During one summer day I was sitting on my front porch swing with my mom. I was telling her that I was really nervous for my up coming project for the Grey Hounds. It was then when I realized how much work this would be. Not to mention I never done anything like this before. I really I know idea how this whole thing was going to turn out. And I was scared of how I would ever get it done.
Never would have thought that my project would be the best thing I ever did at College. Looking back to that summer day it almost seems silly that I even doubted my self. What I learned from this whole experience is I’m more capable of many things then I ever realized. And it’s just incredible what can be accomplished when you put your heart into your work, which is what I did.
I grow a lot through out the season in my video work. When you compare my first Hounds Roundup to my last, it’s hard to even recognize the two. I started to figure out what I needed, what works the best, and how to make it good. Even the Hounds fans were taken notice in the improvement through comments left on my blog.
As the season went on I never expected the impact the Hounds Roundup had on the community. By seasons end everyone knew of me and the show. I think my project will have an ever lasting affect on the Wilmington community. The fact that so many came to my Capstone presentation says so much.
Having the crowd hanging onto every word I spoke until the last, the standing ovation began. That’s when I knew I gave the perfect Capstone presentation. Over 60 people came to see me speak and I didn’t disappoint a single one. In that moment, listening to the cheers and claps, that’s when I knew that I was meant to be Broadcaster. This is what I learned through out the journey. Since the day I changed majors, I was never sure if this was for me, but now I have my answer. I’ll take my bow, close the curtains, and this performance is over. Thank you to everyone for coming.
This week we were ask to deconstruct one of our fellow students Capstone presentation. So far I have been able to attend everyone’s accept for one. Now I am not just saying this because they are my peers. But I truly believe everyone has done a fantastic job and I have been very impressed. Their was one persons who’s presentation stands out the most. This was Shayna Marti.
Her project was a documentary on the habitat for humanity. A documentary is different from doing a package. It gives you time to tell the full story and instead of two minutes trying to sum it up. Most documentary run anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes long, so one has a lot of video to shoot. For Shayna I believe she almost had close to two hours of video just to fill 15 minutes. So imagine trying to sort through all of that!
Here is what I loved about Shayna’s movie. The way she started it was awesome. The first shot you see is the sun trying to break through the green leaves. As your looking into the sun Shayna is narrating and setting you up for the story. This was a style we saw through out her movie. Setting up each day she had a close up of something. Some of her best shots were the close ups of the bee on the flower, and the sky with the clouds moving.
In broadcasting we all know the basic rules when it comes to shooting. Close, medium, and wide. Shayna took this concept and used it very effectively. Their was a part in the movie where she had a close up of a drill then the next shot was the wide shot of the drill. The whole movie we saw this and that’s what makes good story telling.
In closing I would like to say that Shayna’s documentary was something you would find of PBS. It was everything you would expect a professional to put together. So t you Shayna I tip my hat, great job.
This past Thursday was the senior dinner Dine & Shine. It’s a dinner for the seniors with a speaker who spoke about table manners during a business interview. In my opinion I believe table manners have gone out the window with my generation. Most of us conduct ourselves decently but do not know proper behavior. I like to think that I display good etiquette when I am out in public. But after our dinner I still had some learning to do.
Sitting at a table we should all know by now some of the basic stuff; like covering your mouth when you sneeze, pass food or condiments to the left and so on. But it’s more then just that. When all these little things add up it can make you look really good or really bad. So let’s test your knowledge. When do you place your napkin on your lap? Now think about it. Got it? Well if you said the moment you sit down then you were right. I thought it was when your food comes, guess I was wrong.
One of my biggest pet-peeves, are people who chew with their mouth open! This drives me crazy. At the dinner I was so happy that the speaker brought it up. She talked about how its one of the most impolite, annoying, and disgusting thing someone can do at the dinner table. I have so many friends that chew with their mouth open and foods coming, lips are smacking making an irritating sound. I once stop seeing a girl because at dinner she had this habit. Ok I feel better now that I got that off my chest.
The dinner also included a mini fashion show which feature modals displaying outfits to wear at an interview. One thing I never really understood was the difference between business professional and business casual. For guys what makes it business professional is if it’s a full matching suit. Then business casual may be just a tie or a collard shirt with a sweater. So at the very lest I had that cleared up for me.
By the end of the dinner I really enjoyed myself and find it very helpful. I think the career center did a great good putting the whole thing together. It’s too bad that not more seniors didnt came to the event. At lest for my next interview I may not be the most qualified but I’ll be the best dressed.
This week for Capstone our teacher wanted us to search for a job that we would want to Apply too and write a cover letter for that job. For me, I had a hard time finding a job I really want and settled with Fres-co System USA, Inc. They had a job opening in their Eiditing department.
36, Maple street Ave. Pittsburgh, PA, 15205
November 6, 2008
To whom this may concern
My name is Douglas Kunst and I am writing in concerns about a job opening in your video editing department. I came across Fres-co System USA, Inc by searching on Monster. I will soon be a College graduate from Westminster where I studied Broadcast Communication.
I am interested in the position because I have a strong desire in filming and Editing. Through my years at Westminster College I have extensively worked with Adobe Premiere software. My experiences in this field is vast, and feel that I would hit the ground running working for you. For my College’s TV program I weekly cut Packages, VO’s, SOT’s and so on. I feel that my creativity stands out about the rest.
I know if I were to be employed by Fres-co System that it would be a great investment for both parties. Please feel free ton contact me through Email or by phone. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my letter and thanks for the consideration
This week for our capstone blog our professor asked us to think about a BC class or projected that challenged us the most. I knew from the moment I read the email what that class was for me. It was Titan radio news producing for Broadcast journalism. I never been a good writer or considered myself one. In fact I really don’t like writing. I enjoy creative writing or things like this blog. But when it comes to structure writing I am horrible at it. So this was one aspect I was not looking forward to for Titan radio news. The only nice thing about this style is that it’s short and to the point. No twelve page papers for me.
Producing a news shift the producer is responsible for everything; from gathering the information, conducting phone interviews, writing the stories, and being the talent on the air. I took this class I believe my sophomore year when I was just changing majors so it was all pretty new to me. Taking on this task seemed to me really over whelming. I can honestly say that I dreaded going to my news shift. But just like anything else you learn and get through it
I would get at the radio station almost a full two hours before my shift first new shift. See it takes me forever to write stories, ,mostly because I’m trying to think of what to say and how to say it so I made sure I got their early. Beyond that, I still had to do the news live over the air. That kind of stuff never bothered me but it was how to work the board that I was worried about. At the time I didn’t have much experience in conducting phone interviews and calling people up. Most of the sound that goes on air comes from the people we call for a story. So this was a new concept for me. I remember my first phone call I made was to police Chief Carmen Piccirillo. I talked to the guy for almost four minutes only to realize after the I forgot to hit record. Sometimes it’s just the little things. Needless to say I never made that mistake again.
As the semester went on I got better at all these different skills. It was a major challenge because I was new to some many elements. But like anything else it only takes time and practice to improve and become comfortable. There are so many skills that a broadcaster needs that can be developed from radio news. You learn to perfect your writing. It teaches you how to do gather sound for your news cast. It enhances your social and communication skills through all the interviews and contacts you make. And the list goes on. Now here I am as one the EP’s for Titan Radio. Never would I have seen that one coming but like most surprise you don’t. I can say I sharpen a lot of my skills from producing news. I think the biggest way it helped me and can help most people is the communication skill needed to gather news stories. It forces you to interact with countless people. And the is the bread and butter for any Broadcaster.
Wow me ten years from now coming back for Westminster homecoming. I wonder what that would be like… (Going into the future) Wa Nah Nah Nah! Wa Nah Nah! Wa Nah Nah!
I always enjoyed the ride up to school. Autumn fever has taken over the leaves painting them with so many colors. It’s been so long that I’d seen any of my old class mates. I just can’t wait to see them. More important I can’t wait to see my old buddy Nicky Piszczor. We were EP's for the County Line and radio news.From the Email we were all suppose to meet up in the radio station. Boy do I miss being in that station. To think of all the countless hours I would send in there working on news, TCL meetings, late night projects, and even doing some DJ shifts. I remember having the best time just sitting in there talking and laughing with all my friends. I do miss that. You never realize how much fun you’re having until it’s all over.
The little borough of New Wilmington is packed with people and the town is buzzing like a bee hive. It only took me 15 minutes to find a parking spot but I found one to fit my BMW in. Its 10:15 and the parade will be starting soon. So I made my way to the station in a hurry. I claimed the steps and half way up I spotted Nicky!
Doug: Little foot! How the hell are you?
Nicky: Oh my gosh Doug! Hi!
Doug: Kind of weird being back uh?
Nicky: Yeah just a little, but I’m excited to see everyone.
Doug: Well let’s walk up together
Nicky: Sure Doug (with a smile on her face)
We entered the room and everyone was there! All my old buddies, David Greig, Amanda Conway, Aimee Gerber (who really spells Amy like that?), Christina Roseto, and even TJ Renninger. At first I felt like I was there for a CountyLine meeting, so I said, “alright everyone who is producing this week and what are our lead stories?” everyone laughed.
Amanda: Doug get your ass over here and give me a hug!
Doug: Darling, when you put in like that, I guess I don’t have a choice. (Big hug)
Amanda: Awe Doug. I missed you so much! Did you hear about Dr. B?
Doug: No what?
Amanda: Well…He moved on…
Doug: Oh my God! Is he dead?
Amanda: Oh No! (Haha) He’s back working at Froggy.
Doug: Wow, you scared me there for a second. So what’s new? Are you married?
Amanda: Yes I am! I met this great guy at work.
Doug: That’s great! Where do you work?
Amanda: I’m a reporter for a Station in Ohio. Its small but they have me in prime time.
Doug: Well with a face like yours I can see why…
Everyone in the room was having a good time drinking some punch and snacking on the cookies that were provided. Then I had a tap on my shoulder
Nicky: So was that your BMW I saw pulling in? Boy Doug, you must have done alright for yourself.
Doug: Yeah, you could say that. When you work for the Pittsburgh Steelers they tend to pay you well
Nicky: Wow really? That’s great Doug. I knew you would work for someone big one day. What do you do for them?
Doug: I film and put together their season highlights. So what are you doing now?
Nicky: Well you know me. I’m working for PBS. Well…I’m the president of PBS.
Doug: Holy shit! Really? I’m sure I could have guessed that one.
Nicky: So where is your wife at? Did you get tied down yet?
Doug: Yes I did. She couldn’t make it though. She had to do a photo shoot.
Nicky: You’re married to a model?
Doug: So did she. (HaHa)
I always knew Nicky would do good for herself. She was always one of the hardest workers in our major. I looked at her as the girl who could do anything and for her, I think anything is possible.
Doug: What ever happen to TJ and Thomas?
Nicky: I hear T.J. is still working for WKBN part time and Thomas got a full time job working in the AV Department at the college.
Doug: Some how, I seen that one coming (haha)
Nicky: You ready to head down to the parade with me?
Doug: With you Darling of course, lets go!
The day went on and I had a great time catching up with everyone. We were late for the parade but that’s ok I didn’t really care to see. The Parade was just the same when I did it. The sororities had the nice looking floats and the Frats looked like they did there’s last minute. I stayed for the first half of the Football game. But after that there was not much worth staying for. The Titans were losing 65-10. Maybe one day they will be good. It was a great day seeing everyone. But now its time to go home, and should be a nice ride in my BMW.
This week I would like to talk about one of my fellow BC majors Amanda Conway. Even though I am a 5th year senior I have been with this class sense their freshman year and person who has always impressed me as been Amanda.
What I see in Amanda is her skill and potential to be an amazing Broadcaster. I and Amanda are both EP’s for Titan Radio News and it really gave me a chance to see her in action. This girl is amazing with her writing skills and in my opinion one of the best writers we have in our major. I have to say I envy her writing style and talent to tell the story.
I know Amanda has aspirations of being a TV news reporter. Judging from my experience with WTAE and from my own observation, I feel it would highly benefit her to work on her adlibbing. This is one skill that is very key to any broadcaster and if she can master or even manage it, Amanda would exceed to the next level. One of the reasons I choose to write about Amanda is because of her work ethic. Sometimes I wish I had the drive and work ethic as some of the people I work with and Amanda is just a Machine. Just one look at her schedule would make me want to cry. This is a girl who always has her stories done ahead of time and is constantly putting her foot forward.
The role I think would be great for Amanda would to be a producer, the person who writes all the scripts for the anchors. I mention earlier about her writing skills and I think this could fit her best. But I could be wrong. And because I think Amanda will be successful I will stay in touch with Amanda in hope she could hook me up with some money haha just kidding. Amanda Conway your awesome!
He was not just a good friend but also someone that I looked up to. Chris Norris was a scholar and a gentleman. I remember when I first met Chris I was DJing for Titan Radio and he was in the production room next to me working on the sports minute. He came over to introduce himself and asked if I was new to the major. I told him that I just change majors to Broadcasting. Chris told how great this major is, and he sat there and talked to me. After that I felt so welcome into the major and was impress that he came over to talk to me. And that has stuck with me ever sense.
Chris was also a constant professional when it came to his work. And seeing someone constantly conduct himself in that manor it tends to rub off on the people around you. I know it did for me. Sometimes it’s the little things like how you carry yourself that can make all the difference in how people perceive you. This was one of the reasons why I did look up to Chris even though we are the same age. He was so good at what he did it made me want to work harder on projects just to make them better.
I have to say I miss having Chris. I don’t ever remember that kid ever being in a bad mood but always being happy and smiling. What made Chris different from everyone else was his willing to help out others. I know he saved my butt a hand full of times on projects a bunch. Chris will go off and make a name for him self and leave his make as he did here at Westminster and on me. Thanks Chris
For all your Grey Hounds Football coverage New Wilmington fans turn to one person, Doug Kunst the host of the Hounds Round Up. Broadcasting Major Doug Kunst has spent the entire season Following every game and snap. Now it all comes down to his final presentation of the Wilmington Grey Hounds season and his final presentation of his college career. On November 24th at 6:30 pm at the Field House Mr. Kunst will take you behind the scenes of the Hounds Round Up and all the production that goes into producing the video blog. The Capstone Project will also feature the final episode of the Hounds Round Up. So come see the professional work of a Broadcast student at Westminster college, oh and did I mention there will be free snacks?
Growing up in Pittsburgh there is only one person I ever trusted with my sports information. Considered one of the most respected sportscasters in Pittsburgh, I always turned to Stan Savran. He is the co-host of FSN Pittsburgh’s SAVRAN ON SPORTSBEAT since 1992. Savran brings over 30 years of experience to sports fans in Pittsburgh. For all his knowledge and hard work he was rewarded with the honor of being inducted into the Western Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.
Now I can’t say that Stan Savran inspired me to become a sports broadcaster, but I can say watching him makes me want to be a better one. He knows so much about everything that sometimes it’s hard not to agree with what he says. Pittsburgh does have other sportscasters like Bob Pompeani, Mark Madden (now fired but still great), Rob King, and Tim Benz. All are great, but none come close to what Stan Savran is.
People are always asking me what I plan on doing once I’m done with College. And I tell them all, I want to work at FSN sports. That would be my dream job coming out of school. I would take any job there just to get my foot in the door and the chance to maybe work with Savran. I don’t care if I made their coffee, did some shooting, editing, directed a show, produce or even all the about. Anything would be awesome for me. Plus not to mention I live five minutes from the place too so the drive would be short.
I never really thought of my self as a sportscaster and that’s funny saying that now that Im the host of the Hounds Rounds Up. Which if you don’t know is a Video Blog about a local High School football team I do. Now I find myself thinking do people see me as their “Stan Savran” for the Wilmington Grey Hound Football? And that thought is pretty cool. So I asked myself, is this something I can see me doing? Deep down I really think there is a part of me that can do it with no problem. But other part says there is no way I can be as good as Savran or even Pompeani and the others I have mention. I also think I do a pretty decent job on the Hounds Round Up and I see no reason why one day I cant be working at FSN Sports. So with that said, Mr. Savran, you may not know who I am, but one day you will. I’ll see you yinszer’s at the water cooler.
As you travel on your path through life you come across many different people. Some of these people may be friends, co-workers, and even professors. No matter you who meet or how long you may know them. Everyone you come in contact with has some kind of affect on your life. Some more then others, and sometimes you meet someone who has a total impact on the course your life takes.
When I made my first steps onto this college campus I had these first thoughts come to mind, “what the hell am I doing here.” I really had no idea what I was doing, who I was, where I was going and most of all, what major would I make a career out of. As all freshmen do, you make your way from class to class and you begin to take more interest in one then in other. You begin to develop and sense of what your cable of and where you fit the best. For me, it took me awhile to come across Broadcasting but I did. Now in my fifth year I have not looked back. But I did not get here by accident, thanks to the long talks and advice from Dr. Rhoads.
I came in listed as a political science major and Dr. Rhoads was my first adviser. It only took me a few weeks to realize that political science was not for me. So in a search to find a new major I spent many hours in Dr. Rhoads office. Now I can’t pint point one thing that he said that stood out the most. Just that he always had a way of telling me what I wanted to hear and more importantly what I needed to hear.
Sometimes I felt bad that I spent so much time in his office; whether I needed to add drop a class or to just get his opinion on something. Never once did Dr. Rhoads ever turn me down, but was always there to at lest listen.
After my first two years I was finding my footing and finally declared Broadcasting as my major. With that change would come a new adviser in Dr. “B” and no more Dr. Rhoads. To him, he probably thinks and didn’t have much of an influence on me but he did. Sometimes it’s the small things that people say to you that have the most impact. So with all this said, thanks Dr. Rhoads for helping find my way.
Hello everyone, I’m back after having an amazing but busy summer. I finished my internship with WTAE 4 and it was the best experience on my life. Not only did I meet good people but also have a feel for how the business really works.
Going into my first day at WTAE channel 4 I really had known idea what to expect. In fact I was really nervous about it. I didn’t know what they would expect from me, what would they have me doing and most of all, would I be able to do it right? Just like anything else you always fear what you don’t know and this was no different.
Entering the news room I was taken back a little by all the commotion that was going on. Phones were ringing left and right and everyone were typing hard at their computers to pump out today’s sorties. In the back I saw Rege Bononis the Managing Editor at WTAE and also my boss. He showed me around the station and introduced me to some of the people I would be working with. Everyone I met was so nice and all told me if I needed anything, just let them know. I also met a girl by the name of Sara Bower our Assignment Desk manager, and found out that she is a Westminster alumnus! How about that?
As the weeks went by I was given opportunities to do different things. One week I was with reporters, sometimes helping to write scripts, and other times I would be in the back editing my own work. What I was really finding out was my place in the news room. I starting thinking to myself even from the first day, where do I see myself at this station if I were to work here? And this whole experience was about what I really want to do with broadcasting once I graduate.
After the first month I starting checking off jobs that I know are not for me or jobs that I know I’m not cable of. The first to fall into this list was reporting and anchoring. Seeing the talent and skill of these anchors and reporters were remarkable. They truly are skilled at what they do. Plus from my understanding of these positions are highly competitive and hard to get.
Anther job I thought I thought I might be interested in was producing. Now going into this internship I didn’t know that producers also wrote all the scripts. Sitting at a computer all day writing stories is not something I really care to do. I believe I would be able too just don’t really want to do it.
One of the positions I can see myself at would be directing. A few nights a week I would go into master control room and watch the director work his magic. Its pretty similar to the way we do it at the County Line. Of course just on a little larger scale.
I realizes now how important an internship is. It’s a chance to gain some great experience and make important connections that could help you land a job down the road. But for me it was more than that. It was a chance to get a taste what I really want to do. Although whatever career path I take might not be in news. I know now that if it were I would enjoy editing, directing, and photography. It is night and day to do the same jobs at school then at a real TV station. I highly recommend that everyone do an internship. You would be foolish not too. I learned a lot of things about myself and some things I was happy to find out. Heading into my last semester at school I know now what I need to focus on.
Going into Capstone I really had no idea what to expect. I was even more confused when Mr. Weaver wanted us to apply for the Amazing Race. Funny how things always tend to work them selves out and things become clearer as you move through. The Amazing Race application was a cleaver way for us to reflect on who we are and were we have come from. Well some of us still struggle to answer the question of who we are, others have come into their own. For me it was realizing how good of a fit I am to Broadcasting. I have always been good and comfortable talking in front of people. For me it has always been a strong point of mine. Dealing with people was never a problem. Having two older brothers I socialized with older people all the time which I believed helped me mature faster then most of my friends around me. Through my four years here I learned in Broadcasting you deal and work with people everyday. I am lucky enough to come across this major when I did or else I still might be a political science major.
Anyways back to capstone. Basically we are asked to take all the skills that we have learned in the four years we have been here and apply them to a project that will in the end help us land a job. On this journey we have to pass a few hurdles too. For this semester we were given a test in video production. We were asked to shoot a news story or any kind of video demonstrating our skills to make professional videos. I was extremely nervous about this because everything in capstone is pass/fail and it’s a real scary thought. My partner and I for the Amazing Race decided to use our audition tape for our video skills test. The good news is we ended up passing and took anther step to finishing capstone.
The next step was to come up with an idea for our project. Most people seemed to know exactly what they wanted to do. Well for me, I was completely lost. I really didn’t know what I wanted to do or for that matter where to really start. I knew I wanted to do something that I would love and look forward to working on. Of course I wanted this to be fun as well. The last few weeks I have been into doing video blogs. I thought maybe I can work something like that into my project. With the wheels turning I knew I was heading in the right direction. After talking to my teacher Mr. Weaver he gave me a great idea and now I’m running with it.
For my capstone project I am bringing back the Hounds Round Up. What this will be is a weekly video blog about the New Wilmington Football team. This project will not only be fun but will also show off many of the skills I have. Every Friday home game I will be the one shooting the highlights, conducting player coaching interviews. The same night I will edit the raw tape and write scripts for a 2 to 4 minute show. Previewing next’s weeks’s game and also offer insight to the game themselves. It is my goal to have these video blogs up and running no later then Saturday at noon. I am also making it my goal to have a link put on the New Castle News web site. With the first half of capstone coming to an end I am extremely excited for the fall semester to get started on the Hounds Round Up.
It’s that time of year. The tress are blooming their green leaves. Flowers are spreading their paddles wide to huge the sun. And seniors are preparing to graduate. They will anchor their last County Line. DJ their last shifts on Titan Radio and take their very last final. It is now a transition period where seniors are moving on and the underclass will have to fill their rolls. With what I have been observing all year, I wonder if these juniors, sophomores, and freshmen are ready. They will be asked to take on new responsibilities, new rolls. Some will even be asked or even forced into leadership rolls as well. I can honestly say I can only count the number of underclassmen on my right hand who I feel are ready to do so. A new weight of responsibility will be pressed on their shoulders. Well, I’m calling out the underclassmen. It is time to step up! It is time to get involved! This is your time now. A new class of freshmen will arrive next year and they will be looking up to you, for help and guidance. The way I see it, you have two choices. You can drift in the shadows and go unnoticed only doing enough to get by to graduate. Or you can take the proactive choice and get involve; be the one asking questions and wanting to learn new jobs and duties. It’s like that old saying. “You can take the path that everyone follows or make your own path and leave a trail for others.” Be the one to make a name for yourself. We have had some very talented and skilled students come through this major. Many of them are graduating this year. But now its time to see what you can do with them gone. So I’m calling out the underclassmen because I want to see you guys work to your full potential. I didn’t see it this year…but I can’t wait to see what you guys can do come the fall.
Hello Pens fans, and welcome to anther addition of Penguins Nation. Here in week 3 David and I take a deeper look in what made the Pens successful in sweeping the Ottawa Senators. It was the first time the Penguins swept a series since 19992. After steam rolling the Senators the Penguins now wait for there next opponent in round two.
Hello everyone and welcome to week two of Penguins Nation. In this week David and I will gear up for Playoff hockey. With so many question heading into the playoffs for the Penguins we will tackle the hard ones. Today will we look at who is on the hot seat, the player most key for the Penguins, and how important home ice advantage is? We hope you enjoy the show.
Hello everyone and welcome to the first addition of Penguins Nation, a show by fans for the fans. David and I are both broadcasting majors. We’ve been wanting to do a penguin’s show for a long time and finally put it into action. David is our host of Titan Town Sports for The County Line and a long time fan. For me, I have been playing competitive Ice hockey for over six years and never miss a Penguins game. On our shows we will discus the penguins and break down game performances. Although we my not be so called “experts” we watch the games just like anyone else, and David and I will call it how it is. Enjoy the show.
If you are around me for any amount of time it is no secret that I love the Pittsburgh Penguins. It’s a passion of mine that I have had for many years. One of my good friends David shares the same enthusiasm. In every class we had to together or even if we were just meeting up, we would talk Pens hockey for hours. We always joked that we should do to some kind of a hockey show together sense that’s all we ever talk about anyways. Our first idea was to try to get a morning show on our schools radio station. As luck would have it, all the spots filled up before we could get a shift. Plus we really didn’t favor the idea of waking up in the morning to do it. Now with all the video blogs out there and pod casting, you think this idea would of come a lot sooner rather then later. But it didn’t. Only recently did we think to even do a video blog, and now were kicking ourselves for not doing it earlier.
Well this week we put our plan of a video blog about the Pens into action. We got a camera, microphone, and set up it all up in the radio station. After thinking for no less then 15 seconds we decided to call the show Penguins Nation. I knew we would never have trouble trying to find things to talk about and this was no problem when we started filming. Seven minutes later we were done with our first show. A little longer then we wanted but that’s ok. I have to say Im really pleased with how it turned. I know David and I have some great ideas to build on to the show and our excited about future shows. So once I get it loaded up I hope you enjoy our video blog and there will many more to come.
Ever waited for a phone call that you thought would never come? I have. That was me waiting to hear back from the Pittsburgh Pirates regarding my summer internship. There is nothing worse then waiting or for that matter not knowing. When three weeks went by I thought that I didn’t get the internship and my hopes were fading fasting then President Bush’s approval rating. But little did I know this would all change. It was Tuesday evening around 7:30. A time when you really would not expect an important phone and sure enough one did. My phone rang and I did not recognize the number but from the area code I new it was from Pittsburgh. So I answered it and to my astonishment it was Eric Wolf the person who interviewed from the Pirates. After confirming it was me Douglas Kunst he was speaking to, his first words were “I have some good news and I have some bad news.”
How could I have good news and bad news? This didn’t make much sense to me at all and as you can imagine I was a little confused. Mr. Wolf went on to explaining that they hired a person for the internship and that they decided to go in a different direction. Now whatever that means I have no idea. They "decided to go in a different direction" was this a nice way telling me I was not the man for the job? Either way I was not happy where this conversation was going. But then I started thinking, he mention good news too. So what could that be? Mr. Wolf told me that he loved my interview and liked what I had to say. He reiterated that judging by my resume alone that I was more then qualified for the job. And because of this, he said he wants to keep me around as part time and work extra games when they need help. Holy shit that’s awesome!
Now I could be wrong and this is just the way I took it. I did not get the full time internship but they liked me so much that they decided to create a job for me to have me around. For me, I kind of have my foot half way in the door and the other out. But the way I see it, this is an enormous opportunity for me to network and to sell myself. Not to mention a chance to do what I have been learning for four years.
I have to say I am a little nervous about it. Will my work be good enough? Will they like what I do? I’m I going to learn fast enough? What if I mess up? How will others treat me? Will all my four years of work here at College shine through? These are all thoughts I been having. Which I think is normal because I truly do not know what I am capable of. Maybe I’ll be amazing who knows…either way I’ll do my best. As they say, I have one chance to make a good first impression.
In my first blog I mention how I needed to make an audition tape for the Amazing Race. Tom and I (my partner) finished filming it last week. Most people when they make an audition tape for a reality show just stand on camera and talk about how they feel they would be perfect for the show. Which is pretty boring and it really does not single you out if everyone else is doing the same thing. But I had a different idea. Instead of just explaining on camera why Tom and I would be great on the Amazing Race why not demonstrate our best qualities? What we decided to do was to have our own race, and kind of make it a really short story. The plot is Tom was to have our application sent in already but as I discovered he didn’t do it. It’s the day of the dead line and the post office closes at 4:30 pm. As luck would have it, we only have 3 minutes to get there, and then the race is on. Our adventure to the post office, challenges would face us and will have to be met. Through the video we will illustrate our skills that would help us win on the Amazing Race. Now I know this might not be exactly what the producers of the show is looking for but the idea of this project is for us too exemplify our talent in making videos. I think what we are putting together gives us a lot of creative freedom to show what we can do.
Imagine this, fifteen people all waiting on your breath and cue; (Roll tapes! play sound! mice and cue!) Eveyone from the anchors to the floor director; Technical director to tapes and all the other moving parts of the show. Every word you say is final. A possible 35,000 homes could be tuning in. At this point the responsibility of the show is all on your shoulders. By 7:30 pm you are going live, and you are the director of The County Line. Welcome to my job, this is what I do on a weekly base.
Sometimes I am not to sure if people really understand what I do when I say I’m one of the directors of The County Line. When you are the director, you are the coach calling the plays; you are the one making the decision to go for it on 4th and one. When you are the director, you are the one who orchestrates the show. It is not an easy job at all, one that can come with a lot of pressure when you’re doing a live show. What makes doing a live show fun is the unexpected. Not every show goes according to plan, and when a show does go bad this is where a good director shines.
See, every show needs to be timed out for thirty minutes so when we go black (or off air) we finished all our stories and said out goodbyes until next week. But this does not always work like that. A common problem in doing a show is the balancing act between entering each block heavy or light. Through out a show you could be extremely heavy (meaning your show will run over the thirty minute mark) or Light (meaning you will fall short of you thirty minute mark). As a director you have to make fast hard decisions. You need to be able to think on your feet quick or else it’s too late. When a show is running heavy an easy way to fix it is to cut a commercial. Then the question is how many do you cut? Well this depends on how heavy you are. Now sometimes when a show becomes light and you’re in E Block (the final segment of the show) you can have the anchors read fill stories to balance out the time (fill stories are extra stories for back up). The whole goal is to run a smooth show with no hiccups, and when a problem arises find the best and fastest way to fix it.
Not every show will be great and not every show will be bad. But when you’re the director you have to take full responsibility for whatever the out come is. That is just part of the job. Don’t get me wrong either; it’s a tough job but a fun one too. When you work with great people and you take pride in what you do, it makes for a great experience. I hope now you have an understanding in what I do and what a director does. So here’s the headset, do you think you can make the calls?
If you read my last blog then you know about the interview with the Pittsburgh Pirates. I walked out of the interview feeling great and very positive in how it went. The good news is I have anther interview for a summer internship this time with CBS Radio. Now, radio is something that I am not too excited about. All what I hear is how bad the hours are and that there is very little money to be made. And let’s face it, we live this life to make money and lots of it! But if that is what it takes to get my foot in the door then so be it. Looking back on my interview with the Pirates, what can I take from the experience and apply to my one with CBS Radio?
One thing that I believe in is to dress to impress. And this can be applied to anything, not just an interview. For me, I always been a suit and tie kind of a guy. When I walk into this interview I went to give the impression that I have my stuff together. I once read that how you dress effects how you feel, so if I look good then I’ll feel good. And if I feel good, I’ll bring that positive energy into the room.
I never was a person to just give one word answers. In an interview that could be the worst thing to do. When I was being interview by the Pirates and asked a question. I took my time and thought out what I wanted to say first. Not just saying the first thing that popped in my head. Then, I gave a thorough answer being as detailed as possible. This can be tricky because you do not want to be long winded too.
A real test of any man or the strength of the person can be judge in there ability to hold eye contact. Making eye contact is huge. It shows that you are not intimated and are listening to what the person is saying. Now you don’t stair down the person either because that can just be creepy. But making eye contact shows the kind of person you are and how much confidence you have in your self.
Walking in to the interview room I will bring my positive energy, and confidence. I will answer there question as if I heard them a million times before and think before I speak. I will be myself and let my personality come out. But most of all, I’ll out bullshit anyone and walk out brushing off my shoulders one at a time.
My quest of a summer internship started with a call from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Can you believe that? I send them an email as a shot in the dark and they call me back requesting an interview. This was amazing news, but I never been to an interview before. I decided to go to the career center. I heard they conducted mock interviews so I figured any practice is better then none. Leaving the career center I felt pretty prepared and confident. The day of my interview could not have been any worse. A snow storm has hit causing many schools to close even Westminster College. The roads were horrible and I was not sure if my parents were going to make it up to school to get me and take me to Pittsburgh. This was an opportunity that I was not going to miss no matter what Mother Nature would through at me. My parents and I braved the weather and drove down to PNC Park. By this late in the after noon the roads were not too bad, but I made it. I walked through the glass doors and entered PNC Park. A man at the desk had me sign in and sent me up to the forth floor on the elevator. The waiting room lobby was beautiful. There were black lather couches, dark wood furniture and of course pirate photos everywhere. The lady at the reception desk said it would be ten minutes before they would see me. Ten minutes may not seem like a long time but when your just sitting there waiting and seems forever. I felt like I was in a football game and they called a time out to freeze the kicker. I had way to much time to think which was starting to make me nervous. Finally I was called in. I walked in and was greeted by four guys. Four guys! How many did then need to interview me? But some how that did not make me nervous at all, having eight eyes starting at me. See I have always felt I had an advantage whenever I had a chance to speak to someone in person. All through out my life I have been a great public speaker and some what of a bull shiter as well. When it was all over, I walked of the building feeling that I nailed the interview. Funny thing is, the mock one I had at the career center was much harder then the one I had with the Pirates. The interview itself was very comfortable and casual which made it real easy to be myself. Looking back on it, there is not one thing I would say or do differently in my interview. Whether I get the job or not, it was an immense learning experience for me.
Being the best in my major is not the most important to me. Don’t get me wrong, I try my hardest and i do want to be good i at what i do. At the same time I do not want to turn in something that will reflect badly on me either. What is the most important to me is earning the respect of the people around me; the respect of peers, class mates, teachers, and co-workers. If people do not respect you then they do not trust you. When you don’t have respect, your not taken serious, and for the most part people don’t care what you have to say. See I rather people trust me, look up to me, then be the best. In life there is always someone better then you, but not everyone is respected. Talent may get you to the top but character will keep you there. But how can you earn respect? Well it’s really simple if you fallow these guide lines
1.) Always be on time never late 2.) Help the people around you when they ask for it 3.) Never back out of something that you said you would complete 4.) Take responsibility in everything that you do. 5.) Never hesitate to volunteer. 6.) Take your job serious and not a joke 7.) Always conduct your self in a professional manner 8.)When there is conflict talk it out with that person first 9.) Listen to what your peers have to say 10) To get respect you have to give respect
I remember my first class with Professor Weaver. He told us that we will find out if we can sink or swim. As he always put it, “were going to throw you into the fire and see if you come out alive.” All of the classes I have ever had with Weaver were very hands on. There is only so much you can learn from a book and the best kind of experience is the kind you do yourself. Over the course of the four years I been here, this kind of mentality has really helped me grow. I have to say I have learned a lot and I am now exceptionally versatile. I have hands on experience at producing, writing and being the talent for radio news. I am a producer; director and technical director for our live TV show The County Line. All of this was learn not from a book, but from actually doing it. When you have a class with Weaver, working under deadlines is not an option but is expected and this creates a profession atmosphere. I believe this kind approach has provided me with the tools to succeed in my capstone project. It will also prepare me for when I enter the working world. With my experience, I won’t stumble at the starting line but hit it in stride.
I might be a contestant on The Amazing Race! Well this is our goal anyway. My teacher handed us an application and told us that we will fill it out. According to the application we have to make a video to send in too. At first I really did not know what my teacher was getting at. This is first part of my project for Capstone? But after our first class, we discussed our answer that we put on the application. And then I stated to get it. There were many personal questions and some I had to do a lot of reflecting on. It really made me think about who I was and the type of person that I am. In a way, it was a great confidence boost. As for the video part, we have the opportunity to put together a profession video using our equipment. Plus it’s a chance to show off our skills too. Once we have all the pieces together Weaver is sending our applications and videos to The Amazing Race. Who knows, maybe I’ll get picked. I know this is just the first assignment but I have to say that I am a little nervous about Capstone. I never met a challenge that I didn’t finish and this will be no exception.
Welcome to the Hounds Round Up hosted by Broadcasting Major Douglas Kunst. This show is dedicated to the New Wilmington Grey Hound football team. Here is where you can get your game-by-game coverage of the 2008 football season. The Hounds Round Up will include extensive highlight videos and players and coach’s interviews from the latest games. The show will also include game analysis and previews of upcoming games. If you have any questions or comments about the show or of the Grey Hound football team send an Email to: houndsroundup@yahoo.com
