The Pressure is On... Welcome to Your Masters Degree

Well the first official week of classes has come and gone and I have to say for studying Television Journalism, this is NOT what I signed up for. And I'm beyond excited! Many know I grew up singing competitively and according to my parents, I've always had an eye for the creative side of life. Never did I think being a journalist and a musician would coincide with each other. As a student in the MA TV journalism program my primary studies consist of learning to use various cameras, numerous editing programs and most of all, thinking outside the box.

Americans watch between a one minute and a two minute, 30 second video on whatever is going on in the news. This is known as a news package. Of course this is apart of my studies but so is the following…. writing, directing and producing music videos, making 30 minute documentaries, creating several short form films AND being commissioned to work with several well known organizations throughout the world on upcoming conferences and celebrations. This includes the world food crisis seminar in the Netherlands and the 50th anniversary of the N.T. here in London. It's all quite interesting when there is more than one news organization interested in purchasing the finished product from a few students just working on their little ol' masters degree.

As for those who are curious about class size and courses taken well here's the truth, I have no say in my classes chosen or their times. I'm in one of the most rigorous majors within the university. That means I am taking 10 courses this term (or semester as some know it to be called), 9 courses in the spring and 1 in the summer. I have a portfolio of works due the end of the spring term, a short film and long documentary due at the end of the summer and my dissertation is due by the end of August. Ugh. Soooo much work but I think if we keep getting commissioned for shoots than it will be pretty easy to stock up on our best work.

Speaking of best of's…. this video has to be one of my favorites for the basics when it comes to video production. Keep in mind it's over 20 years old. But the song is a classic by one of my favorite artist. ENJOY! :)