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Kenny Dodson got the chance of a lifetime this past summer.

The 21-year-old film-video major at Penn State University Park was offered a chance to serve as a production assistant intern during the post-production phase of the new Warner Bros. film, "The Blind Side," starring Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw and Kathy Bates.

"I was so overly excited," the Altoona resident, who currently fluctuates between Penn State's University Park and Altoona campuses until he graduates in May, said of his initial reaction to learning he would be a part of the film's production crew.

"It was one of those things you have to be really proactive about and really pursue it. I just kind of grabbed the opportunity and went with it," he said.

"The Blind Side," a John Lee Hancock-directed film about a well-to-do family who takes in a homeless teenager who goes on to become a star athlete, opens in theaters on Friday.

It all began in the spring of 2009 when the film's main editor, Mark Livolsi, visited Penn State University Park as part of the college's Distinguished Speakers Series. Dodson made sure he was present.

"I knew he was coming so I was on the lookout for him to arrive," Dodson said of the award-winning editor, whose previous works include ""Marley & Me" (2008), "The Devil Wears Prada" (2006) and "Wedding Crashers" (2005).

"I absolutely loved 'Wedding Crashers,' and I thought I should definitely go talk to this guy. I listened to every word he said, and I asked him a bunch of questions in the end. I saw this as a huge opportunity, so I also asked him for his e-mail," Dodson said.

Livolsi obliged.

The editor and student began a correspondence that would last throughout the rest of the semester - and one that would change Dodson's life forever.

"He never actually offered me the job, it was more of me continuing to ask him if there was anything at all I could do," Dodson said.

"He said there was some intern work available as a PA (production assistant) but that I wouldn't get paid. That was OK with me," he added.

Livolsi called Dodson an ambitious worker.

"I think Kenny has an excellent chance of succeeding. He knows how to seize an opportunity, as evidenced by his diligence in approaching me when I visited our alma mater (Penn State) and later asking for a chance to join me on a project," Livolsi stated in an e-mail to the Mirror.

"He knows how to innovate and tends not to be deterred by obstacles. ... He gladly worked long hours basically for free. Against these intimidating odds, he persevered and in the process impressed me greatly,"?Livolsi said.

That June, Dodson was in New York City for two weeks doing the things production assistants do: running errands, processing paperwork and searching the Internet for music, video footage and images that might be used for the film.

"I met up with the editors and assistant editors during the last month of shooting in New York," he said. "They started giving me more responsibilities as I went - like finding out where everything was in New York City - which was overwhelming to say the least."

The film's editing team, as well as Hancock, so admired Dodson's work ethic they invited him along to Los Angeles for two more months of PA work - this time on the Warner Bros. studio lot in Burbank, Calif.

"He's very enthusiastic and very interested in the whole post-production process," Dave Matuseko, assistant editor for "The Blind Side," said in a phone interview from the movie's editorial offices in Burbank. "He's very driven, very responsible and very efficient - and he's a great guy to work with. I think he'll have a great future in the industry."

Dodson didn't get a chance to meet the film's stars, but that's OK. He was "more excited to meet Hancock," whose prior directorial film credits include "The Alamo" (2004), "The Rookie" (2002) and "Spy Game" (2001).

"He's the nicest guy I could've asked for to be the director of the first major movie I've ever worked with," Dodson said. "He was calm and collected. He never once lost his cool or blew a gasket about anything."

Though Dodson's fascination with film started in his early teens making videos for his church youth group, it wasn't until enrolling in Altoona Area High School's broadcasting program that he knew he wanted to make it a career.

"That's what really fueled the fire," he said. "During my senior year, I started coming up with my own skits, filming then editing them. I remember telling my broadcasting teacher, Mr. (Doug) Sipes, 'Thank you for helping me find my career.' That's the very last thing I said to him on my last day of high school."

Sipes, broadcasting coordinator for the Altoona Area School District, remembers Dodson's perseverance.

"He was always very creative, and always willing to go the extra mile to get something done and make it good," Sipes said. "He was really into it - he truly loved what he did."

His thoughts on Dodson's recent achievements came as welcome news.

"I'm just so excited for him, because I know how much that would mean to him, and what a great opportunity that is to break into the field. There's no better feeling as a teacher than to see a student go on to do something they love, and to know that you as a teacher may have inspired them to reach their goals."

Dodson is the son of Tim and Sue Dodson of Altoona. His sister, Amy Turiano, also lives in Altoona.

Mirror Staff Writer Jimmy Mincin is at 946-7460.