Students get starring roles at Channel 7

Second year Bachelor of Applied Media (BAM) students at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Springfield campus are gaining valuable hands-on experience at the Channel 7 Studios in Brisbane.

Each Wednesday students have been undertaking their Television Studio course in the main studio of the television network, where they are being tutored by experienced Channel 7 producers, directors, camera operators and sound and lighting technicians.

'This sort of exposure to actual working television professionals in a classroom environment is virtually unheard of in any other media degree throughout Australia,' Program Co-ordinator, Dr Daryl Sparkes said.

'We have Channel 7 producers, directors and other professionals who are responsible for television programs such as the 7 Nightly News, Today Tonight, Gladiators, and The Great South East actually teaching our students how to produce a television program in a studio environment.'

Students have been taught all facets of making a television program, from directing on-screen talent to producing live on-air news updates with Channel 7 newsreaders Kay McGrath and Rod Young.

'I think they were a bit in awe of the whole process at first, but now they've been with the Channel 7 people for four weeks they've begun to realise that it's a lot of hard work behind the glitz and glamour of television,' Dr Sparkes added.

After completing the studio training the students will be going on location for four weeks with Channel 7 crews to help produce segments for The Great South East and Creek to Coast.

The Bachelor of Applied Media provides students with specialist skills in digital television production, digital audio production and broadcast radio.

Students develop and produce significant levels of television and radio content for community broadcast, giving them practical, hands on experience and developed skills in script writing, broadcast production, research, interviewing, documentary production and production management.

Visit the USQ Springfield website to find out more about studying the Bachelor of Applied Media.

Media Contact: Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0428 102 979