Yeah, We Tease Him A Lot Cause We've Got Him On The Spot...

Oh hey,

So were almost there.  With a week to go before the school year starts I thought i'd check in with some updates and try and get you guys as pumped up as I am to start the new year.  There are a lot of new things on the horizon I don't quite know where to start.

I guess I'll start with what I'm sure will be the biggest change this year, and that's the move to block scheduling.  We've prepared, and planned, and modified, and worked our lessons to fit the schedule and I believe you're not going to skip a beat.  Plus when the time comes to work on projects, 80 minutes is a dream.  I know you will all utilize that time to the fullest.  It doesn't mean things will be less hectic, maybe more so.  But we'll make it work.  Heck if I had two-hour long classes, we'd probably still be pressed for time.  So don't curb back on that creativity.  Lets push ourselves and make the best projects we can make.  There is one small hiccup in that however...

So with addition of a new computer lab for me (yay!) it means we updated our software suite.  While this sounds like the end of the world, its only a matter of comfort.  I have been using Final Cut Pro for over a decade, and honestly, was nervous to change gears.  The fact of the matter is that I was only hesitant because I was moving outside my comfort zone.  For those that had a handle on FCP last year and prior, you're going to transition.  It may be rough at first (things will be different) and it may take longer for some, but trust me you're going to get it.  Just come in with an open mind on day one.  That's all I ask.  I'll take you the rest of the way.  For those that are new to the journey of TV Production, you picked a hellagood time to jump in.  So block scheduling, and a new software....why that's going to put a strain on....

Our morning show.  It's going to change.  Drastically.  And we have to do a little more catching up factoring in we need to learn new software.  Years prior we had a 5 minute show, and more often than not, we had to trim back a little bit.  Once Mr. Sherman and I started adding in sports segments, we had to trim back more.  Then Mrs. Harak added weekly segments.  Bam. Trim some more.  This year we are moving to a 13 minute daily show.  This is big.  Honestly you may be hard pressed to find a high school that does a 13 minute show once a week, let alone daily.  It's going to be fun and challenging, and we are going to come out swinging.   This is not simply making segments longer (although that will happen).  This is about creating original content on a weekly basis and doing so in a professional way.  We're talking anchors wearing dress clothes, real world and local news.  Featurettes, and features in the school and community.  Dedicated sports and weather segments.  Original programing, and short stories.  Contests and more.  It's going to be a blast but we need you to help make it a reality.  

For my Television Production classes the new software is just the beginning.  TV 2 is entering it's second year and there are a ton of revamps that are going into effect to help make it a much more involved class.  We are going to focus on media literacy, as well as industry related technical information.  The way I'm trying to look at it is,  if I need to know how to do something or what something does, then you should too.  Whether thats the difference between f/stops and t/stops, or what 3:2 pulldown is, I'm going to try and tackle it.  We are also going to finally move into the world of manual camera settings.  So in addition to having a top notch story, well framed shots and camera movement, we are going to look at how to properly set aperture settings, shutter speed, and ISO.  TV 1 is going to have a stronger emphasis on the basics of shot composition and framing, to better prepare them for the the rigors of TV2.  

Then we have Global...oh Global...are you ready?  This is going to be a big year, and I couldn't be more excited for it. Of course we are going to keep with the tradition of meeting weekly, to discuss upcoming events and have fun times and good laughs.  This year there are a couple of things I wanted to do as side projects, just to allow for a little more creative freedom than in the past.  Simple things like maybe a monthly shooting challenge, or creating new openings for the morning show.  I know we'll get recruited for a lot stuff this year, and I know we won't disappoint with anything we do together.  The one upgrade I want to make this year is with sports, and to be blunt it is me asking for your help.  With the schedule change it will allow more time in the Global class to put together sports segments.  We may just need to shoot them.  I'll explain more in our first meeting, but this will have a two pronged effect, and thats because of our new endeavor we're going to tackle this year.  I have to leave some surprises so you'll just have to wait to find out next week.   

The times Mrs. Harak, Mr. Sherman and I have sat down this summer have been positive.  There seems to be a general sense of excitement, anticipation, and fun.  Seriously the energy has been great, and it's refreshing to work with such great people who care so much.  We are looking forward to a great year.  I hope you are too.

Lets do this thaanng,
Mr. Leonard