Multimedia Freelancer Panel: Building a Career in Independent Storytelling
Schedule
Fri May 29 2026 at 06:00 pm to 08:00 pm
UTC-07:00Location
University of Oregon Portland | Portland, OR
About this Event
What does it really take to build a sustainable career as an independent multimedia storyteller?
Join us for an evening with three Oregon-connected freelance creators working across documentary film, investigative journalism, podcasting and nonfiction writing. This candid panel conversation will explore the realities of freelance life: from finding and pitching stories, to funding your work, to overcoming the challenges of an ever-changing media landscape.
This event is also a chance to connect and network with other creatives, journalists and storytellers in the Portland area.
This event is free and open to the public. Whether you’re a student, emerging creator, working journalist or simply curious about the craft of independent storytelling, you’re welcome here.
Hosted by the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC) in Portland.
MEET THE PANELISTS
is an award-winning film director whose work explores the intersection of identity, place, and human connection. His short documentary Where We Goin?: The Power of Place earned Best Short Documentary and Best Editing at the Los Angeles Film Fest and a Remi Award at WorldFest Houston, with additional selections at Portland Film Festival, Portland Panorama, and the San Francisco Black Film Festival. His films, including the Telly Award-winning What We Lost Along the Way, center intimate, lived experiences that resonate across communities and cultures. Devin has collaborated with organizations such as Under Armor, The Portland Trail Blazers, Albina Vision Trust, Travel Portland, and Oregon Food Bank, and approaches filmmaking as an act of curiosity, listening, and trust.
is a documentary film director, producer, writer and audio producer based in Los Angeles with deep roots in Oregon. She’s directed four feature documentaries and produced work for HBO Max, Magnolia Network, Google, Nike, TIME Magazine, NBC and TED. Her current feature, “Symphony of Silence,” has received support from the Redford Center, Mountainfilm and the North Face. Julianne is a UO School of Journalism graduate (2014) and holds an MFA in creative nonfiction writing from the University of Pittsburgh.
is an author, journalist and podcast host based in Oregon. She’s the author of two books — “Blazing Eye Sees All” and “When the Moon Turns to Blood” — and her journalism has appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times Magazine, Rolling Stone, The Atlantic and High Country News, where she’s a correspondent. She hosts the podcasts “Hush,” “Burn Wild,” “Two Minutes Past Nine,” and the National Magazine Award-nominated “Bundyville.” She recently co-founded The Western Edge, an independent investigative journalism outlet covering the Northwest.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A moderated conversation followed by audience Q&A covering topics such as:
- How each panelist built their freelance career and found their niche
- Pitching stories and securing funding for independent projects
- Overcoming challenges in an ever-changing media landscape
- Balancing creative vision with financial sustainability
- Lessons learned from working across platforms — film, print, audio and digital
- Advice for emerging storytellers looking to go independent
Plus time to network and connect with other creatives and storytellers in the Portland area.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Andrew DeVigal at the UO School of Journalism and Communication.
Where is it happening?
University of Oregon Portland, 2800 Northeast Liberty Street, Portland, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
