
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.

Teaching To The Test Pattern: Round Table 4
Adam, Josh, and Tom talk about what's going on in their programs including Adams new VHS of the week, Josh's content creation addiction, and Tom's Hat Of The Week.

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.

The Biggest Production Of My Life Part 5 The Devil Is In The Details
The ideal situation would have the streams available for people to view as easily as possible. The problem became how. In the past, the organization set up two YouTube channels and broadcast to those so the fear became that in order to do six streams we would have to create and manage six different channels… that was not going to be fun and certainly not something I was interested in doing.

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.

YouTube Podcasts: Making It Easier to Showcase Student Work
YouTube Podcasts can benefit both podcasters and listeners. In this short post, Josh highlights the convenience of having podcasts available on YouTube, especially for educators who are already using the platform for other content.

The Biggest Production Of My Life Part 4 Grinding the gear!
The ideal situation would have the streams available for people to view as easily as possible. The problem became how. In the past, the organization set up two YouTube channels and broadcast to those so the fear became that in order to do six streams we would have to create and manage six different channels… that was not going to be fun and certainly not something I was interested in doing.

Teaching To The Test Pattern: 116 Jessica Roberts Arlington HS Arlintgon, TN
Tom talks with Jessica Roberts from Arlington High School in Arlington, Tennessee about the AHS Tigerlife program. They discuss the program’s Recent success with the Tennessee High School Press Association, Arlington’s recent bilingual basketball broadcast and more.

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.

Teaching To The Test Pattern: Roundtable #2
Adam, Josh, and Tom talk about what’s going on in their lives including Josh learning to use the Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Extreme, Adam’s VHS collection, and Tom’s hat.

Teaching To The Test Pattern: Tim Loreman Central High School - Phenix City, Alabama
This episode of Teaching To The Test Pattern gives you an introduction to Tim Loreman from Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama. Tim and his students production over 100 live productions each year including massive football productions. Tim shares how he keeps the quality up and what it takes to get his students involved.

The Biggest Production Of My Life Part 3
The ideal situation would have the streams available for people to view as easily as possible. The problem became how. In the past, the organization set up two YouTube channels and broadcast to those so the fear became that in order to do six streams we would have to create and manage six different channels… that was not going to be fun and certainly not something I was interested in doing.

Embracing AI in the Video Classroom… But Not Too Much
Artificial intelligence is making things that were once impossible, now accessible to all. Josh Dempsey gives us some ways that we can embrace the future in our video and film classrooms.

the Biggest production of my live (part 2)
A part of my job that I rarely talk about but I really love is the opportunity to give tours of our facility. Students, community members, alumni, and more all come into our space to see what we have going on. A quick look at the newsroom then the “ooh”s and “ahhs of the control room and the mezmerization (yeah, I just made up a word!) of the studio - specifically the application of chromakey and virtual sets. I love showing off what we do but recently something that was said set me back.

The biggest production of my career (part 1)
6 computers running OBS… 14 ElGato Cam Like 4k capture devices … hundreds of feet of HDMI cables… 30 microphones…. 6 audio mixers… hundreds of feet of xlr cables…. 20+ iMac computers… 3 rolls of gaffe tape… a ton of sweat.. No blood (that I know of)... no tears (that I know of)… a couple of expletives… all to produce over 125 hours of live content over two days… by far, the biggest live stream event of my life!