My name is Katy Coakley and I am currently a senior at Dominican University in River Forest, IL. majoring in Digital Journalism with a minor in film studies.  During my university years, I have gained skills in the fields of filmmaking, photography, and journalism.  I have made several documentaries on subjects that interest me such as private plane usage, Lake Geneva, and directors. I have also written articles for my school’s newspaper, The Dominican Star. My love for photography developed during my junior year as I took photos in fields that piqued my interest.

When I am not working, there are plenty of hobbies I enjoy doing, but my ultimate favorite has to be going to the movies.  I often go to the movies with my family, but there will be times when I go by myself.  The movies distract me from reality and take me to worlds I have never been to.  I don’t know how my life would be if I didn’t have movies.

Some of my favorite film genres include action, comedy, independent, and war.  My filmmaking influences include Quentin Tarantino, Wes Anderson, Alexander Payne, Martin Scorsese, James Cameron, Christopher Nolan, Tim Burton, Todd Phillips, Kathryn Bigelow, Alfred Hitchcock and Steven Spielberg.