February 2002 — Applications
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Osborne High's Mass Media Digital Transformation
"One of the best aspects of ScreenPlay is that each unit holds 12 separate storyboard [projects], and each one can be individually password protected," says Page-Quail. "Even the shots in the clips bin can be locked. This means that no other student can change, move, or delete those protected storyboards or clips. This was one of our biggest issues with other systems. For undertakings as complicated and massive as the annual video yearbook and the footage-intensive Miss Souvenirian Beauty Pageant, this is the difference between life and death. It's a lot easier to motivate students to take on the responsibility of producing big projects like these if they know their shots and storyboards are inviolable," she says.
Increased School Spirit
Another benefit the new equipment has brought to Osborne is increased involvement with school events. "We have no lack of volunteers to go shoot pep rallies, school plays, or other classes holding mock-ups or presentations," says Page-Quail. "Teachers and administrators know that all they have to do is tell us about something, and the cameras are there."
This enthusiasm has not gone unnoticed. "I really enjoy seeing the mass media students at the events," says Principal Davidson. "They contribute to the atmosphere and school spirit. It's important to have a program like this not only to provide recording services, but also to give students valuable hands-on skills and experience that translate directly to industry. They're learning things like project management, how to meet deadlines and work ethic," he says.
Page-Quail reports that students like the equipment so much, she has a hard time getting rid of them, even after they graduate. Students return all the time to schedule sessions with the ScreenPlays to cut sample reels and edit college entrance portfolio tapes, she says.
Edit time is coveted not only by alumni and enrolled students, but by other faculty members as well. "We are training our coaches on ScreenPlay," says Page-Quail. "They've asked for permission to use the machines to marry practice and game footage with graphics. They want to be able to project the footage with scrolling stats and scores at team meetings."
Although all is going well, Osborne's mass media department has no intentions of resting on its laurels or relaxing. The excitement of going digital and nonlinear has fed, rather than quenched the fire. "The self-esteem and confidence of the students has skyrocketed in comparison to this time last year," says Page-Quail. "One of my biggest problems is discouraging mass media students from coming in to edit morning, noon and night, bringing their friends in to see what they're working on; bringing their friends in to sign up for the class. Mass media has become a very popular place, a real beehive. But I have to say that they are always working," she says.
Contact Information
Applied Magic
Carlsbad, CA
760-931-6417
www.applied-magic.com
