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Welcome back to Video Viewfinder. We hope you’ve had a wonderful summer. Maybe you attended a conference or an inservice session. Perhaps you had a chance to read some of the new Sunshine Books. Maybe the summer brought new ideas about how to integrate your media program into the curriculum. Whatever occupied your time during the summer break, we hope you’ve returned to school well rested, invigorated, and ready for another exciting school year.

What was it like when you returned to your school’s TV studio this year? Did you unlock your modern production facility, flip on the light switch and power-on the equipment? Sure, those of us who work in newer schools might have had that experience. But the majority of media specialists, especially those who work in older schools, had to take the equipment out of the closet, pull up a couple of library tables, gather several multi-socket power strips, and once again rebuild their studios from the ground-up.

We’ve had the opportunity to visit dozens of schools over the past few years, and more often than not, school TV production studios reflect the latter description of the room or closet that at some point was designated for television production. And we are constantly inspired by the quality programs produced by students and educators in these modest facilities. Unfortunately, convenience, access, professional atmosphere, and safety are often sacrificed when any old open space is used as a television production facility.

Such was the case at Choctawhatchee High School in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. The large high school underwent a renovation in 1992. A new cafeteria was built, and the old cafeteria was converted into a modern media center. A 450 square foot room was designated for TV production.

Make that an empty room. According to media specialist Mary Jane Ross, "We were using two library tables (for the equipment), and all the wires were hanging on the ground. And to top it off, everything piggybacked into one electrical outlet. Every single thing."

Something had to be done to make the studio safer and more professional. Mary Jane gave the assignment to a small group of her TV Production students. Within a few days, they presented their ideas and sketches to her.

Kris Handsel, who is now a college student, was a senior that year. "We wanted easy access to the wires through the back panel, so we wouldn’t have to take TVs off the shelves whenever we wanted to check a cable," said Kris. "We wanted it to be clean and ergonomic. We wanted to be able to reach everything."

Kris Handsel, now a college student, helped to design the project during his senior year at Choctawhatchee High School

The cable "pass-thru" was an important concept in the planning and construction phase.

After several planning sessions with a local cabinetmaker, Mary Jane and her students settled on a final cabinet design. The production cabinet houses all of the audio and video equipment and monitors. Several students can sit at technical positions.

As the photos indicate, the effect is profound. According to Kris, "Since its cleaner, everything goes smoother. It’s a better atmosphere without the wires hanging all over the place. There’s enough room for everyone who is working on the show."

Multi-level shelving maximizes the space.

Media specialist Mary Jane Ross (left) enjoys working with students in the renovated studio.

The price tag was hefty – almost four thousand dollars. But the school sees it as an investment in the media program, and student safety. In fact, school safety funds were used to finance the project.

The improvements didn’t stop with the professional cabinetry. School district electricians re-wired the TV Production room and added additional electrical outlets. School maintenance workers helped clear the clutter by stringing the microphone cables above the ceiling tiles. Students have painted backdrops and a professional-looking anchor desk was added last year.

Parent volunteers helped students build a professional anchor-desk, and school district electricians and maintenance workers streamlined the wiring.

Is your TV Production facility organized, professional, and most importantly, safe? Maybe it’s time to "get off the table" and talk with your principal about purchasing or designing some furniture for your TV studio.