Journalism Story

Journalism Story

M3 Productions Brings College Life to the Screen Through Student-Made Films

By Luke Voss, Lexi Bunting, Whitney Stephen 

 

BLOOMINGTON Ind. (April 3, 2025) 

At Indiana University, Jada Tamia Parks has built something special from the ground up. As the founder and creator of M3 Productions, a production house that focuses on movies, music, and media, she’s brought together a group of like-minded students who share her passion for the film industry. For Parks and her team, M3 isn’t just about creating—it’s about learning, growing, and gaining real-world experience together, all while still in college.  “The goal is really for all of our members to get really immersed in the film industry as much as we can at this age,” said Parks. 

Jada Tamia Parks finds creative sparks in the depths of the Well B. Library film collection. She is one of the founders and creators of M3 Productions and she is always looking for an idea to stick. Photo L. Bunting

Made up of a group of freshmen at Indiana University, M3 Productions is taking their passion for film to new heights, with plans to turn their shared vision into a recognized presence on campus. The group, composed of talented students eager to make their mark in the film industry, is still in the early stages of their journey—but their ambition is already clear, to build a diverse catalog of films on their YouTube channel and establish themselves as a serious force in amateur production.

Through collaboration and dedication, they aim to demonstrate their skills and creativity, earning credibility within both the student body and the larger film community. With hopes of becoming an official student club by next year, M3 Productions seeks to create a space where aspiring filmmakers can come together, learn, and grow through hands-on experience. The group’s efforts reflect not only their individual passions but also their commitment to building a lasting impact on IU’s creative landscape.

Reading over script after script Isaiah Hamilton practices lines with co-actor Elizabeth Hauser. Hamilton is often know for going off script and improving but will look over the script before takes. Photo L. Bunting

The statement we want to put out there is that you’re never too young to start,” said Jada Tamia Parks, founder of M3 Productions. “Though we’re all young, we don’t feel the need to wait for opportunities to come to us or for things to be handed to us. We’re taking initiative and starting now,” she added, emphasizing the group’s drive to create and take control of their future in the film industry.

Currently, M3 Productions is focused on Wavelength, their latest project, which delves into the experiences of students entering college for the first time. This project aims to capture the unique and relatable stories of new students navigating the challenges of higher education. In addition to Wavelength, the group has recently completed several short films, showcasing their growing range and talent. Many members of the team take on multiple roles, working behind the scenes in production as well as stepping in front of the camera as actors. Despite the demanding workload, every member remains passionate and enthusiastic, eager to contribute to the group’s vision. Their dedication to the work is a testament to their commitment to storytelling and their drive to connect with an audience that can relate to their work.

Group of actors and actresses of M3 Production sit and wait in between filming shots. Due to the amount of time member of M3 Productions spend together many great bonds have been established. Photo E. Hauser. 

As a group, M3 Productions is always on the lookout for new projects to take on. Every biweekly, they hold pitch meetings to discuss the scheduling, details, and progress of current projects, as well as brainstorm ideas for new projects. One of the group members, Max Brinkmeyer, is currently working on a script that tackles the powerful theme of overcoming addiction. “I think portraying tough subjects within young adult media is important. We want these scenes to speak to people,” said Brinkmeyer, emphasizing the group’s desire to create work that resonates with a wide audience. These pitch meetings can become chaotic at times, as multiple voices compete to share ideas and get their thoughts heard. Despite the lively discussions, the group thrives on collaboration and creativity, using each meeting as an opportunity to refine their vision and take their projects to the next level.

One of the biggest struggles M3 Productions faces is working with limited resources as college-aged filmmakers. Being young artists comes with its own set of challenges, and the group is no stranger to the reality of tight budgets. ‘We are all just broke college kids trying to get something out there, we want to put time and effort into it,’ said Isaiah Hamilton, the creator of M3 Productions. Despite the financial obstacles, the group remains dedicated to their craft, finding creative solutions to bring their projects to life and push forward with their passion for filmmaking.

 

Journalism Story

Diving Deep into IU Ballerinas

By Will Morris, Ellie Belshaw, Jola Wright and Sylvia Sasse

BLOOMINGTON, Ind (April 3, 2025)

As a young girl, Anjuli Paul can still recall the times she spent twirling around her living room. She smiles as she remembers, “I was always just dancing around the house.” Her passionate path as a ballerina began with those carefree moments of spontaneous movement that eventually evolved into a serious endeavor.

 

Paul, now a freshman at Indiana University, began her formal ballet training at the age of four, encourag

Anjuli Paul, Freshman at IU ready for her day of being a ballerina. Her story telling and knowledge of this art is spectacular

ed by her mother, who thought it would be a good fit. But it wasn’t until she was eleven years old that ballet started to mean more to Paul. “That’s when I really started to take it seriously,” she recalls. Ballet changed over time from being a mere pastime to become her life’s passion.

“I think my favorite part of dancing has always been performing,” adds Paul. “It’s just such a special experience.” Paul sees ballet as an opportunity to share something really personal, rather than just a form of dance. She notes that her main form of self-expression has always been dance. Paul, who describes herself as an introvert, struggles to express her feelings in words, but she is able to do it on stage with each leap and pirouette.

Her capacity for nonverbal communication is the foundation of Paul’s relationship with dance. “Dance has always been a way for me to express myself,” she adds thoughtfully. Deeming herself a

As Anjuli Paul states “dancing is a way for her to express herself and show emotion”. This is her while she is practicing for her next big show.

s an introvert, expressing herself through movement

has always felt natural to her. 

A significant part of being a ballerina at Indiana University is not just the performances, but the preparation that goes into each one. Paul takes us behind the scenes to see what it’s like to get ready for a show, starting by explaining their pre-performance ritual. “We stand in a circle with the group, close our eyes, and squeeze each other’s hands. It’s a way for us to center ourselves and prepare for what’s coming,” she shares. 

The process leading up to a performance starts long before the first rehearsal. A choreographer arrives with a preliminary casting list, called ‘learning groups,’ to begin developing the routine. The following rehearsals serve as an audition, a time when the dancers may learn a “key phrase” of choreography. This could determine their role in the final performance. “After the choreographers leave, they won’t come back until tech week, which is the week before the show,” Paul explains. “Once we have the choreography, we’re running it every day, every week.”

Each day up until the performance is filled with rigorous rehearsals. The stakes are high, especially during tech week, which Paul describes as the “craziest” part of the process. “We are here from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day,” Paul says, laughing. “I tell my friends I’m going into survival mode.”

During tech week, the dancers run the entire show in full makeup and costumes, and practice with the orchestra. Though a dem

Anjuli Paul getting herself all ready before her practice begins. It’s a long day ahead of her.

anding schedule, it ensures the dancers are prepared for every moment of the show. Once tech

week is over, the group performs all week long, with the Monday following the performance being the only break. “The whole process is very intense,” Paul states.

The entire process—from auditioning dancers to selecting choreography and rehearsing for performances—takes about eight weeks. Paul’s most recent piece, ‘Sandpaper Ballet’, started at the very beginning of the semester. “From there we’ve just been working on it through now,” she says. “I would say it usually takes about two months.”

Paul’s path to Indiana University was shaped by years of dedication.She became even more dedicated to dance when she transferred to a Boston boarding school for her senior year of high school. She attributes this transition to the nature of being a dancer, having previously been living away from home since she was fourteen. “It definitely made the transition to college easier, especially with living away from home,” Paul added. 

Her time in Boston prepared her for the professional demands of ballet, especially the expectations at Indiana University. “Being able to work with the Boston Ballet Company really helped prepare me for that more professional environment,” she says. “It also helped with that transition from being a student to being more of a professional dancer.”

As she embarks on her freshman year, Paul continues to push herself both as a dancer and an individual. She believes ballet brings out the best version of herself. “It really allows me to express myself,” she explains. “There are certain things you can’t explain with words, and for me the way to express that is through movement.”

Her experience is proof of the ability of performance to not only display skill but also to discover one’s voice in a manner that words cannot always express. Ballet is more than just an art form to Anjuli Paul; it’s a place where she discovers who she is and shares that with the world.

From the living room to the stage, her journey is just beginning, but it’s clear that dance will continue to be a key part of her story, both at Indiana University and beyond.

https://youtu.be/rDuIrTfzyaA

Journalism Story, Uncategorized

Bloomingtunes Hits the Right Note: A Cappella Group Gears Up for their April Performance


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Kaixin Chen, Natalie Anderson

April 3 BLOOMINGTON, Ind.

From a little practice room in the Jacobs School of Music, voices layer upon each other creating a perfect harmony. Inside, a circle of singers warm up for rehearsal, joking between songs and correcting each other’s parts politely. There is no conductor or lead singer, just a group of women making something from scratch, building off of each other’s talents. 

For the members of The Bloomingtones, an all-treble a cappella group at Indiana University Bloomington, performance is only half of their narrative. In just two years, the group has become a creative space, where members are musically challenged, gain performance opportunities, and a sisterhood that sings together. “I wanted more performance opportunities”, said Julianna Banfe, the co-founder of Bloomingtones. “Being in an all women’s space was very important to me.” 

Founded just two years ago on the top of Goodbody Hall, The Bloomingtones were formed to provide more a cappella opportunities for treble-voices students, and at the heart of the project was Julianna Banfe and Ella Fox. Fox explains how the group 

That culture starts at the top. Fox and Banfe, who help lead rehearsals and arrange songs, have seen the group expand in both sound and spirit. Banfe says, “Leading rehearsals, arranging music for us to sing, obviously that stuff is difficult, but it’s also so rewarding because it leads to just a great outcome.” 

Performance to The Bloomingtones is about so much more than product, but about the process. Although they rehearse faithfully and push each other musically, the group appreciates the process and the growth that comes from challenging themselves, trying out new arrangements, and learning to sing with a single voice. That validation is rewarded at performances, where the group’s cohesion and hardwork shine through. Whether they’re singing at a campus showcase or the ICCA’s, audiences see more than just their vocal talent but their teamwork. 

Of course it takes work to achieve their hard work. The ensemble rehearses several times weekly, and members pour out extra hours arranging music, designing the show program, and helping grow the club even further. At a university that is competitive, especially among performance majors, The Bloomingtones offer a welcome community. It is a musical outlet built on community, and is proven by their success.

Ella Fox and Julianna Banfe lead the group in practicing for their upcoming performance. The group brings together a variety of music lovers, all coming together for the love of music.

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Journalism Story, Uncategorized

IUMT Students Behind Scenes Uphold a Reputable Community

By Jada Wolf, Lilly Marion and Chloe Schiller

There is so much more to Indiana University’s Musical Theatre School (IUMTS) than what meets the eye. On the surface, it may seem like a typical school where students major in the performing arts, but what’s truly remarkable is the level of commitment required and the deep sense of community that supports every aspect of the program. The students involved in musical theatre here at IU are not just performers—they take on multiple roles in their daily lives, managing intense rehearsals, classes, and personal obligations all while maintaining the relationships they’ve formed with their peers. It is this sense of community that truly makes the experience at IUMTS special. These students are expected to be so much more than just students—they are artists, collaborators, and individuals working to push the boundaries of their craft.

IU musical theatre students rehearsing for the legally blonde play on April 18th in Ruth N. Halls Theatre

Life as a musical theatre major at IU is demanding and intense. From the late-night rehearsals to the hours of practice, it can be incredibly taxing. Yet, despite the hard work, it is the sense of camaraderie and the support system within the IUMTS program that ensures students are able to thrive. The life of a musical theatre major is very serious, but it is this community behind the scenes that makes it all possible. As Aydia, a 19-year-old sophomore currently cast as Brooke Wyndham in the popular musical Legally Blonde, reflects on balancing her social life, academic commitments, and musical theatre, she emphasizes the importance of having a supportive environment to return to after long and demanding days.
Aydia explains, “It’s definitely hard, but I live with a bunch of non-musical theatre majors, so that makes it easy to come home to a space where I don’t have to talk about theatre. And we get to talk about all the other drama in our lives. So it’s definitely nice, and I think our program does a great job of letting us be a part of other things in our lives.”

This balance allows Aydia and others like her to experience the full scope of university life, outside of just the musical theatre bubble, creating a sense of relief and normalcy in a high-pressure environment.

Not only did the IU community help Aydia in this way, but it has also played a pivotal role in shaping her into the person she hoped to become. When Aydia first arrived at IU, she was still figuring out who she wanted to be, like many students in their early years of college. The experiences and relationships she’s built with those around her have helped her grow in ways she could have never anticipated. Aydia shares, “I came here immature and ready to party, but having a community that’s not all about that and is always there for you when you’re in your lows and also in your highs, and is ready to back you up at any moment, has been really awesome, and I’ve just learned so much from it.” This sense of unwavering support in both personal and professional matters is something that defines the IUMTS community. It’s a place where students are encouraged to grow, not only as artists but as individuals.

Molly Higgins, a junior actor, explains her journey through the musical theatre school, and what it means to her.

Molly, a junior in IUMTS who plays Margot in Legally Blonde, echoes similar sentiments about the importance of the community in shaping the students involved in the program. “I think specifically within the musical theatre program, a lot of us have a close relationship, so it creates such a positive environment, especially because we spend so much time together rehearsing. It is kind of competitive because we are all auditioning for the same roles in the summer, but the program is super supportive, and we have such close-knit friendships. It really feels like a family. It’s shaped me to consider other people’s feelings and what they’re going through because we’re all tired and have classwork, so we have to be careful of what we’re saying.”

This balance is something unique to the IUMTS program. While musical theatre is inherently competitive, with students auditioning for coveted roles and working hard to perfect their craft, there’s still a deep sense of support among the students. They understand that they are all working toward the same goal, and that goal isn’t just personal success—it’s the success of the entire group.
As you can see, there is so much that goes into every step of these productions—from rehearsals to choreography to prop-making to simply learning to work together. Each member of the IUMTS community plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of the final product. Both Aydia and Molly express how much they love the job they do and how their passion for theatre has been a part of their lives for as long as they can remember. Aydia says, “I’ve been acting forever—honestly, since I was six or seven. I was on a national tour when I was younger, which is how I got my start in musical theatre.” Molly shares, “I’ve been acting since second grade and fell in love with it from then.”

It’s clear that their love for theatre is not just a passing interest—it’s a lifelong commitment. Their dedication to their craft and to the community at IU speaks to the passion and perseverance that are necessary to succeed in the highly competitive world of musical theatre. IUMTS program provides not only a place to hone their craft but a supportive, experienced, and welcoming community that will be there for them every step of the way.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (April 3, 2025)

https://youtu.be/pw2A0u06HvI?si=lH8aSzvTGsibiQqv

 

Journalism Story

A Journey of Perseverance: IU Club Volleyball Aims for the National Championship

 

Media Contacts
Carolyn Saban
Madi Graves
Melanie Lesniakowski

BLOOMINGTON, IND (Apr. 3, 2025)

The Indiana University Women’s Club Volleyball team is gearing up for the event of the season- the National Club Volleyball Federation tournament in Phoenix, Arizona. The team, marked by their hard work and dedication for the season, is preparing to represent Indiana nationally, and the excitement is palpable. In an exclusive interview, we sat down with several team members to get a closer look at their preparation process, the challenges they’ve faced, and what they’re most looking forward to at nationals. 

The IU Women’s Club Volleyball team has been building momentum all season, and their performance has earned them a spot at this year’s national competition. Having been ranked second in their division in a recent National Collegiate Volleyball Federation Poll, the expectations are high and the excitement is electrifying. The team, made up of students from various backgrounds, studies, and grade levels, balances academics and their social lives to pursue their shared passion for volleyball.

“We’re really excited to go to nationals for the tournament, especially since we didn’t get to go last year,” said senior Katie Kirkendol. “We’re excited to show out and we’ve had a really good season so far so it’s going to be exciting to continue that and just, of course, working hard and trying to come together at practice.”

Katie posing for the camera
Sixth-year senior and team captain Katie Kirkendol brings invaluable experience to the court as the only player with prior Nationals experience. Returning this semester to compete in Phoenix, she provides leadership and insight to help guide her team on the national stage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kirkendol, who has been playing club volleyball for four years, spoke about how special this particular tournament is for her as a graduating senior. “This one will be a lot more bittersweet and probably really sad compared to my other nationals trips,” Kirkendol shared. “I’ve been playing club volleyball now for four years, and also just volleyball in general. I’ll never be done with volleyball, but I’ll be done being a player so I think it’ll be really bittersweet and sad, but I’m excited to go out with this group of girls.”

To make it to nationals, the IU Women’s Club Volleyball team had to earn their spot through competing in regional tournaments and maintaining a high level of focus throughout the season. Their training regimen is intense and requires commitment, discipline, and perseverance from all team members. 

Amelia posing for picture
Sophomore Indiana Club Volleyball Captain Amelia Weier leads by example, balancing the demands of managing her team while refining her skills. She emphasizes the importance of communication, teamwork, and perseverance in fostering a strong and cohesive team.

“While just this team from this semester is going to nationals, I feel like we’ve been preparing all year, using the previous tournaments and practices from the entire year.” said sophomore Amelia Weier. “I’d say that a time where our team’s resilience was tested was in our first tournament this semester at Purdue University, where we faced some teams that we had played in previous semesters. [We] really had to rise to the challenge to beat them and increase our rank for nationals.”

The pressures surrounding a national tournament can be overwhelming, and while winning the tournament would be the goal, we spoke to Weier about what success would mean for her. “I think that as a team we really like to be successful by winning and going far in the tournament, but success for myself would just include knowing that I played really well and feeling good about the performance that we put out.”

Much of the team’s success can be attributed to their close relationships and camaraderie with one another. “I’d say I work really hard to collaborate with the other members of the team.” Weier continued. “We work together often times to decide drills and kind of alter them as we go throughout practice. I’m able to still improve my own skills while also collaborating with the other members of the team and helping to improve all of us.”

As the IU Women’s Club Volleyball team prepares to head to nationals, the excitement is building, and so is their confidence. With hard work, dedication, and a deep sense of team camaraderie, the team is prepared to leave it all on the court. For these athletes, the national tournament is not just a chance to compete- it’s an opportunity to showcase their growth and resilience, and most importantly, their shared love for the game of volleyball. 

The Indiana University Women’s Club Volleyball team competes at the national tournament on the weekend of April 17th-19th in Phoenix, Arizona. We look forward to seeing them represent IU and show off their hard work. 

Indiana University’s Womens Club Volleyball members Amelia Weier and Katie Kirkendol discuss how their team is getting ready for Nationals.

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Journalism Story

From a Joke to a Jam: IU student band shares their journey

By Riley Benak, Luca Ferraioli and Camilla Fiorenza

BLOOMINGTON, IND. (Apr. 3, 2025) – Indiana University Sophomore Ethan Kerschner has been working hard outside of his management major, being lead singer in the student-run band, “In Bloom”.

Every Wednesday night at 7 p.m., the hum of music and laughter spills out of a Bloomington home. It’s not just another college hangout—it’s band practice for In Bloom, a rising student group blending friendship, creative passion, and raw talent into original songs that are turning heads both on campus and beyond.

At the heart of In Bloom is Ethan Kerschner

Lead singer Ethan Kerschner on main vocals. Seen practicing their original songs, as well as covers. Photos captured by Riley Benak

, the band’s lead singer and a management major at Indiana University. Ethan leads weekly jam sessions with guitarist Frankie Petroff and drummer Sullivan Watson, weaving together new tracks in the warmth of Frankie’s kitchen.

Frankie with his iconic electric guitar. Being lead guitarist results in many hours around the kitchen table learning new cord patterns and sounds. Photos captured by Riley Benak

“We’ll sit around the table, sometimes with no real plan, and just bounce ideas back and forth,” Ethan says. “It’s super collaborative. Someone will hum a melody or pull inspiration from a song we all love, and suddenly we’re onto something.”

This spontaneous yet intentional approach shows their creative process. The band’s chemistry, both musical and personal, is what makes their sound so unique. Frankie brings in slick electric guitar riffs that complement Ethan’s vocals, while Sullivan keeps everything grounded with tight, dynamic percussion.

The trio has been practicing consistently for months, refining both original songs and covers. Their hard work paid off when they were selected to be featured in Live From Bloomington, an annual campus fundraiser and music showcase where student bands submit their original work for a chance to be included on a compilation CD. The chosen tracks are professionally produced and released at a launch party each October, with proceeds going toward local causes.

“It’s a really cool way to get your music out there while supporting something bigger than yourself,” Ethan explains.

In preparation, In Bloom will head into the renowned Jacobs School of Music recording studios this April to lay down tracks. The experience marks a new chapter for the band, taking their homemade sound to a professional level.

With roughly 800 plays on their SoundCloud page (@InBloom), the group is slowly building a loyal following. Their music reflects a blend of indie rock, alternative, and a dash of retro influence, but it’s hard to box them into a single genre.

“We’re just figuring it out as we go,” says Frankie. “Every song is kind of its own thing.”

Outside of the band, each member juggles full course loads, jobs, and social lives. But their shared love of music is the glue that holds it all together.

Sullivan on drums. Keeping the band on beat, in tempo, and balanced this drummer is well versed in percussion. Photos captured by Riley Benak

Sullivan, who studies psychology, credits their success not just to practice, but to the bond they’ve built as friends. “There’s a level of trust and openness that you need to be creative together,” he says. “No one’s afraid to throw out a weird idea, and that’s what makes the best stuff happen.”

For an outside perspective, we spoke with Ella, also an Indian University student and Frankie’s girlfriend. She’s seen the band evolve over time and has become one of their biggest supporters.

“They’re always pushing each other to be better, and you can tell they care a lot about what they’re making,” she says. “It’s fun to watch them work together—and honestly, some of their songs are stuck in my head all the time.”

That kind of impact is exactly what In Bloom is hoping for. More than anything, the band wants to create music that connects.

“We’re not trying to be famous or anything,” Ethan says, laughing. “We just want to make stuff that means something to people. If someone hears our song and it makes their day a little better, that’s enough.”

As the October launch party approaches and studio time looms, In Bloom is stepping into a new phase. But no matter how far they go, their foundation remains simple: friends, music, and the kind of creative spark that lights up kitchens on quiet Wednesday nights.

You can catch their music on SoundCloud at @InBloom, and stay tuned for their debut on the Live From Bloomington CD this fall.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjDLAvcLnHY