From talk shows to public service announcements, students in Jeri Arnold's advanced video production class keep busy.
Students in the class have produced videos of military veterans, talent show competitors and public service announcements.
"I think it's a way to showcase talents that may not have otherwise been seen by the student body," Arnold said.
For senior Andrew McFain, 18, it is a good chance to get practical experience, and do something he loves for class credit.
"I do video editing on my own. It's something I enjoy, so a chance to do it while I'm at school is good," McFain said.
Collinsville High School offers a two-year video production program. The first year is geared toward personal use. The second year focuses on techniques used in commercial projects. The 21 students in that class also make up Tomahawk Studios, which produces a number of projects for the school and school district.
On Tuesday, they were filming for the final segment of the Collinsville's Got Talent program. The two finalists were taped for broadcast on Friday. Students voted on the winner, who will represent the school in the Fox Theater Teen Talent Showcase, which starts Saturday, April 9.
Junior Jose Rivas, 18, was setting up one of two cameras used in taping, and operated one for part of the performances.
"When I first took the intro class, I knew nothing about it," he said. "I used to be in web and graphic design, but I actually dropped that class so I could take this one."
Rivas said he enjoys the freedom of the class.
"I like that I can come up with my own scripts, and visualize what I want do to with the film," he said.
At the other camera, senior Caitlin Singleton, 18, agreed.
"I like that you have the freedom to make your own stuff. All your other classes, everyone tells you what to do and how to do it. In this one we basically do what we want," she said.
Other projects include recording oral histories of local World War II veterans for a project run by the Illinois World War II Memorial Board. The videos, which are for the Illinois World War II Classroom Project, are available online at wwii.ltc.k12.il.us.
Videos the class shot for school and district public service announcements will begin showing during Friday study halls on March 25. The class also produces the "Kahok Talk" talk show, done about six times per year and also shown during study hall.
Arnold said they were looking into other venues for student video projects for next year.
The students are also sponsoring the Fourth Annual CHS Film Festival.
"Any student at Collinsville High School can make a film for the festival," Arnold said.
Those attending will be able to vote for the "People's Choice" award.
"Rather than winning an Oscar they win an Arnold," Arnold said.
Contact reporter Scott Cousins at 618-344-0264, ext. 113
