Many aspiring filmmakers hold childhood ambitions of directing movies. But Enrique Molinares remembers being captivated by something else entirely: The post-film credits.
“As a child, I’d look at the credits and see hundreds of people on a production,” he said. “And I’d wonder to myself, ‘Who organizes all these people?’”
That curiosity led to a lifelong fascination with production—the behind-the-scenes art responsible for bringing hundreds of people, and ultimately entire films, together. Molinares’ father connected him with a Disney grip, opening a life-changing conversation about the industry, filmmaking, and camerawork. By the end, Molinares knew he wanted to pursue media production as a career.
EFSC’s Degree in Interactive Media Production Technology
Molinares discovered Eastern Florida State College’s A.S. Interactive Media Production Technology program, which provided the hands-on experience, professional equipment, and expert instruction he needed to enter the industry.
“You can study film and cinematography, but you don’t really get a good grasp on it until you’re in the studio trying to figure out what works,” said Molinares.
Alongside the engaging classroom structure and studio environment, Molinares credits his teachers, Karla Roberts and the late Jon Skattum, for changing the way he thought about film.
“Jon wasn’t just a teacher, but truly a mentor whose teachings surpassed the classroom. He truly helped shape me into the person I am today,” said Molinares. “Being in the studio and hearing his advice, his wisdom, his history in television and film—it really made me want to go deeper into it.”
Those classes, a combination of theory and application, allowed Molinares to take textbook knowledge and use it practically in EFSC’s WEFS-TV studio and other media-centered environments. In Television Studio Production I and II, Molinares experienced every role in a film crew, helping him solidify his specific niche in the field.
“I got to try all these different jobs. I experienced the floor director, the camera guy, the TriCaster operator, the producer,” he said. “The class was run as close to a real studio as possible, with a small crew of eight students. When I was done, I felt ready—like I could walk right into the industry.”
Hands-on Experience in Media Production
As part of these classes, Molinares worked on his first professional production—a promotional video for a local haunted house. Through the experience of leading the crew, organizing meetings, arranging equipment, and building teams, Molinares found his calling.
“I felt like I found my strong suit in that first production,” he said. “It’s great to make a film and write a script, but how is it going to come to life? I discovered that I’m really into the project management and logistics of production.”
The haunted house promotional was the first of many film projects during Molinares’ time at EFSC. After Molinares discovered his niche, his instructor Karla Roberts, helped connect him with an EFSC alumnus. Jonathan McFadden, who worked in production and talent management, was a perfect match for Molinares’ interest in production logistics.
“That first call I had with Jonathan, we talked for like two hours. We clicked,” said Molinares. “I’ve worked in other studios before, interned in other studios before that internship, and it was just like sweeping floors and taking inventory of gear. But with this one, I got hands-on experience managing productions.”
The internship led to a continued partnership with McFadden, post-graduation.
“It’s been two years and we’re still producing together,” said Molinares. “My teacher Karla Roberts really did an excellent job at pairing me up with him.”
A Career in Media Production
Today, Molinares works at Prodigy Talent Training as a Production Coordinator and Management Professional. While filming documentaries and even acting in corporate shoots, he’s also serving clients like the Orlando Tourism Board, producing promotional footage for businesses in Orlando.
“In my job, I find a production that needs help or wants to be the best that it can be, and I find all the people that have the talent and skill to make this production its full potential,” said Molinares. “I just want to bring all those people together.”
While pursuing his bachelor’s degree in multi-platform journalism and marketing, Molinares dreams of one day becoming a Unit Production Manager—a role that oversees the coordination of schedules, logistics, staffing, and budgets across multiple media departments. He envisions himself one day pursuing a master’s degree in project management and logistics, with an interest in managing logistics for theme parks and concerts.
“My art is the planning,” said Molinares. “I would love to work alongside somebody like Universal and help them build a theme park, and would feel so accomplished if I was able to move a stadium to another city overnight.”
His advice to future students interested in pursuing his path: “Learn every position. A good director knows how to treat talent, knows how to treat crew, knows how to edit, stay on schedule and stay on budget. Learn the rules like a professional and break them like an artist.”
As Molinares looks toward an exciting future filled with careers in media production, he remembers the past—the teachers, classes, opportunities, and skills that helped him get there, one experience at a time.”
“I wouldn’t have gotten those skills,” he said, “if it wasn’t for Eastern Florida.”
