Act One Has Ended; Act Two Just Began

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.

I Tip My Hat To You

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.

Pass to your left

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.

Hello Job

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

Sincerely,

Douglas Kunst

My Biggest Challenge

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.

10 Years From Now

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 County Line 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.

Your My Favorite!

This week I would like to talk about one of my fellow BC majors Amanda Conway. Even though I am a 5^th 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!