Film student enjoys action-packed internship in Italy

(Editor’s note: This is the 14th in a series of stories about students in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications completing summer internships.)

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Years ago, Kelly Cappuccio heard about communities in Italy that had a deep film-making culture, like factory towns devoted to producing movies. She dreamt of visiting Italy and, this summer, she made it — but not before finding her own film community in Happy Valley.

The senior film production major spent her summer interning with VIPinItaly, a travel company that offers tours in and around Rome. Cappuccio spent her days visiting sites taking photographs, videos and chronicling the trips for the company’s social media accounts and website.

“My coworker Danielle and I were a team doing videography and photography everywhere,” she said. “We made reels and did interviews with people. There was so much going on. We got tons of content.”

Despite having a life-long interest in movies, Cappuccio’s foray into filmmaking started relatively recently, she said. As a senior in high school, the Horsham, Pennsylvania native took a cinema class, which set the stage for her path to the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State.

“I really liked the way we broke down the films,” Cappuccio said about her high school cinema class. “And then all roads lead to Penn State … My brother went to Penn State, and when I saw there was a film production major, I said, ‘OK, I’m going to do that.’”

‘Action!’

There was a defining moment in Cappuccio’s young career, she said, when her confidence soared and her dream of working in film got brighter.

“It was the first time I said, ‘Action,’” she said. “It was for my short film. I saw the script coming to life before me and it was amazing to me. I just fell in love it with it.”

Cappuccio said she credits the tight-knit film community at the Bellisario College for helping her get to that moment. The collaborative environment and the diverse interests among her classmates have helped Cappuccio build on her passion and create lasting friendships.

“Going through the classes, you get to try so many different avenues,” she said. “And you meet people who do production or postproduction or directing — and you all work together and help each other on projects and everything.”

During her junior year, Cappuccio made a concerted effort to get involved in as many projects as possible. Topping her wish list is acting — and she has had roles in a few short films — but creating a resume chock-full of experiences in front of the camera, behind the camera and everything that goes along with moving-making were also high priorities, she said.

She began as a production assistant on a short film titled “The Wayward,” where she handled behind-the-scenes photography. That led to her first acting role in a student thesis project, which ultimately got her roles in the films, “The Girl in Frame” and “Listen for My Voice.” In the meantime, Cappuccio has gained experience working as a part-time production assistant on different professional projects while taking classes.

“On one of the sets, I was stacking and reshaping piles of hay or hiding cords with leaves down a long trail in the middle of the woods,” she said. “I had so much fun. Sometimes it was a 12-hour day. It made me realize how much I love being on set.”

In addition to making connections, learning skills and building a resume, Cappuccio said she enjoys contributing to the Bellisario College’s film community. She has worked on a “ton of student films” in many different facets, including her own, a film she wrote and directed for her COMM 338: Intermediate Narrative Production course.

When it came time to find a summer internship, Cappuccio said, she had her heart set on Italy. She had never been there, so it was naturally on the bucket list, and she was also drawn to its rich history of filmmaking, as well as a family connection.

VIPs in Italy

Cappuccio’s grandfather was born in Italy. For her last summer as a Penn State student, she said, she wanted to combine her passion for film with a desire to connect with her family’s heritage. She found that opportunity with IES Abroad, an organization that offers study abroad programs and internships.

Despite language barriers — her supervisor spoke little English, she said — Cappuccio adapted by relying on her own resourcefulness and working closely with colleagues who could translate. She and fellow intern Danielle Velasquez documented a variety of tours, from iconic sites like St. Peter’s Basilica and the Olympic Stadium to lesser-known gems such as Castel Sant’Angelo.

“There was never a dull moment when we worked together,” said Velasquez, a student at the University of Iowa. “It was fun to get to intern with someone like Kelly, who was so creative and enthusiastic.”

Beyond the responsibilities of the internship, Cappuccio immersed herself in Italian culture, embracing the slower pace of life and the value placed on social interaction. She traveled extensively on weekends, visiting Florence, Malta, Barcelona and Prague.

Best yet, Cappuccio met some of her extended family in Italy. They enjoyed dinner together, and she got to hear stories about her great grandparents. She said she hopes to return to Italy — maybe for a future film project — and definitely to connect with family again.

“Kelly is one of a kind, and truly a gift to work with,” Velasquez said. “What sets her apart is not just her skill, but her dedication and creative vision, which I believe will drive her far in her career.”

Now in her senior year, Cappuccio said she wants to act as much as possible. She said she still feels new at the craft, and knows there will be plenty of opportunities available in the Bellisario College’s film community. She isn’t sure where it will take her, she added, but after touring the ins and outs of Italy all summer, she’s not afraid of a little exploration.

“I've tried a bit of directing, writing and acting.” she said. “I just want to keep trying different avenues. I am really psyched to be a part of all these different pieces.”