Nearing the end of first period, the familiar phrase, “Good morning Wootton Patriots!” is heard throughout the school; students and teachers alike are watching Patriot TV News. Each day Patriot TV News airs a new episode featuring the day’s events, including sports games, club meetings and opportunities to look out for in the school community. While students only see the edited, polished version of the broadcasts, what goes on behind the scenes to make Patriot TV News possible is hard work.
The production of an episode starts at ground zero. In order to relay important information to the community a script is the first step in generating an episode. As part of their weekly jobs TV studio class script writers are tasked with constructing the script and corresponding slideshow, which will eventually be read by the anchors via a teleprompter.
Filming day is when the action begins. Once the crew enters the studio, the two chosen anchors put on sports jackets, attach the microphones to their collars and settle in front of the camera, preparing to film the day’s episode. Meanwhile, a frenzy is occurring behind the camera. Firstly, all equipment is turned on, including the lights and cameras utilized in the filming process. Camera operators are assigned with finding the perfect shot of the anchors, while lighting directors adjust studio lighting accordingly.
Once anchors are settled, audio technicians will test the microphones attached to the sports coats. Audio directors ensure the sound system is running smoothly, then the anchors do a quick run through of the script slideshow. Finally, the team is ready and the announcements are recorded as many times as it takes until they are perfect. “Lastly, the video is edited and shared with [the school] next morning,” junior Urielle Ngako said.
The chaos of the scene is all part of the well-oiled machine that makes Patriot TV News possible, though the efficiency of the crew is partially accredited to the front and back directors who aid in streamlining the process. In the studio, the back room contains all the technical equipment including the audio system, teleprompter operator and camera monitors. The front room is where all the moving parts of the production occur; it houses the cameras, anchors, stage, background graphics, teleprompters and lights.
To ensure the front and back rooms work in harmony, front and back floor directors wear headsets to communicate corrections to their crew. This method of working alongside one another guarantees that “all technical aspects go smoothly,” junior Mona Olson said.
TV studio, like other hands-on classes, serves as an opportunity for students to experience a professional occupation while in the comfort of their high school. In the professional environment the class acts as a creative outlet for students. Since students have creative freedom, they can express their artistic talent and creativity through filming fun introductions, scripting creative lines for anchors, skit comedies and choosing music for announcements. TV studio encourages creativity through its distinct presentation, but outside of announcements “It also fosters creativity during film projects and lets students work to bring their creative visions to life,” Olson said.
Though TV studio is often an under-recognized class, it is responsible for informing the student body. “We’re here to keep students on track with what’s going on in their community,” junior Amal Shaikh said.
