LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS AND SENIORS TEST SKILLS IN

DETROIT PUBLIC TV’S STUDENT PRODUCER PROJECT

        Are Michigan’s young media makers ready for the real world of television production?  Twelve talented junior and senior high school students from throughout Southeast Michigan are getting the opportunity to test the skills they’ve learned in school by participating in Detroit Public TV’s Student Producer Project. The unique video production class at WTVS Channel 56’s facilities in Detroit’s New Center Area began October 6 and runs through December 5.  The goal of the class is to educate students in media within a professional environment by assigning them to produce a one-hour newsmagazine program.  Pre-registered students are working as a team with a coordinator and the technical and production staff of Detroit Public TV. Detroit Public TV is providing production equipment, including a Mini DV camera and computer with Final Cut Pro editing software for student use.

        “By working in a real-life television environment, these talented students will experience the same challenges and rewards that professionals encounter, gaining insight into careers in the media industry,” said Jeff Forster, Detroit Public TV vice president of production.

        Charles Mercado is serving as coordinator of the Student Producer Project. Funding is provided in part by the Radio and Television News Directors Foundation, the local chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS), and members of Detroit Public Television. The Student Producer Project is presented as part of Detroit Public TV’s vision to educate, entertain and inspire in partnership with its community.