USQ students produce television special

Bachelor of Applied Media graduate Joe Dobson directs Channel Nine special airing on 5 September

USQ Springfield, Bachelor of Applied Media (BAM) students in partnership with Channel Nine Brisbane, have produced a television special to celebrate the first 50 years of television in Queensland.

Fifty Years Behind the Scenes is a one-hour special airing on Channel Nine on 5 September at 1pm.

BAM Lecturer Mr Ashley Jones said five final year students worked on the special throughout 2009 to grain further industry experience.

'I approached Channel Nine with the idea about two years ago, to look at this milestone from the perspective of the people who work behind the scenes,' Mr Jones said.

'The students were actively involved in the production through every stage including producing, directing, camerawork and research.

'They were able to meet some of the great characters of television in Queensland through the ten or so interviews we carried out.'

Mr Jones said the focus of the BAM program was to provide students with the theory and practical knowledge to work in any aspect of television or radio.

'Three of the five students who worked on this project have already found employment and the other two are continuing to develop skills and further education.

'The Director and Producer of the special, former St Edmund’s College students, Joe Dobson and Caleb Alexis are now both working in the industry. Joe is now a producer with WIN TV in Toowoomba and Caleb is with Seven News in Cairns as a cameraman.

'Another student, Claire Campbell has established her own production company to work on documentaries about disability.

'We had tremendous support from USQ colleagues and USQ Toowoomba campus student, Joel Sankey who provided the graphic used in the special. The collaboration was wonderful,' he said.

Mr Jones said Fifty Years Behind the Scenes is a very special television experience because it takes the audience behind the scenes to see how television has been made over the years.

'We found the first cameraman who worked on the first night on the Gold Coast and were able to convince a key staff member to come on camera, something he had avoided for over 40 years,' he said.

'The special also looks at where the industry is going and the future of television.

'We talked with such industry icons like Hugh Cornish, Russ Tyson and the list goes on,' he said.

Mr Jones paid tribute to Channel Nine for their support of the project and giving USQ access to their video resources.

'Television has always been part of my life and doing a special for the 50 year anniversary is a real privilege after working in the industry for more than 30 years myself.

'Television has a bright future, it has changed dramatically over the past 50 years, but there is much to look forward to.

'The talent of our students is evident in the production and the team worked so well together.

'Joe Dobson in particular put in countless hours even after finalising his degree to finish the special.

'They are all very talented and it has been an honour to be part of their journey in this industry.'

Contact Details:
Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0438 309 096