Craig Youngren has spent his career doing what great storytellers do 鈥 finding the moments that matter and making sure the world sees them. As Mercy鈥檚 Director of Digital Content, he oversees video production and web content design. Craig brings over two decades of film, education and production experience to every video that captures campus life, student stories and the spirit that makes Mercy what it is. An award-winning editor and producer whose work spans commercials, narrative film and institutional storytelling, Craig is the person behind the lens, telling Mercy鈥檚 story.
For Craig, the best part of the job isn鈥檛 the finished product 鈥 it鈥檚 what happens while you鈥檙e making it. Watching someone shape their story in real time, finding the right audio or image to give it weight, building something collaborative.
His instinct for storytelling started with a love of movies, and he never looked back. His expertise is clear in the caliber of work he does for Mercy 鈥 from social media spotlights to creative campaigns and more.
In this Q&A, he shares what pulled him from cinema studies into production, what people don鈥檛 realize about making videos look effortless and the philosophical concept he could talk about for twenty minutes without a single note.
Q&A
What drew you to the field you work in and what led you to work in higher education?
I鈥檝e always liked movies, and I was a capable student, so I decided to study them. During my last semester of graduate cinema studies, I took a production class 鈥渦pstairs鈥 in the film school. It was there that I realized that it is so much more fun to try to make a film, then to just watch one.
What鈥檚 the most rewarding or most challenging part of your role that most people don鈥檛 realize?
Producing videos here at Mercy presents a unique opportunity to consume and impart knowledge. My job is to gather stories鈥擨 really enjoy watching people craft some of their narrative in front of me in real time鈥攁nd amplify the impact of what people say with a mix of sound and image. I strive not only to make fun videos, but to ensure that video-making is fun those those involved. It is a collaborative sport.
What accomplishment are you most proud of in your professional career?
I brought video production into the curriculum at . We built a small studio (the SMEB Center), where a bunch of students made some great art.
What upcoming projects, research or initiatives are you excited about?
It may sound odd, but I鈥檓 looking forward to working on the Strategic Plan. Capturing future dreams of what Mercy and higher ed can be is fascinating. I will get to talk with experts about innovation!
What鈥檚 the most important piece of advice you鈥檇 give to a freshman student about beginning their first day at B次元?
Yes, you will learn a lot from professors, but your fellow students can also be a wealth of profundity. Listen to them too.
If your life was a movie, what would the opening credits song be (or, What song best reflects your personality)?
My dad already picked the best one: the Looney Tunes theme song.
What topic could you give a 20-minute presentation on, with no preparation whatsoever?
Plato鈥檚 Cave. It鈥檚 so insightful, I can鈥檛 forget it.
Looking ahead, whether in your personal life, academics, or career, what are you most looking forward to and why?
Collaborations with really smart people.
What are the key responsibilities of your department?
Gather stories, throw a little color on them, and get them out into the world.
What does a typical day look like for your team?
If I鈥檓 not shooting, I鈥檓 editing. And a few meetings in between.
What鈥檚 one thing you wish more people knew about your department?
Making a video always takes longer than one would think.
Who should faculty, staff or students contact for assistance?
Accounts. They tell me where to go!
What鈥檚 one helpful tip from your area of expertise that you鈥檇 offer to fellow members of the Mercy community to help them thrive or simplify their day-to-day tasks?
鈥淩ecord early, cut late.鈥 Cinematic gold often happens on the fringes of your plan. I find that awareness useful, maybe it can apply to your work?
