In last months School Profile, we showed you two videos by neighboring high schools in Shoreline, Washington in an informal lipdub competition.  Both of these videos "hit the YouTube charts" with record numbers. This month we introduce you to Shorecrest High School, the creators of the Hey Ya lipdub and the "how it was made" video. Click on the screen at right to play.

SVN: Tell us about your background and how you decided to start teaching TV/Video production?
TM: I have a B.A in Video Communications and I worked six years in industry primarily editing and shooting sports video.

SVN:  How did you obtain initial funding for your program? How do you fund the class now?
TM: The class is funded through Washington State Career and Technical Education monies.

SVN:  Did you have equipment available?
TM: When I started teaching we had five Canon GL cameras.

SVN:  How many kids are in the TV/Video Production classes?  How is it broken down?  Is it a multi-year program?
TM: I teach Video 1, Video 2, and Live Video Production. Each class has 29 students. This year there are four sections. The Live Video Class broadcast sporting events, music events, and drama productions live to the local Channel 26.

SVN:  Can you tell us a little more about the sessions:  How long are the classes? How many students? What types of projects?
TM: Classes are block periods (almost two hours). We create the school news program, short movies, commercials, and documentaries.

SVN:  How many kids to do the morning news broadcast?  Do you also do a weekly broadcast? Special events coverage?
TM: Our SCNN broadcast is weekly, but yes we cover special events as needed such as Homecoming or Registration.

SVN:  What jobs do the kids do?  Do the kids rotate through on-air talent and crew positions or are they “hired” for a specific task?
TM: Yes, kids rotate through positions such as Director, Technical Director, Audio Technician, Floor Director, and Camera Operator etc.

SVN:  Do students audition for on-air positions?
TM: Yes.

SVN: Do they write the content? 
TM: Students write content for the weekly news show. It’s 90% students directed. Stafff members will request commercials or bits, but students write and create the material.

SVN:  How long does the show run? 
TM: SCNN runs 6-8 minutes every Friday. Live Video Broadcasts run two hours.

SVN:  Do you submit programming to independent contest such as those sponsored by StudicaSkills and SchoolTube TV?

SVN:  Can your broadcast be viewed outside the school? District-wide?  Local cable access?  On your school/district web-site?
TM: SCNN is available on our school website. The Live Video Broadcasts are available on Channel 26.

SVN:  Do you have an equipment list you can share with our readers?
TM: Canon GL Cameras, Final Cut Pro, and basic mics for the Video 1 and 2 classes.
We have professional camera, audio, and TD equipement for the Live Video Class.

SVN:  Have any quick start tips!
TM: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Experiment with new methods of story telling. Have fun!

 Next month, we take you across town to Shorewood High School.