The Digital Screening Room

Adam and Cheyenne Fredrick are Anderson University alumni who share a love for movies and film culture. Cheyenne graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations, while Adam graduated in 2014. Together, they enjoy watching a wide range of films, from action and science fiction to documentaries and comedy. Cheyenne especially loves classic romantic comedies, particularly early 2000s rom-coms, while Adam enjoys exploring many different genres and appreciates film in all its forms. I met Cheyenne through work, where we quickly bonded over our shared interest in art and film. Through our conversations about movies and favorite genres, I realized that both she and Adam bring a fun and relatable perspective as viewers who genuinely enjoy watching films together. Their experience as a couple who shares movie nights and different genre preferences makes their perspective especially interesting for conversations about how people choose what to watch. Adam and Cheyenne’s love for film across multiple genres creates a meaningful intersection between personal taste, entertainment, and everyday viewing habits. Their perspective reflects how audiences engage with movies for connection, relaxation, and enjoyment.

Mady Barton is an Anderson University alumna who graduated in 2022 with a degree in Marketing. Passionate about storytelling and media, Mady enjoys exploring a variety of films that range from adventure and historical drama to animated classics. Her favorite movies, National Treasure, Pride and Prejudice, The Lion King, and Cinderella Man, reflect her appreciation for meaningful stories, memorable characters, and films that leave a lasting emotional impact on audiences. Mady brings a thoughtful perspective to conversations about modern film culture, including how platforms like Letterboxd have changed the way people share opinions and engage in discussions about movies. Her interest in Oscar-nominated films and the film industry more broadly allows her to contribute meaningful insight into the differences between major movie production companies and independent filmmakers, as well as how audiences interact with both. Her perspective adds depth to discussions about film appreciation, media trends, and the evolving landscape of the movie industry, making her a valuable guest for The Digital Screening Room.

Madeline Rhodes is an Anderson University alumna who graduated with a degree in Art Education. Passionate about creativity and visual storytelling, Madeline approaches film through an artistic lens, paying close attention to how visuals, themes, and messages shape the way audiences interpret stories. Her background in art and education gives her a thoughtful perspective on how people learn to appreciate media and develop personal taste over time. Madeline is also my sister, and growing up together meant that movies were often a shared experience in our household. Over the years, we noticed how our viewing habits began to shift as streaming platforms and algorithms started recommending content for us. Because of that shared history and her background in the arts, I knew she would bring an honest and relatable perspective to this conversation about how algorithms influence what we decide to watch. Madeline’s experience as an artist and educator provides a meaningful viewpoint on how technology shapes media consumption and creative expression. Her reflections on how algorithms guide our choices — sometimes without us realizing it — help deepen the discussion about audience behavior, personal taste, and the role technology plays in modern film culture, making her a valuable guest for The Digital Screening Room.

Mackenna Massey is a senior at Anderson University majoring in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations. Passionate about film and storytelling, Mackenna is an avid movie lover who enjoys exploring a wide range of genres, including horror, comedy, science fiction, action, and thrillers. She often engages with film not just as entertainment, but as a way to connect with others and share opinions about what makes a movie memorable. I met Mackenna through our shared experiences as communication students at Anderson University, where conversations about movies, media, and storytelling often come up both inside and outside the classroom. Her enthusiasm for film and her openness to discussing different perspectives on movies make her a great voice for conversations about how audiences experience film today. Mackenna’s love for movies and her willingness to engage in discussion about genres, preferences, and viewing habits creates a unique intersection where personal taste, digital culture, and film appreciation come together. Her perspective reflects the way many students interact with movies in today’s media-driven world, making her an ideal guest for The Digital Screening Room.

Hunter Ballard is a senior at Anderson University majoring in Musical Theatre. Passionate about the art of filmmaking and performance, Hunter brings a unique perspective to conversations about storytelling, creativity, and the role of actors in shaping the emotional impact of film. As an actor, he understands the dedication, training, and human expression that go into bringing characters and stories to life on screen. I met Hunter years ago, and over time we realized that we both share a strong interest in movies and film culture. We may come from different creative backgrounds, but that shared appreciation for film made me excited to have him on this podcast, knowing he would be a great voice to contribute to the conversation. Hunter’s passion for performance gives him valuable insight into the ongoing discussion of art versus technology in modern filmmaking. His thoughts on how artificial intelligence is influencing — and in some cases challenging — the film industry provide meaningful feedback on creativity, authenticity, and the future of storytelling, making him a compelling guest for The Digital Screening Room.

Macy McGahey is a student at Anderson University majoring in Photography. When Macy graduates, she plans to work in the animation industry, specifically focusing on stop-motion film. Passionate about visual storytelling, Macy sees film as a powerful way to communicate emotion, creativity, and meaning through carefully crafted images and movement. I met Macy in a photography course where storytelling is the main focus, mirroring the art of film and the intentional choices that go into creating a visual narrative. Through our shared interest in movies and creative media, I have seen how her attention to detail and appreciation for storytelling shapes the way she approaches both photography and film. Macy’s belief that storytelling is at the core of all film creates a meaningful intersection between photography, animation, and cinema. Her desire to continue telling stories through stop-motion animation reflects the creativity and dedication that drives the future of film, making her a thoughtful and inspiring guest for The Digital Screening Room.