Clean Your Room… Clear Your Mind
Over the last decade, I have visited a lot of video production classrooms and met with hundreds of video production educators. There are some truths that I have realized lately that I felt need to be shared as the expectations of you continue to increase.
The Blackmagic Camera App Should Change Your Classroom
On September 14th, Grant Petty and his Mary Poppins desk gave the IBC 2023 Update. There are two times each year that you can be guaranteed that Blacmagic will announce new products and this year was no different. But this one is different! There were several things announced including new cameras and other tools but this announcement should change the way you teach students how to use cameras.
Getting a Job and Keeping It: The Importance of Measuring Employability Skills
Discover the secret to excelling in the fast-paced world of video and film production! In this article, we explore the indispensable value of employability skills, from punctuality to teamwork, that can make or break your career in this competitive industry.
7 Icebreakers for Getting to Know Your Video/Film Students
This article gives you seven ideas (with directions) for icebreakers to use with your students. There is even a bonus Kahoot! included based on the popular Netflix show “Stranger Things”.
Learning With Your Students
If you want your students to learn, you need to be willing to learn with them. I recently had a chance to attend a video scoreboard camp with my students, and these are the things I took away from that event.
B-Roll: An Educational Approach
B-roll - you hear about it all the time, but what is it? This article will help clarify your understanding of b-roll as well as give you some tips and tricks on how to do it better.
Say My Name: The Importance of Knowing Your Students
In this article Josh relates some personal experiences where having a personal connection with his students made all the difference. He also gives a fun way that you can get to know your students more… beginning on the first day of school, so that you can create a classroom environment “where everybody knows your name”.
Common camera supports used in the film industry
Too often our students are lazy and refuse to do the work to get the best possible shots. Sometimes though… we don’t teach them everything they need to know. This article provides some of the information we might leave out from time-to-time, as related to camera support systems.
Rundown Creator from a Student Perspective
In this article Josh talks with senior producers, Cora and Nicholas, about how Rundown Creator streamlines collaboration, offers user-friendly interfaces, simplifies script assignments, provides consistent templates, and takes the teleprompter anywhere. This is a must-read for high school and college educators seeking to enhance their video and film production courses.
Workflow: Sourcing and Organizing a Daily, Live Morning Show
In this article, Josh explores the various aspects of running a high school broadcasting program, focusing on content sourcing, organization, communication, and asset management. It highlights the use of tools like Rundown Creator, Slack, and Google Forms to streamline the production process and facilitate teamwork. The piece emphasizes the dedication and pride of the students involved, showcasing the importance of fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility within the program.
Copy and Paste Your Way To Great Content
Once again Adobe has irritated me! They always do at NAB. It’s simple… I spend weeks, months or years building a workflow to try to maximize my effectiveness as a content creator and Adobe basically throws that out the door with a new release.
Slack: A Communication Game-Changer
In the ever-evolving landscape of modern communication, there lies a gem that has completely transformed the way a video production teacher manages their program: enter Slack. Far from being just another app, Slack offers the perfect blend of organization, collaboration, and efficiency that has revolutionized the classroom experience. In this article, we delve into how Slack has become an indispensable tool for video production companies and classrooms alike, as well as the innovative features it offers, including seamless integration with popular email platforms like Outlook and Gmail. Join us as we explore the world of Slack and discover how it has taken classroom communication and collaboration to new heights.
LEDE To Succeed Presentation from GSPA
On March 27, 2023, Tom presented at the Georgia Scholastic Press Association’s Spring Conference. This is the audio and slideshow from the presentation.
The Magic of Teaching Live, Multi-cam Production in High School
Elevate your students' education by embracing the challenges and excitement of live, multicam production. This experience equips them with vital life skills, including teamwork, communication, and time management. Moreover, students learn to think quickly, make critical decisions under pressure, and develop problem-solving skills. Employers across various sectors seek candidates with experience in live productions. The hands-on experience in a professional setting creates a sense of accomplishment and teamwork among classmates. As a mentor, embrace the excitement and challenges of live, multicam production, and watch your students flourish into well-rounded, capable individuals.
CTE Is Not A second choice
This article comes from a recent experience where I was completely flabbergasted by the words of a county level administrator. I attended a “stepping up” meeting where an entire community of eighth grade students were presented with the high school options they would have to choose from soon as they registered for their classes.
Adobe Enhance: The Best You You Can Be
Dive into the world of Adobe Enhance and discover the power of pristine audio. With the tools to create engaging and effective content at your fingertips, there's never been a better time to harness the potential of this cutting-edge software.
Custom Sequence Settings in Premiere Pro
In this quick article, Josh walks you through how to create custom sequence settings for exporting your videos as something other than the standard 16x9 video.
7 Ideas for High School Video Projects
This article outlines 7 engaging video production projects for high school students to develop their storytelling, technical, and creative skills. These projects include creating a short film, music video, documentary, mockumentary, adapting literature, producing commercials, and creating news segments. Working in teams allows students to learn communication and collaboration skills, while encouraging them to think critically and analytically about media. These projects provide a fun and rewarding experience for students to showcase their talents and develop valuable skills for the future.
A Superpower in your pocket
A cell phone can be a huge distraction for students, but it can also be an incredible tool. It’s our job as teachers to show them how to use this superpower in their pocket.
4D Filmmaking: Make your audience “feel” your story.
Skull Island: Reign of Kong. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Mixed with 3D visuals, a 4D ride incorporates sensory enhancements like heat blasts, water misters, fog machines, and seat prodders. The intention? Immerse the rider in a visual and visceral experience.
Although it may not seem obvious, filmmaking also has the ability to create the sensory enhancements of the 4D experience with the four major elements of filmmaking: sound design, mise-en-scene, cinematography, and editing.