# F.I.R.S.T. Institute

> 20+ Years of Launching Creative Careers Classes Enrolling Now! Request More Info multiple Programs. Endless Opportunities. Our faculty has fine-tuned multiple unique and engaging programs in both on-campus and online

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## Pages

- [John Eberts - Director of Career Services](https://www.first.edu/john-eberts-director-career-services/)
- [Paije Mahoney - Director of Admissions](https://www.first.edu/paije-mahoney-director-of-admissions/)
- [Bernice Mendiola - Director of Financial Aid](https://www.first.edu/bernice-mendiola-director-of-financial-aid/)
- [Client Portal](https://www.first.edu/clients/)
- [Client Portal](https://www.first.edu/clients/)
- [Client Portal](https://www.first.edu/clients-2/)
- [Client Portal](https://www.first.edu/clients-2/)
- [Client Portal](https://www.first.edu/clients-3/)
- [Logan Robertson - Program Director Digital Photography](https://www.first.edu/logan-robertson-program-director-digital-photography/)
- [Admissions New](https://www.first.edu/admissions-new/)
- [Tim Owens - Program Director Digital Photography](https://www.first.edu/tim-owens-program-director-digital-photography/)
- [Josh Graham - Director Filmmaking & Video Production](https://www.first.edu/josh-graham-director-film-and-video/)
- [Alan Forbes - Director of Operations](https://www.first.edu/alan-forbes-director-of-operations/)
- [Tony Mardini - Director of Academic Affairs](https://www.first.edu/tony-mardini-director-of-academic-affairs/)
- [Alfonso Alvarez - Director of Administration](https://www.first.edu/alfonso-alvarez-director-administration/)
- [Emmanuel François - Director of Human Resources](https://www.first.edu/emmanuel-francois-director-of-human-resources/)
- [Hector Pacheco - Director of Campus Affairs](https://www.first.edu/hector-pacheco-director-of-campus-affairs/)
- [Lia Pirkola - Design & Web Director](https://www.first.edu/lia-pirkola-director-graphic-design/)
- [Ketsia Gustave - Creative Director](https://www.first.edu/ketsia-gustave-director-of-recording-arts/)
- [Donney Smith - School Director](https://www.first.edu/donney-smith-school-director/)
- [Leadership Team](https://www.first.edu/about/faculty/leadership-team/)
- [Application Thank You Page](https://www.first.edu/application-thank-you-page/)
- [Contact Us](https://www.first.edu/contact-us/)
- [Parent Resources](https://www.first.edu/parent-resources/)
- [Campus](https://www.first.edu/student-life/campus/)
- [Graduate Stories](https://www.first.edu/student-life/graduate-stories/)
- [Computer Requirements](https://www.first.edu/computer-requirements/)
- [Employment Verification Form](https://www.first.edu/employment-verification-form/)
- [Placement Assistance Waiver](https://www.first.edu/placement-assistance-waiver/)
- [Why F.I.R.S.T. Institute](https://www.first.edu/student-life/why-f-i-r-s-t-institute/)
- [Digital Photography Faculty](https://www.first.edu/about/faculty/photography-faculty/)
- [Digital Photography On Campus Program - First.edu](https://www.first.edu/programs/florida-photography-school/)
- [Digital Photography IDL Online Program - First.edu](https://www.first.edu/programs/online-photography-school/)
- [Digital Photography Program - Main](https://www.first.edu/programs/digital-photography-school/)
- [Digital Photography Career Paths](https://www.first.edu/your-career/photography-career-paths/)
- [Graphic Design & Web Development Program - Main](https://www.first.edu/programs/graphic-design-school/)
- [Digital Filmmaking & Video Production Program - Main](https://www.first.edu/programs/film-school/)
- [Recording Arts Program - Main](https://www.first.edu/programs/audio-engineering-music-production-school/)
- [Security & Safety](https://www.first.edu/about/security-safety/)
- [Creatives Coming Together](https://www.first.edu/creatives-coming-together/)
- [Apply](https://www.first.edu/apply/)
- [Calendar](https://www.first.edu/calendar/)
- [Employment Opportunities](https://www.first.edu/employment-opportunities/)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.first.edu/privacy-policy/)
- [Alumni Information](https://www.first.edu/first-institute-alumni-information/)
- [Film & Video Faculty](https://www.first.edu/about/faculty/film-video-faculty/)
- [Web & Graphic Design Faculty](https://www.first.edu/about/faculty/web-graphic-design-faculty/)
- [Recording Arts & Show Production Faculty](https://www.first.edu/about/faculty/audio-engineering-faculty/)
- [FAQs](https://www.first.edu/about/faqs/)
- [About](https://www.first.edu/about/)
- [Faculty](https://www.first.edu/about/faculty/)
- [Licensing and Accreditation](https://www.first.edu/about/licensing-and-accreditation/)
- [Downloads](https://www.first.edu/about/downloads/)
- [Career Paths](https://www.first.edu/your-career/)
- [Career Paths: Recording Arts & Show Production](https://www.first.edu/your-career/audio-engineer-careers/)
- [Central Florida Life](https://www.first.edu/student-life/central-florida-life/)
- [Recording Arts IDL](https://www.first.edu/programs/online-audio-engineering-school/)
- [Film & Video Production IDL](https://www.first.edu/programs/online-film-school/)
- [Web & Graphic Design IDL](https://www.first.edu/programs/online-graphic-design-school/)
- [Career Paths: Film & Video Production](https://www.first.edu/your-career/film-and-video-production-career-paths/)
- [Student Housing](https://www.first.edu/student-life/student-housing/)
- [Career Paths: Graphic Design](https://www.first.edu/your-career/graphic-design-career-paths/)
- [Career Paths: Web Development](https://www.first.edu/your-career/web-development-career-paths/)
- [Admissions](https://www.first.edu/admissions/)
- [Student Life Main](https://www.first.edu/student-life/)
- [Career Services](https://www.first.edu/your-career/career-services/)
- [Film & Video Production Campus](https://www.first.edu/programs/florida-film-school/)
- [Graphic Design & Web Development Campus](https://www.first.edu/programs/florida-graphic-design-school/)
- [Our Story](https://www.first.edu/about/our-story/)
- [Programs](https://www.first.edu/programs/)
- [Recording Arts & Show Production On Campus Program - First.edu](https://www.first.edu/programs/florida-audio-engineering-school/)
- [Home](https://www.first.edu/)
- [Blog](https://www.first.edu/blog/)

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## Posts

- [Teaching the Art and Business of Photography: Meet F.I.R.S.T. Institute Instructor Anthony Rodriguez Monge](https://www.first.edu/blog/faculty-stories/anthony-rodriguez-monge-art-business-of-photography/)
- [From Industry to Classroom: Domonic Crane’s Journey in Digital Filmmaking at F.I.R.S.T. Institute](https://www.first.edu/blog/faculty-stories/domonic-crane-industry-to-classroom/)
- [From Self-Taught Musician to Professional DJ: How Recording Arts Graduate Fernanda Mardones Built Her Career](https://www.first.edu/blog/audio-graduate-stories/from-self-taught-to-professional-dj-fernanda-mardones/)
- [Small Class Sizes for Graphic Design Programs](https://www.first.edu/blog/small-class-sizes-for-graphic-design-programs/)
- [Your Film Career Starts at F.I.R.S.T Institute](https://www.first.edu/blog/your-film-career-starts-at-first-institute/)
- [How to Choose Between Different Digital Media Career Tracks](https://www.first.edu/blog/how-to-choose-between-different-digital-media-career-tracks/)
- [Building Your Digital Media Portfolio: Essential Programs](https://www.first.edu/blog/building-your-digital-media-portfolio-essential-programs/)
- [Hands-On Video Production Schools](https://www.first.edu/blog/hands-on-video-production-schools/)
- [Unlocking Success in Digital Media Careers with Job Placement Support](https://www.first.edu/blog/unlocking-success-in-digital-media-careers-with-job-placement-support/)
- [Why F.I.R.S.T. Institute is an Affordable Choice for Digital Media Education](https://www.first.edu/blog/why-f-i-r-s-t-institute-is-an-affordable-choice-for-digital-media-education/)
- [From Small Town Beginnings to Big Dreams: Kelvin Aultman's Success Story with F.I.R.S.T. Institute](https://www.first.edu/blog/film-graduate-stories/from-small-town-beginnings-to-big-dreams-kelvin-aultmans-success-story-with-f-i-r-s-t-institute/)
- [Hannah Hollenback’s Journey in Digital Photography: Faith, Creativity, and Timeless Stories](https://www.first.edu/blog/digital-photography-stories/hannah-hollenbacks-journey-in-digital-photography-faith-creativity-and-timeless-stories/)
- [Admission Criteria and Accreditation at F.I.R.S.T. Institute](https://www.first.edu/blog/admission-criteria-and-accreditation-at-f-i-r-s-t-institute/)
- [Can F.I.R.S.T. Institute Help Me Start a Freelance Career in Digital Media?](https://www.first.edu/blog/can-f-i-r-s-t-institute-help-me-start-a-freelance-career-in-digital-media/)
- [Collaborative Support at F.I.R.S.T. Institute](https://www.first.edu/blog/collaborative-support-at-first-institute/)
- [Practical Study Programs for Creative Fields](https://www.first.edu/blog/practical-study-programs-for-creative-fields/)
- [Short-Term Media Programs vs. Degrees](https://www.first.edu/blog/short-term-media-programs-vs-degrees/)
- [Unlock Your Future with F.I.R.S.T. Institute's Financial Aid Options](https://www.first.edu/blog/unlock-your-future-with-first-institutes-financial-aid-options/)
- [From Dreams to Billboard Hits: The Journey of Jonathan Tempesta, aka Young Jody](https://www.first.edu/blog/audio-graduate-stories/from-dreams-to-billboard-hits-the-journey-of-jonathan-tempesta-aka-young-jody/)
- [How Bella Piety Transformed Her Creative Skills into a Thriving Career](https://www.first.edu/blog/web-graphic-graduate-stories/how-bella-piety-transformed-her-creative-skills-into-a-thriving-career/)
- [Louis Joseph: From Actor to Filmmaker to Visionary Leader](https://www.first.edu/blog/film-graduate-stories/louis-joseph-from-actor-to-filmmaker-to-visionary-leader/)
- [How Heather Hathaway Transformed Her Passion for Photography into a Full-Time Career with F.I.R.S.T. Institute](https://www.first.edu/blog/digital-photography-stories/heather-hathaway-graduate-story-digital-photography/)
- [Donnie Crawford: From F.I.R.S.T. Institute Graduate to NFL Sideline](https://www.first.edu/blog/film-graduate-stories/donnie-crawford-graduate-digital-filmmaking-video-production/)
- [Gino Brown: From Graduate to Nominee for Best Maine Artist](https://www.first.edu/blog/audio-graduate-stories/gino-brown-graduate-story-recording-arts/)
- [Design Business Marketing Tips](https://www.first.edu/blog/graphic-design-industry/graphic-design-business-marketing/)
- [Recording Studio Marketing Strategies](https://www.first.edu/blog/recording-arts-industry/guide-to-promoting-a-recording-studio/)
- [Top 10 Photography Careers](https://www.first.edu/blog/digital-photography/top-10-photography-careers/)
- [F.I.R.S.T. Institute Alumni Release Film: THE JESTER](https://www.first.edu/blog/film-graduate-stories/the-jester/)
- [Inspiring Journey of Motion Graphics Designer Nick Gwizdak F.I.R.S.T. Institute Graduate](https://www.first.edu/blog/web-graphic-graduate-stories/nick-gwizdak-first-institute-graduate/)
- [6 Basic Film Shots & How to Frame Them](https://www.first.edu/blog/film-video-industry/the-6-basic-framing-shots-for-filmmaking/)
- [The Opportunities A Music Production School Can Offer You](https://www.first.edu/blog/recording-arts-industry/the-opportunities-a-music-production-school-can-offer-you/)
- [What Is Audio Engineering?](https://www.first.edu/blog/recording-arts-industry/what-is-audio-engineering/)
- [Is An Audio Production Degree Worth It In 2024?](https://www.first.edu/blog/recording-arts-industry/audio-production-degree/)
- [Jimmy Dempsey's Graduate Story: From Dreams to Drones](https://www.first.edu/blog/film-graduate-stories/f-i-r-s-t-institute-graduate-jimmy-dempsey/)
- [The Ultimate Freelance Graphic Designer Checklist](https://www.first.edu/blog/graphic-design-industry/the-ultimate-freelance-graphic-designer-checklist/)
- [Finding the Best Aperture for Every Shot](https://www.first.edu/blog/digital-photography/finding-the-best-aperture-for-every-shot-a-guide-for-photographers-and-videographers/)
- [The Ultimate Guide To Mixing Beats & Instrumentals](https://www.first.edu/blog/recording-arts-industry/the-ultimate-guide-on-how-industry-engineers-mix-producers-beats-and-instrumentals/)
- [Recording Arts Grad Brian Pickens a.k.a. Yung Ladd Earns Platinum Plaques](https://www.first.edu/blog/audio-graduate-stories/recording-arts-graduate-brian-pickens-yung-ladd-f-i-r-s-t-institute-grad-story/)
- [Career Guide: Making Money as a Freelance Videographer](https://www.first.edu/blog/film-video-industry/how-to-make-money-as-a-freelance-videographer-a-comprehensive-guide/)
- [Front-End vs Back-End Web Developers: Key Differences](https://www.first.edu/blog/web-development-industry/front-end-vs-back-end-developers-unveiling-the-key-differences/)
- [Pro Podcast Editing: Talk Show Tips](https://www.first.edu/blog/recording-arts-industry/the-art-of-podcast-editing-how-to-go-pro-cleaning-up-talk-shows/)
- [How to do a Dolly Zoom With No Dolly or Zoom Lens](https://www.first.edu/blog/film-video-industry/how-to-do-a-dolly-zoom-with-no-dolly-or-zoom-lens/)
- [Sara Bien-Aime: From Film Grad to News Star](https://www.first.edu/blog/film-graduate-stories/film-school-graduate-sara-bien-aimes/)
- [How to Sell Photos on Shutterstock](https://www.first.edu/blog/digital-photography/how-to-sell-photos-on-shutterstock/)
- [How To Create a Portfolio Website to Land Jobs](https://www.first.edu/blog/graphic-design-industry/how-to-make-a-graphic-design-portfolio-website-that-gets-you-work/)
- [9-Week Music Marketing Strategy](https://www.first.edu/blog/recording-arts-industry/9-week-music-marketing-strategy-how-to-promote-your-music/)
- [F.I.R.S.T. Institute Reviews](https://www.first.edu/blog/f-i-r-s-t-institute/2021-f-i-r-s-t-institute-reviews/)
- [2022 F.I.R.S.T. Institute Reviews](https://www.first.edu/blog/f-i-r-s-t-institute/2022-f-i-r-s-t-institute-reviews/)
- [Margreka Guillaume: Creative Director & Freelance Photographer | F.I.R.S.T. Institute Grad Story](https://www.first.edu/blog/digital-photography-stories/margreka-guillaume-graduate-story/)
- [Jonathan Carrillo: Creative Director for the WNBA](https://www.first.edu/blog/web-graphic-graduate-stories/jonathan-carrillo-graphic-design-grad-story-update/)
- [Guide to Becoming a Freelance Video Editor](https://www.first.edu/blog/film-video-industry/how-to-become-a-freelance-video-editor/)
- [How to Become a Creative Freelancer](https://www.first.edu/blog/f-i-r-s-t-institute/how-to-become-a-creative-freelancer/)
- [SR. Web Developer Talia Millery's Graduate Story](https://www.first.edu/blog/web-graphic-graduate-stories/talia-millerys-web-development-career-f-i-r-s-t-institute-grad-story/)
- [Top 10 Job Search Sites For Creative Careers](https://www.first.edu/blog/f-i-r-s-t-institute/top-10-job-search-sites-for-creative-careers/)
- [Audio Engineering School: Degree & Diploma Options](https://www.first.edu/blog/recording-arts-industry/the-degree-and-diploma-options-available-at-audio-engineering-schools/)
- [<strong>What to Look for in a Digital Photography School</strong>](https://www.first.edu/blog/digital-photography/photography-school-checklist/)
- [How F.I.R.S.T. Institute Helped Launch Their Music Production Careers](https://www.first.edu/blog/audio-graduate-stories/how-f-i-r-s-t-institute-helped-launch-their-music-production-careers/)
- [Top 10 Careers in the Audio Industry](https://www.first.edu/blog/recording-arts-industry/top-10-careers-in-the-audio-industry/)
- [Recording &amp; Producing For Yandel, Jowell Y Randy, and More | Luis Lasanta Graduate Story](https://www.first.edu/blog/audio-graduate-stories/luis-lasanta-graduate-story/)
- [Top 10 Careers in the Film & Video Industry](https://www.first.edu/blog/film-video-industry/top-10-careers-in-the-film-video-industry/)
- [Why F.I.R.S.T. Institute in Orlando is Great for Creatives](https://www.first.edu/blog/f-i-r-s-t-institute/why-f-i-r-s-t-institute-in-orlando-fl-is-a-good-school-for-creative-minds/)
- [Tech Start-Ups Creative Producer: Jose Del Toro Grad Story](https://www.first.edu/blog/web-graphic-graduate-stories/creative-producer-for-tech-start-ups-jose-del-toro-graduate-story/)
- [Collaborating with Anderson .Paak, Patti Labelle, Bob James, &amp; More | Keith Phelps Grad Story](https://www.first.edu/blog/audio-graduate-stories/keith-phelps-graduate-story/)
- [Top 10 Careers in Web Development](https://www.first.edu/blog/web-development-industry/top-10-careers-in-web-development/)
- [Studio Manager, Recording Engineer, Producer, | Mateo Gomez Graduate Story](https://www.first.edu/blog/audio-graduate-stories/studio-manager-recording-engineer-producer-and-more-mateo-gomez-graduate-story/)
- [Top 10 Graphic Design Careers](https://www.first.edu/blog/graphic-design-industry/top-10-careers-in-graphic-design-f-i-r-s-t-institute/)
- [<strong>How to Become a Music Producer: A Step-by-Step Guide</strong>](https://www.first.edu/blog/recording-arts-industry/how-to-become-a-music-producer/)
- [Film And Video School Graduate Films Weddings Around The World | Brad Massari](https://www.first.edu/blog/film-graduate-stories/film-and-video-school-graduate-films-weddings-brad-massari/)
- [Film & Video Graduate Creates Career Shooting Music Videos & More | AUP Grad Story](https://www.first.edu/blog/film-graduate-stories/film-video-graduate-creates-career-shooting-music-videos-more-aup-grad-story/)
- [From Recording Arts Student To CMG Recording Artist | 10Percent Grad Story](https://www.first.edu/blog/audio-graduate-stories/from-recording-arts-student-to-cmg-recording-artist-10percent/)
- [What Is Dolby Atmos?](https://www.first.edu/blog/recording-arts-industry/what-is-dolby-atmos/)
- [Audio Engineer For Aerosmith, Billy Joel, Big & Rich, and More | Dakota Hurley Grad Story](https://www.first.edu/blog/audio-graduate-stories/audio-engineer-for-aerosmith-billy-joel-big-rich-and-more-dakota-hurley-grad-story/)
- [Audio Artist at EA Games | Anthony Turi Grad Story](https://www.first.edu/blog/audio-graduate-stories/audio-artist-anthony-turi-grad-story/)
- [Mix and Mastering Multi-Platinum Records, Grammy Nominations, & Award-Winning Films | Chris Jay Faculty Story](https://www.first.edu/blog/f-i-r-s-t-institute/multi-platinum-grammy-nominations-award-winning-films-chris-jay-faculty-story/)
- [Samantha Wertz | Web & Graphic Design Graduate | F.I.R.S.T. Institute](https://www.first.edu/blog/web-graphic-graduate-stories/samantha-wertz-graphic-design-school/)
- [Graduate Stories | Rainer Shuertzmann](https://www.first.edu/blog/digital-photography-stories/graduate-stories-rainer-shuertzmann/)
- [How is Photography Changing in the Era of Social Media?](https://www.first.edu/blog/digital-photography/photography-and-social-media-how-its-changed/)
- [What are the 10 Books All Aspiring Photographers Must Read?](https://www.first.edu/blog/digital-photography/10-best-books-to-learn-photography/)
- [How Do You Make Money with Photography?](https://www.first.edu/blog/digital-photography/how-to-make-money-as-a-photographer/)
- [What Camera Should I Buy?](https://www.first.edu/blog/digital-photography/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-camera/)
- [What Is Noise In Photography?](https://www.first.edu/blog/digital-photography/what-is-noise-in-photography/)
- [What is Shutter Speed, ISO, and Aperture?](https://www.first.edu/blog/digital-photography/what-is-shutter-speed-iso-and-aperture/)
- [F.I.R.S.T. Institute Digital Media Industry Newsletter : 2022 Review](https://www.first.edu/blog/f-i-r-s-t-institute/digital-media-industry-newsletter/)
- [Nando & Christina | Graduate Stories | F.I.R.S.T. Institute](https://www.first.edu/blog/film-graduate-stories/film-and-production-school-graduate-story/)
- [WEB DEVELOPMENT SCHOOL: WHAT IS WEBSITE OPTIMIZATION?](https://www.first.edu/blog/web-development-industry/web-development-school-what-is-website-optimization/)
- [F.I.R.S.T. Institute announces Partnership with 48 Hour Film Project Orlando](https://www.first.edu/blog/f-i-r-s-t-institute/f-i-r-s-t-institute-announces-partnership-with-48-hour-film-project-orlando/)
- [HOW TO CREATE A WEBSITE: 10 STEPS TO STARTING A WORDPRESS SITE](https://www.first.edu/blog/web-development-industry/how-to-create-a-website-10-steps-to-starting-a-wordpress-site/)
- [CHARACTERISTICS OF TOP GRAPHIC DESIGN SCHOOLS](https://www.first.edu/blog/graphic-design-industry/characteristics-of-top-graphic-design-schools/)
- [WEB DEVELOPMENT SCHOOL: WHAT IS RESPONSIVE WEBSITE DESIGN?](https://www.first.edu/blog/web-development-industry/web-development-school-what-is-responsive-website-design/)
- [HOW TO LEARN WEB DEVELOPMENT: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW](https://www.first.edu/blog/web-development-industry/how-to-learn-web-development-what-you-need-to-know/)
- [Inside The F.I.R.S.T. Institute Campus: A Haven For Creativity](https://www.first.edu/blog/f-i-r-s-t-institute/f-i-r-s-t-institute-campus-orlando-fl/)
- [Alron Phillips: Graduate Story | F.I.R.S.T Institute](https://www.first.edu/blog/film-graduate-stories/alron-phillips-graduate-spotlight-f-i-r-s-t-institute/)
- [5 TIPS FOR MARKETING YOURSELF IN GRAPHIC DESIGN](https://www.first.edu/blog/graphic-design-industry/design-industry-tips-5-tips-for-marketing-yourself-in-graphic-design/)
- [TOP GRAPHIC DESIGN SCHOOLS: HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST COLLEGE FOR GRAPHIC DESIGN](https://www.first.edu/blog/graphic-design-industry/graphic-design-tips-how-to-choose-the-best-college-for-graphic-design/)
- [5 Habits of Successful Freelance Artists](https://www.first.edu/blog/graphic-design-industry/5-habits-of-successful-freelance-artists/)
- [Should You Go to Art School? Find Out Here](https://www.first.edu/blog/graphic-design-industry/should-you-go-to-art-school-find-out-here/)
- [How to Make a Living in Graphic Design](https://www.first.edu/blog/graphic-design-industry/how-to-make-a-living-in-graphic-design/)
- [Jason Haase & Alron Phillips: Valedictorian Story | F.I.R.S.T. Institute](https://www.first.edu/blog/film-graduate-stories/jason-haase-alron-phillips-valedictorian-spotlight-f-i-r-s-t-institute/)
- [How to Make a Wedding Video](https://www.first.edu/blog/film-video-industry/how-to-make-a-wedding-video/)
- [Angie Sandoval’s Journey at F.I.R.S.T. Institute: From Aspiring Rockstar to Industry-Ready Professional](https://www.first.edu/blog/audio-graduate-stories/angie-sandoval-student-spotlight-f-i-r-s-t-institute/)
- [WHAT DO YOU LEARN IN GRAPHIC DESIGN SCHOOL? 4 TYPES OF GRAPHIC DESIGN WORTH LEARNING](https://www.first.edu/blog/graphic-design-industry/what-is-graphic-design-4-types-of-graphic-design-worth-learning/)

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