Two digital videos were produced this summer by a studio seminar class in the RWC “e Media Tech” Program. The videos run approximately 11 minutes each and are intended to introduce incoming students to the Department’s course policies. The production was supervised by Michael Sanders, and the studio team included Bob Ishee, Andrea Rahtz, Paul Brown, Erissa Mac Karon, Lea Thompson, Inger Williams and Scott Williams, who all shared equally in the creative effort.
I actually had an opportunity to watch them put the sound effects on the “Welcome to the Theatre” video, as I was conducting an interview with Mike Sanders. I must admit the excitement of the video production was contagious.
Mr. Sanders explained to me the narrative subtext of the videos, which can best be described as a witty parody of the genre.
The first video is called “Welcome to the Theatre” and is a simulation of a movie trailer. It uses film clips from famous action movies, and the staccato editing style works well with the author’s intent. Bob Ishee and Andrea Rahtz wrote this video.
The second video was a “send up” of the 1950’s instructional films, many of which Mr. Sanders owns in his archival film collection. Some of the scenes for this video were actually shot in the Media Program’s studio. Inger Williams and Scott Williams wrote this “instructional film version.” In both videos, the students were allowed to work together as a team, developing the script from conception to realization.
Andrea Rahtz said she liked the synergy of working in a small group and that the experience was heightened by the creative “give and take” among the members. Bob Ishee explained that he was honing his skills for a corporate role, either in producing videos for training or in developing multi-media formats.
The flyer announcing the availability of these new videos explains that any “e Media Tech faculty interested in using this short video to introduce the standardized departmental course policies to their classes are welcome to pick up a copy of the program from the Media Services Center Administration Office (Muntz 217).” I hope they serve popcorn!