The 2nd and 7th hour Video Production classes didn’t have a typical Wednesday. On January 30th, both classes took a field trip to News Channel Five.
What was cool about the trip was that usually, nobody is aloud on the set, no touring or meeting anchors. But not GET or GNN — both classes got to take a look at the main set, all of the equipment used (like microphones and cameras), sound booths, queue booths and all of the editor’s programs that produce and edit the show.
Junior Marcel Negrete thought it was a great experience. “It was a great opportunity, and a fun way to see what goes on behind the scenes.”
GET and GNN also got to see something very special. The classes got to see the live, noon news cast. They sat on the side of the set and watched as anchors Ryan and Dana Dean anchored the news. The classes got to see how Mike Roberts did the weather, and saw how he used the Green Screen and a clicker to move the huge camera to focus on him. Lastly, GET and GNN were able to sit in the back room, where the sound and queue booths were. They got to see how reporters out on the field were notified that they were on air, and how the sound booth fixed mics, and tested anchors on the set to hear how they sounded. There were multiple computers that both employees used to do all of this, and they had to act efficiently and quickly.
If all of that wasn’t enough, the students were able to speak with the Executive Producer of the show, and even Kay Quinn, who is one of the main anchors, and who has worked with Channel Five for almost 25 years. Kids and teachers got to ask questions and get advice like how to get into the field, and how the show works. They learned about the history, how rating periods work, and how important it is to be honest, non-bias, and get the news out before any other station does. These were all characteristics that made News Channel Five number one among news stations in Missouri.
Students ended the day by speaking to the anchor, Ryan Dean, about his experience in the business. Everyone then got to sit on the stand that the anchors set is on, and take a full class picture.
Overall, the field trip was a huge success. “I loved it. Going to an actual news studio made what we are doing for GET and GNN a reality instead of just a class,” said Junior Izzy Greenblatt.
Now, not only is the Clayton High School video studio one of the most advanced and best run productions in the area, but it will also be the only Video Production class that has had a first hand look at a real news set. GNN has your daily announcements at third hour, and GET is shown every other Friday. Keep on watching, CHS.
