Lights, Camera, Excellence: Over the last 4 years, WBTV has prepared Anisa Olivieri for a future in the film industry.

Read Time:3 Minute, 44 Second

FOCUS BEHIND THE LENS: Anisa Olivieri reviews footage during an after-school campus shoot to see how she can improve a scene. She has dedicated many hours to her craft, honing her skills to bring stories to life through her lens. Photo by Laura Umbelino

By: Laura Umbelino and Jewel Jones

Senior Anisa Olivieri started video editing in middle school, posting fan edits of the Korean pop group BTS on Instagram, which gained a large following with millions of views. That success made her realize her potential in the film industry. Her passion flourished when she joined the West Broward Television Production (WBTV) program, where she developed her personal editing style in a flexible environment that encouraged creativity and self-expression.

Olivieri has led numerous projects and earned a multitude of awards on the district, state and national levels in her time with WBTV. Through the WBTV program, Olivieri’s artistic talent has flourished. Her work spans cinematography, photography and theater. It is defined by a mystique and nostalgic aesthetic and characterized by vintage dreamy colors and vibrant lighting. Her style of storytelling captures the world through a unique and thoughtful lens.

“She does many things well, but I think she sees the world differently. She is very good at observing different traits in people and solving problems that the world has, which she brings out in her films,” stated WBTV advisor Vidal Rivera.

Over time, Olivieri evolved from an eager underclassman into a mentor. She now helps guide younger students, seeing reflections of herself in their ambitions. Through her leadership, Olivieri has made a lasting impression on the program, motivating others to strive for excellence.

“Anisa provides such a welcoming and judgment-free environment where I feel like I can ask her anything. Her positive attitude with us younger TV students has given me the confidence to believe in myself and my talent,” said sophomore TV-2 student Naysa Cabrera.

Rivera describes Olivieri as quiet and observant, yet deeply thoughtful and expressive through her films. Above all, he believes her willingness to guide and inspire others is more valuable than any of the numerous awards she has won.

“She has grown in her confidence and ability to push boundaries over the years. She thinks about things very well, and then she does not go around yelling them out, but she will make a movie. She leads from the front,” said Rivera.

TEACHING THE FUTURE: Anisa Olivieri offers a hands-on lesson in camera work to Sophomore Naysa Cabrera during an after-school shoot. This mentorship has prepared Cabrera to flourish in her future in WBTV. Photo by Laura Umbelino

Olivieri’s notable works and achievements include standout pieces that have earned her national recognition. She has directed a competition film at the All-American High School Film Festival with the short film “What Happened to Us?” in New York, and she won the prestigious Teen Indie Award (Tindie Award), among other achievements. She is also responsible for pictures and promotional trailers of West Broward Drama productions, as well as capturing the football season. Her music video “String Theory,” created during a difficult time in her life, became one of her most meaningful works, pushing her limits and opening the door to more opportunities.

“What made the music video special was that I was facing so many personal challenges at the time that made me doubt I could finish it. I pushed myself to edit it, and it ended up opening so many doors and paid off in ways I never expected,” Olivieri said.

Olivieri hopes to continue using film as a form of creative expression and healing. She dreams of one day owning her own production company and working in the film and television industry, continuing to use this artistic medium as an outlet for her emotions.

“I would love to own my own production company, and I would also love to work in the film and television industry. I need that in my life as an outlet and form of therapy. I think getting to create on a bigger scale is something that I would love to accomplish,” stated Olivieri.