice President of Business Development at PBS Hawai'i.


What Makes a Great Story?
Attendees will learn about the inner workings of a great story. They will delve into the HIKI NŌ Story criteria, which lays out the essential questions that can guide the story-making process toward something compelling and unique. Along the way , they will analyze stories to see where they work and how they could be improved, as well as learn how to develop their own stories more effectively.
Brent Keane
from Kailua, Hawaiʻi developed a passion for media and design during high school. He earned a Visual Communications degree from Collins College, worked in the print industry, and started a company specializing in database-driven websites and photography. He later transitioned into video production at KALO TV and joined PBS Hawai'i's HIKI NŌ team as Editor/Associate Producer. After four years, he became the Director of Learning Initiatives, where he inspires and prepares the next generation for success in the field he's dedicated his career to.


Scriptwriting and Story Structure
Learn the magic of HIKI NŌ on PBS Hawaiʻi storytelling! Weʻll study how to go from your transcribed interview to building a solid video rough cut that has a strong narrative arc and story structure.
Eleni Gill Avendaño
is the managing editor of HIKI NŌ on PBS Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i’s statewide student news network, where elementary, middle and high school students learn how to create PBS-quality news features that reach a statewide audience on PBS Hawai‘i and global audience online. Sheʻs also an independent filmmaker. Her most recent short documentary, AMEFIL (Amy), profiled civil rights activist legend Amy Agbayani and premiered at the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival in 2023.


What Makes a Great Story
Attendees will learn about the inner workings of a great story. They will delve into the HIKI NŌ Story criteria, which lays out the essential questions that can guide the story-making process toward something compelling and unique. Along the way, they will analyze stories to see where they work and how they could be improved, as well as learn how to develop their own stories more effectively.
Andrew Gumm
is the Editor for HIKI NŌ on PBS Hawaiʻi. Prior to working at PBS Hawaiʻi he was a media teachers for 9 years at a high school in San Diego California. He is passionate about storytelling, education, and is very excited to continue working with young storytellers.


Podcasting Equipment
Get hands-on with various podcasting tools, with setups ranging from beginner to advanced. Learn how you can accomplish your podcasting goals, even if you donʻt have access to the most expensive gear.
Rosalie Paglia
Malina "Mana" Franquez
Rosalie and Mana work in the Education Services area at ʻŌlelo Community Media. Together they help educate the community on how to share their voice through media.


“Educator Xchange”- Best Practices in Media Education
This session invites teachers and instructors with all levels of experience to share stories and ideas on how to foster student engagement and creativity in the media classroom. We will address both the challenges and opportunities educators face today as they try to inspire and empower the next generation of digital storytellers and content creators. We will discuss what works and what doesn’t when it comes to finding and implementing new pedagogical approaches, engaging classroom activities, and innovative uses of technology.
Claudia Pummer
is the Education Manager at ʻŌlelo Community Media. She holds a PhD in Film Studies and has taught courses in Critical Studies, Creative Media, and Video Production at various universities, including the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.


Final Cut Pro for iPad
Join us for a session that unleashes your creativity with a touch-first interface optimized for iPad. Final Cut Pro for iPad is a professional video creation app that reimagines video editing for iPad with an all-new touch interface, so you can record, edit, finish, and share your content–all from one portable, powerful device. Participants will have the opportunity to shoot, edit, and share their video during this session (some demo devices available for use during this session).
Apple Inc.
Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh computer in 1984. Since then Apple has designed products and programs that help unleash the creative potential in every individual, no matter how they learn and what they love to do. Apple Education is dedicated to helping schools around the world expand what’s possible for learning, create new opportunities for teaching, and establish dynamic environments that inspire both.


Motion to Final Cut (Mac)
This session will discuss creating and working with Motion files and Final Cut Pro. We will discuss converting a standard Motion project for use in Final Cut Pro such as using Lower Thirds created in Motion and editable in Final Cut Pro (some demo devices available for use during this session).
Apple Inc.
Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh computer in 1984. Since then Apple has designed products and programs that help unleash the creative potential in every individual, no matter how they learn and what they love to do. Apple Education is dedicated to helping schools around the world expand what’s possible for learning, create new opportunities for teaching, and establish dynamic environments that inspire both.


Drawing with Apple Pencil on iPad
Learn how to quickly draw a portrait in the Procreate app on iPad in this 60-minute session. We’ll start by taking a selfie and tracing it with Apple Pencil. You’ll practice using drawing tools, brushes, and a color palette to make a one-of-a-kind portrait. Devices will be provided or bring your own
Apple Inc.
Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh computer in 1984. Since then Apple has designed products and programs that help unleash the creative potential in every individual, no matter how they learn and what they love to do. Apple Education is dedicated to helping schools around the world expand what’s possible for learning, create new opportunities for teaching, and establish dynamic environments that inspire both.


Final Cut Pro: Taking your video from good to great (Mac)
This Final Cut Pro session will discuss how to leverage color correction effects and audio enhancements to take your project from good to great.
Apple Inc.
Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh computer in 1984. Since then Apple has designed products and programs that help unleash the creative potential in every individual, no matter how they learn and what they love to do. Apple Education is dedicated to helping schools around the world expand what’s possible for learning, create new opportunities for teaching, and establish dynamic environments that inspire both.


Mobile Production Van
Learn about producing live television in the field with a hands-on demonstration of our Production Van
Alex Miyamoto
For the last thirteen years, Alex Miyamoto has been actively teaching media and video production to youth across Hawaiʻi, helping them explore and use media in innovative and creative ways. He is excited to return to Shoots Summit Hawaiʻi to inspire another generation to pursue media as a career.


Unleashing Pathways in Culture, Arts, Media & Entertainment: Guiding Students from Classroom to Career
In this interactive session, discover the newly developed pathway maps that link high school courses, Early College opportunities, and industry-aligned credentials for the Culture, Arts, Media & Entertainment fields. Dive into detailed maps for each program of study, explore postsecondary options, and equip yourself with resources to support students as they connect their passions with career-ready paths in Hawaiʻi’s creative industries!
Stacie Higgins
has worked in various roles within the University of Hawaiʻi System for 16 years. As the Alignment Specialist for Hawaiʻi P-20, Stacie connects HIDOE’s 13 CTE Pathways with post-secondary programs and local industry. The Hawaiʻi Career Pathways website showcases newly developed pathway maps that align high school pathways and 42 programs of study to post-secondary programs and state workforce needs. Each map is a comprehensive resource, detailing pathway specifics, transfer agreements, admission requirements, Early College course recommendations, costs, transfer options, and related job prospects in Hawaiʻi.


Storytelling Visual Photography
Storytelling through visual photography is an art form that combines composition, light, subject, and emotion to convey a narrative. Unlike written stories, photographic storytelling invites the viewer to interpret the tale through imagery, creating a personal connection.
Jun Tagai
Jun is the creative mind behind the lens with over 22 yrs of professional experience. His interest in photography began at younger age in the darkroom with recognition and winning numerous awards and in 2001 he began his career as a visual storytelling photographer. His photography often oscillate between intimacies of relationships and the ambience of the moment with unique interpretation of natural light.


Advertising and Archetypes
Not all ads hit the mark with all audiences, but the successful marketer knows who the target is, and what’s important to them. Let’s dive into some brand archetypes, and then try out several advertising techniques. Bring your creativity and willingness to share! This session will be interactive as we create commercials for imaginary products.
Robyn Keeney
Robyn Keeney is the Marketing Director for Hawaii News Now, shepherding the brand of the news organization, and also partnering with local clients to help create unique messaging for their brands. She loves the creative process and the challenge of making companies stand out in a crowded business landscape. Robyn gives off serious nerd vibes with her love of reading and watching documentaries. She also practices yoga daily, usually under the watchful eye of her scruffy terrier, Max.


You Should Start A YouTube Channel And Why
From my experience, I want to encourage participants to get into video and start their own YouTube channel. We will discuss some of the multiple roles a successful YouTuber is tasked with. As well as the opportunities and connections that come with having a YouTube channel.
Elton Gemeno-Hing
My name is Elton Gemeno-Hing. I was born and raised on the North Shore of Oahu in Waialua. I currently have a thriving YouTube channel with over 640 videos that includes but is not limited to Hawaii Bike Life, sharing real life experiences, promoting local businesses and quality consumer products. My specialty on a bike are wheelies.


Acting 101 and How I Got Started in Hawai'i
I will briefly discuss my journey beginning from local theatre on Kauai to Film/TV on the mainland. We’ll talk about basic acting tips, advice, and suggestions on how to get started, what one should know going into the industry, and a general insight on acting.
Siena Agudong
Siena was born and raised in Kaua’i and began her acting career at the age of 8, booking a recurring role on an ABC Texas Ranger drama. She went on to become a recurring guest star on several Nickelodeon and Disney shows at a young age and since then, has starred as the lead in 3 separate TV Series’, two of which were on Netflix. Some may recognize Siena as Nick in “ No Good Nick” and Young Billie in the horror franchise “Resident Evil”. Siena has also been the lead in several movies, including Disney Channel's “Upside Down Magic”, a soccer movie co-starring soccer legend, Alex Morgan, called “Alex and Me”, and Young Mia in the Fast and Furious franchise, " F9: The Fast Saga". Siena recently shot and starred in four back to back films, two of which were just released: The 4:30 Movie, a Kevin Smith film and starring as Dallas Bryan in Tubi’s first original movie and recent hit ” Sidelined The QB and Me”. She has two upcoming movies, not yet released, “The Upside of Unrequited”, adapted from the YA novel by New York Times bestselling author and a horror film called “What She Doesn’t Know.


Acting 101 and How I Got Started in Hawai'i
I will briefly discuss the journey beginning from local theatre on Kauai to Film/TV on the mainland. We’ll talk about basic acting tips, advice, and suggestions on how to get started, what one should know going into the industry, and general insight on acting.
Sydney Agudong
Sydney was born and raised on the island of Kaua'i and began her acting career at the age of 7, starting out in numerous local theatre productions along with performing in several talent shows around the island. After graduating high school, Sydney moved to Los Angeles to pursue her passion for acting. Sydney’s hard work and preparation over the years, helped her to land the role of Disney’s beloved character, Nani, in the upcoming Live Action “Lilo and Stitch”, set to be released only in Theatres in May 2025. Sydney is currently filming in Toronto as one of the leads in a new series titled “Ripple” and recently just wrapped on a psychological thriller called, “Ether” in which she is also executive producing and starring in. In addition, Sydney can be seen as the lead in the recently released Hawai'i film called, “At Her Feet”, in a supporting role in the indie film, “Infamously in Love”, and as a recurring role in season 4 of Netflix's “On My Block”, among other credits.

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Working in Animation
What's it like working as an animator?
Daisy Church
Daisy Church is an animator, artist, and educator with over twenty years of experience working in the entertainment industry. Originally from Delaware, she has lived and worked internationally for her work in television, video games, and education. Her work has been seen on Cartoon Network, HBO, MTV, Adult Swim, Nick Jr, Disney Interactive Games, and Disney Playhouse.
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Anatomy of a great spread: Design Concepts & Layouts
Whether youʻre into Yearbook, Journalism, Social Media, Graphics design and more, this session focuses on how to develop a theme and carry out those ideas throughout your work using layout and design. When developing new ideas or projects, I always ask myself and others "is it giving?"
Jeffrey Kahakua
Aloha, also known to my students as Mr. K. I've been a teacher, computer tech, and yearbook advisor at Kealakehe Intermediate on Moku O Keawe for 8 years. Now I work with high school students doing culinary and media. I'm also an Information Systems Analyst for the County of Hawaii.
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Unlocking Your Phone's Photography Potential
Learn how to capture captivating photos using just your phone's camera, from basic techniques to advanced editing tips. No fancy camera needed, just your creativity and a smartphone!
Yasha Ronquillo
Yasha Ronquillo is a Film & Media Production teacher teacher at Maui High School and a portrait photographer who specializes in weddings, couples, and individual-styled shoots. As a 2022 graduate from the University of Hawaiʻi West Oahu Academy of Creative Media, she works extensively with new media technologies and loves to mentor younger creatives who are interested in photography and videography.
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Canva Product Packaging Mockup Designing!
Learn how to use Canva and mock it up on a product package.
Dexter Corpuz
Maui High School Alumni, UH West Oahu Academy For Creative Media Alumni, Maui High School Digital Design Teacher
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Get Out of Your Own Way and Make Your Film
This workshop will empower you to identify and utilize the resources at your fingertips, transforming the seemingly impossible task of making your film into a manageable and achievable journey. Learn practical strategies to break through creative and logistical roadblocks, so you can stop waiting and start creating.
Mitchel Merrick
Mitchel Merrick is a passionate filmmaker dedicated to telling stories that reflect the cultural richness of his home in Hawai’i. His journey began at age 10 when he received a camcorder as a birthday gift, sparking a lifelong love for filmmaking. After earning a Bachelor’s in Media and Creative Technology from the University of Waikato in Aotearoa, Mitchel returned to Hawai‘i to hone his craft and share stories rooted in his culture.
He gained recognition through ‘Ohina’s inaugural Filmmaker’s Lab, where he received mentorship from Joe Robert Cole for his script Kālewa (2018). Since then, he has produced several impactful projects, including the feature film Water Like Fire (2020) and the short Kūkini (2024), which was featured in the Hawai‘i International Film Festival. Mitchel remains committed to creating authentic, Hawai‘i-centered narratives that inspire and connect audiences worldwide.
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A Quick Dive into Modern Lens Fundamentals
A state of the union regarding modern optical design as considered by the world’s largest lens manufacturer. As time allows, we’ll go over glass types, element types and groups, the rules all lens manufacturers have to follow in the design and implementation process. From aberrations to stabilization, we’ll take a look at where photographic lenses are, today, and take a peek at where they’re headed in the near future.
Marc Morris
Started in 1997 as a custom print tech learning color theory, printing modes, and analog lab management before owning a camera. Professional photography career has since veered (careened?) from high end jewelry to the Winter X Games, weddings and architecture. Was the first photographer ever to capture a stitched panoramic image with a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. 2025 is his 10th year with Tamron Lenses.
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Create A Portfolio That Showcases Your True Potential
Learn how to design, build, and pitch a powerful portfolio! When you create an extraordinary portfolio, your work speaks for itself and empowers you to pursue dream projects! As a creative director and agency owner who frequently hires photographers, writers, designers, and all sorts of freelancers to support us on projects, I’ve found that an impressive portfolio can often tell me far more about someone’s skills and artistic style than any qualifications or achievements listed on their resumé.
And it’s never too early to start building yours. Even if you don’t have any work to showcase at this moment, you’ll want to start by selectively working projects you’re passionate about and producing work that you feel proud of, so that someday your portfolio can truly reflect how talented you are.
Leila Jaffuel
Leila Jaffuel is a Creative Director who leverages the art of storytelling to inspire collective action and ignite change. She builds brand identities and results-driven campaigns that reflect her clients’ core values and accelerate their growth. Shortly after launching her agency, Ember Media, in 2020, she also founded The Storyteller’s Collective to facilitate seamless collaborations amongst an emerging network of talented freelancers in Hawai’i, and beyond. Leila has a bachelors in Journalism and Advertising from Hawai’i Pacific University. She also completed her masters in Social Impact so she could better serve nonprofit clients and social enterprises with inspiring stories.
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Animation Production
Join us for an exciting presentation by Twiddle Productions Inc., featuring producer and owner Michael Q. Ceballos and animator/storyboard artist Ridge Hirano. This session will provide an inside look into the world of animation production, exploring the creative and technical processes behind our projects. Learn about the journey of breaking into the animation industry and gain valuable insights from experienced professionals.
The presentation will conclude with an interactive Q&A session, where you can ask questions and gain advice on pursuing a career in animation or furthering your own creative projects. Whether you’re an aspiring animator, a fan of animation, or simply curious about the art form, this session is sure to inspire and inform.
Michael Q. Ceballos and Ridge Hirano
INSPIRE, INNOVATE AND EDUCATE.Twiddle Productions is a multimedia studio located in the beautiful city of Honolulu, on the Island of Oahu. Our diverse and multi-cultural team specializes in animation, production, education, and multimedia. Our work has been showcased on various platforms such as television, film festivals, and schools worldwide. We strive to bring a unique vision and approach to each project, whether it involves cultural-based content, curriculum development for coding and robotics, or animation.
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