Today we’d like to introduce you to Bill Wisneski.
Bill, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up, I was always interested in photography and shooting video, but for some reason never considered it as a career possibility. After graduating from Cal Poly SLO with a Speech Communications degree, I was unsure of what to do for work, so I went to graduate school, hoping that would clarify what career path I should pursue. It didn’t, but everything changed when a chance opportunity arose to get an entry-level position at a small TV station in Southern Oregon. I was selected only after the two preferred candidates turned down the minimum wage job, so I took advantage of every opportunity that presented itself at the station. I quickly worked my way up into more advanced positions, and after a few months, it became clear that video production was my passion.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The first couple of years were rough, as I worked many unfulfilling part-time jobs trying to get more experience. But I am very lucky that I got a full-time job at Palomar early in my career, which provided both stability and many growth opportunities. I really can’t complain. My path has been much easier than many of my friends who work in our industry.
We’d love to hear more about Palomar College.
Palomar College is known for having one of the best educational television studios of its kind in the country. I’m the director and producer who leads our team in the creation of instructional videos for professors, commercials for the college, and social and environmental documentaries. I love that I get to work on so many diverse topics which allows me to constantly learn something new.
I’m most proud of the positive impact the documentaries we have produced have had locally and across the country. From human trafficking to how climate change is affecting California’s water supply, we’ve been able to shed light on stories that need to be told. Our films have been broadcast nationally on PBS and have screened at many film festivals across the country. Over the 18 years, I’ve worked at Palomar, I’ve been so fortunate to have won 21 Pacific Southwest Emmy Awards, which is a direct result of the quality of the projects I get to work on.
I work with very talented and dedicated individuals who make my job much easier! And we’ve always received support from the faculty, staff, and administration at the college which is greatly appreciated. Most importantly, my wife and two girls are my rocks that keep me grounded.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I played a lot of sports and I loved to bike all over town. I’ve always been both shy and outgoing, depending on the situation I was in. My interest in cooking started very young, as did my love for camping and the outdoors. I’ve directed many environmental documentaries which I think can be traced back to exploring National Parks with my parents when I was a kid. Traversing our beautiful country in that brown station wagon definitely left a lasting impression.
Contact Info:
- Address: Palomar College Television
1140 W. Mission Rd.
San Marcos, CA 92069 - Website: http://www.palomar.edu/pctv/
- Email: bwisneski@palomar.edu
- Instagram: palomarcollegetv
- Facebook: @PalomarCollegeTV
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