Shelsea Deravil
Shelsea Deravil is a dedicated filmmaker and multimedia specialist currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Film & Media Arts at Johns Hopkins University. With a foundational background in media and communications from Ursinus College, Shelsea has cultivated a career centered on storytelling, editing, and multimedia production. Her work reflects a passion for narrative-driven content, from short films exploring social themes to instructional videos designed for academic audiences.
Over the course of her graduate studies, Shelsea has directed, produced, and edited several acclaimed short films, including FENCES, a recreation of the iconic August Wilson play, SPEC AD, which highlights familial connections through VR gaming, and Mental Fight, which addresses social beauty standards and internal conflict. In addition to her film work, she contributes to the AAP Multimedia branch at Johns Hopkins University, producing instructional videos, and captures live events for the Peabody Conservatory, demonstrating her versatility across media platforms.
Shelsea’s creative journey is grounded in an early love for media and music, which fueled her storytelling instincts and appreciation for narrative expression. Beyond her professional pursuits, she enjoys traveling, nature walks, and culinary arts, embracing life with an attitude of gratitude. Despite challenges such as securing equipment, crew, and cast for projects, Shelsea continues to advance her craft with resilience and dedication, marking her as a rising voice in contemporary filmmaking.
• NYU Film School of the Arts Certifications
• Ursinus College - BA
• Melrose Center for Civic Engagement
• Scholars in Service
• The Grizzly Newspaper
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute all of my success to my faith in God, who has guided and sustained me throughout my journey.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to understand your own capacity and recognize what you need to sustain yourself. Find the practices, values, or support systems that ground you, so you can continue to move forward with resilience and purpose.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is securing consistent work, building a strong professional network, and obtaining funding for projects. At the same time, these challenges present significant opportunities to develop resilience, cultivate meaningful connections, and demonstrate creativity and resourcefulness in bringing projects to life.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values I hold most important in both my work and personal life are kindness, trust, accountability, honesty, and clear, open communication. I strive to embody these principles in every interaction, as they form the foundation for strong relationships and meaningful collaboration.
Locations
The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University
1 East Mount Vernon Place Baltimore, MD 21202, Baltimore, MD 21202
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