Smithsonian Channel

Last week I asked Gina Buchanan, our new Web Content Producer here at Smithsonian Channel, a few questions so we (and you) could find out a little more about the newest member of our team.  Like many members of our staff she has had her share of adventures so read on to find out more.

Gina will be contributing posts to our Aerial America series as well as writing about her experiences shooting videos at and around the Smithsonian Institution .

What’s your name and title at Smithsonian Channel (SC) and how long have you worked here?

“Gina Buchanan - Web Content Producer. I’m brand new to the SC crew, I’ve been here about two weeks!”

Give a few sentences about your background…how did you get to SC?

“I’ve spent the past 6 years in the non-profit world. After earning a degree in Broadcast Communications I took the logical route and headed to Hawaii to teach environmental education. After Hawaii I managed to meld my conservation ethic with my love of documentary video and worked with Conservation International developing international documentaries and web-content. While I was living here in DC, I heard that Smithsonian had created a channel. I thought it was something that I would be interested in so I kept an eye out. Once this job was posted I jumped at the opportunity.”

What’s the coolest thing you’ve done in your career or life (something you love telling people about because it’s exciting or it’s something you never thought you’d get to do)?

“Hands down it would be an adventure I call Turtle Rodeo. While volunteering with Marine Research Foundation off the coast of Borneo, I was able to participate in research on green sea turtles. Our job was to tag and record data on the turtles, but we had to catch them first! Basically we would use a little boat to drive up alongside the turtle, dive on them, grab them by their shell and hoist them onto the boat. They move surprisingly fast, so I only managed to catch one. The rest of my attempts ended in face plants, but it was such an adventure and the pictures were hilarious!”

What’s the hardest part of your job?

“Narrowing down the stories. The Smithsonian Institution, is a treasure trove. Between the photos, the stories, the videos, the weird collections- I never knew how much information was here and now I want to share everything I learn.”

If you were stuck on an island and could take three things, what would they be?

“Satellite phone, (is that cheating?) Etch-a-Sketch, and a Guitar. I would finally have time to master the important skills.”

What are some of your hobbies, skills, and interests?

“Travel when the budget and the time allow. Cooking every night, nothing is better than a home cooked meal. Hiking and camping on the weekends. It’s important to sleep under the stars from time to time.”

Your favorite travel destination and why?

“Northern Thailand. The people are beautiful and kind. The food is so delicious and well-balanced. The scenery is breathtaking and peaceful.”

What’s currently on your iPod?

“My latest love Bon Iver, local artist Thao Nguyen, and always a little something from Johnny Cash and Paul Simon.”

Why do you work at SC?

“Storytelling. My great-grandmother lived to be 107 and I always regret that I didn’t capture her stories for my family. So it has become a passion of mine. There is no better place to record and preserve America’s stories than SC.”

Give me a unique fact about yourself.

“Not so much unique but a little know fact is that I can clog. It’s a dance that originated in the Appalachian region where I grew up. It’s been years since I danced…but in a pinch I can put on a show.”

If they made a movie about your life, who would you want to play you?

“Cate Blanchett. Her characters are strong and elegant, and I could use some help in that department.”

Finish the following statement “I really crack up when…”

“My dog gives my boyfriend a high-five when the Chicago Bears score a touchdown. It’s a clever trick they’ve been working on.”