Rising Stars: Meet Frances Sasport

Today we’d like to introduce you to Frances Sasport.

Hi Frances, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I moved to Atlanta in 2017 to pursue a Broadcast Engineering Internship for Adult Swim at Turner. Prior to the internship, I was working as a Sound Technician for Florida State University and Studio Manager/Program Director for the student run radio station, 89.7FM. I started to learn the ins and outs of live production and became extremely passionate about finding a job in that field.

While studying at FSU, my best friend Christine and I had strong aspirations to work for Adult Swim and applied to multiple internships every year we were eligible. In 2017,  as we prepared to go in different directions, she encouraged me to apply to one last round of internships before we graduated. Nine internships and seven job applications later, I received a call and began preparing for my next phase in Atlanta!

During my time at Adult Swim, our engineering team was responsible for maintaining/scheduling all files related to the main live stream on adultswim.com, as well as filling in any necessary positions for daily live productions; i.e., Technical Director, Sound Engineer, Camera Operator or Production Assistant. Our team was small and we wore many hats, but it prompted incredible learning opportunities that helped build new skill sets I still utilize today.  AdultSwim.com offered a variety of live art, music and comedy streams for 7-9 hours Monday through Friday and provided the fertile soil for new ideas.

In November of 2020, as a result of the AT&T/Turner Merger, our entire Streaming Department was dissolved and most of us were unexpectedly let go, myself included. At a time where so many people were turning to Live Streaming for their entertainment, we were told to pack it up and try something else. To be honest, I had a difficult time accepting that fate.

Over the course of the next six months, I took what experience I had and set up a DIY streaming studio in the basement of my boyfriend’s house. Thus, CURIOLAB was born–An Independent Arts and Entertainment Network. We invite musicians and visual artists to come and participate in a variety of live programming and connect with a global audience.

In June of 2021, I started streaming a weekly show called Paint Party Online, where I explore the art of Acrylic Paint Pouring and the viewers have the opportunity to influence each painting by voting in chat polls for color palette, technique, canvas size etc. Atlanta-based guitarist Monochrome Sweatsuit joins us in the studio, providing the audience with live loops and quality commentary. It serves as a good entry point for those interested in painting but aren’t sure where to start or those who may already have interest in paint pouring but want to learn more.

Currently, we host three music and art shows every week from Tuesday-Thursday at 9p ET, and I serve as Technical Director and Sound Engineer for all live programming.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Time management has been one of my biggest challenges since starting CURIOLAB. Creating your own structure for each workday, setting benchmarks and holding yourself accountable; it’s tough work but absolutely necessary in order to actualize your vision.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve been completely fascinated by Acrylic Paint Pouring since 2017. I’ve worked with acrylics on and off since 6th grade but didn’t feel confident in my artistic abilities until I started pouring. Combining fluid mixtures with acrylics and seeing how they react to each other on the canvas can give you the most breathtaking result you may have never expected! I’ve also found it to be a great way to connect with friends, family and even strangers on the internet.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Don’t be afraid to fail or ask questions! Trust the process and be open to critical feedback.

Contact Info:

• Email: talk.curiolab@gmail.com
• Website: curiolab.tv
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiolab_/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDXIwrXcGg3YCZGbayBySrQ
• Other: https://twitch.tv/curiolab

Image Credits
Personal image can be credited to KingChachiii