Travis McMillen

Background

About Travis McMillen

Whether personally or professionally, I've been doing something video-related since I was 13 years old. It all started with a small on-camera role in a college film project when I was 12 that inspired me to get my own video camera and make my own movies. In December of 1992, I made my first movie called "The Chase." After that, I went on a three year run making my own mini-movies, including two "Chase" sequels, as well as a two stop-motion projects. I 'transitioned' into television after meeting Paul Pepper and James Mouser in March 1993. Paul and James were hosts and producers of a local, daily variety show called "Pepper and Friends," which was produced at the local NBC affiliate in Columbia, Missouri. My relationship with them, the show and KOMU quickly grew- September 1993: first appearance on "Pepper and Friends"- June 1995: summer internship - June 1996: hired part time; duties included camera, teleprompter - December 1998: took over as main audio operator on "Pepper and Friends"- January 2001: took over as director of the morning news program,"KOMU News Today"- April 2001: hired full time - August 2008: left KOMU to work at RJI The Reynolds Journalism Institute is at the Missouri School of Journalism. I'm in charge of studio operations, as well as overseeing the production of - and directing - a number of weekly shows.