Meet the Knack Factory Interns, Summer 2017 Edition

We are excited to welcome JP Touchette and Krysteana Scribner to our team as part of our Summer internship program. Thank you to all of those who took the time to apply for the position! We are so grateful to have the opportunity to work with these two for the next handful of months.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

JP: I love drumming.

Krysteana: I'm currently a Senior at the University of Southern Maine. With a major in English and a minor in media and communications, it is my hope to tell stories through media production, whether that be through journalistic endeavors or video/audio production.

My favorite food are Pierogies (European dumplings), my favorite place to relax and read is underneath the Casco Bay Bridge at a beautiful park unknown even to most Portlander's and I play several instruments/love to sing. When I'm not biking around Portland with my backpack and camera on me, I can be found studying at the Glickman library, working at Hot Suppa as a Hostess, or sleeping. I love to sleep.

What is something that is popular now that annoys you?

JP: Nearly everything this popular now annoys me. ex: memes, mumble rap, the Kardashians etc.

Krysteana: Fidget spinners. I see them everywhere. Their popularity will rise and fall like any other fad in history. I get annoyed by the people who use them in moments they aren't distracted by their phones or laptops. We live in strange times, for sure.

What’s your favorite way to waste time?

JP: Playing video games.

Krysteana: I love to watch pointless comedy skits of "Rooster Teeth Animated Adventures" while eating endless amounts of pasta. It's just a bunch of short, hilarious podcast segments put to animation, where a bunch of bros talk openly about hilarious experiences they've had in life. The videos can't be more than 3-5 minutes each, but after watching several of them... well, you get the gist.

If you had intro music, what song would it be and why?

JP: In the Light-Led Zeppelin... should be self explanatory.

Krysteana: "Reasons Why" by Nickel Creek. It was a favorite song of mine growing up, and it encompasses how I feel about life in general. So very emotional, so very beautiful.

Who had the biggest impact on the person you are today?

JP: Brian Olson, my school teacher and mentor.

Krysteana: My mother, father and stepmother of course. It was the three of them that shaped me into the decent human being I am today. They all offered me guidance and support in different areas of my life and I couldn't express enough just how thankful I am to have them as a part of my existence. Why are you interested in working in production?

JP: I simply feel good when I produce images and sounds.

Krysteana: There's something calming and relaxing about putting together something you've worked so hard to gather materials for. I could work in InDesign doing layout and edit audio all day. It's also really rewarding to see the final product and show it off to the public. I also love the process of interviewing and gathering the materials needed (such as video and audio content). It allows me to meet a lot of new people, try new things and do what I love all at the same time.

How do you introduce yourself at parties?

JP: With an awkward attempt at a handshake.

Krysteana: With a handshake and a smile. Then, I find a corner to hang out in and people watch.

What draws you to media production?

JP: Emotion.

Krysteana: I like telling stories, regardless of the platform. Whether it be through video, audio or written work, everyone has something important to say and everywhere you look there is a story waiting to be told.

If you could give advice to a younger you, what would it be?

JP: Grow out your hair.

Krysteana: Save all that money you're making working two jobs while in High School! It's not like you have bills to pay anyway. Older Krysteana would appreciate having that extra savings available.

What sorts of things have you worked on in the past?

JP: Short films.

Krysteana: I've done a lot of work in journalism and audio production. I worked at a photography studio for a year, was the Editor-in-chief of the USM Free Press paper for three years, had an internship at the Bangor Daily News and also worked at the Journal Tribune in Biddeford for a year.

What is your favorite movie?

JP: I don't have any specific favorite but the Tree of Life changed everything for me.

Krysteana: I'm a fan of the film Good Will Hunting with Robin Williams and Matt Damon. Basically, any movie with Robin Williams as a lead role is probably one that I'd like. I'm also a big fan of any horror films, but they have to be done well.

What have you been listening to lately?

JP: Cream, Captain Beefheart, Howlin' Wolf, Fela Kuti.

Krysteana: Bon Iver's song, CRΣΣKS. There's just something about it that is melancholic and meaningful.

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?

JP: Give all the money away.

Krysteana: I would definitely pay off some of my college debt, but not all of it. Just enough to feel comfortable with the impending doom that I'll have to start paying them soon. I'd also give some to my family, as a way to say thank you for raising me and putting up with me for 18+ years. Then I'd probably buy a plane ticket (or several) and travel the world. Also, food. So much food.

Truth or Dare?

JP: Dare.

Krysteana: Truth. I'm more likely to embarrass myself trying to perform a dare than I would answering someone's question, regardless of how personal or strange they may be.

What’s your favorite season and why?

JP: Spring because it's relieving after the mud season.

Krysteana: Early Fall, when the weather's still warm enough to wear summer attire during the day, but the evening chill requires a sweater. It's the best season for campfires and enjoying nature.

If you had to change your name, what would your new name be?

JP: Hank. I don't know why. I just thought of that. I like that name.

Krysteana: I've always had a deep love for old fashioned names, such as Dorothy or Clara or Joyce. If I had to chose a different name, it would probably be Claudia, pronounced in a posh way like, “clow-dee-ah.” I find the name to be beautiful and elegant.

What is the silliest fear you have?

JP: Deep water. It's terrifying. It's just one of those phobias I have.

Krysteana: Like many people who fear the unknown, I'm afraid of the dark. Granted, this fear permeates even the safest of spaces I reside in. So, if I wake up in the middle of the night and stare off into the direction of, let's say, the closet, I may very well feel the adrenaline of flight mode telling me there could be something hiding in the darkness that threatens my safety, when clearly it's never the case in a home where I check for locked doors several times before falling asleep.