Detroit Public Television Internship
Brandon
Experience Information
Employer: Detroit Public Television
Job Title: Video Production Intern
Major: Film & Video
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: No
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Operating out of the Riley Broadcast Center in Wixom, Michigan, WTVS Detroit Public Television is the viewer-supported PBS member station serving the nation's 11th largest television market. I worked directly with a team of about 25 people in the Video Production unit, ranging from my fellow Interns to Producers and Editors. As we spent more time with and getting to know the workflow of the different roles we were then given opportunities to try them, such as Assistant Director and Producer.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
Kept time as Assistant Director for both weekly shows, MiWeek and American Black Journal, as well as Live Pledge Events and Roadshows (a YouTube link for the American Black Journal Detroit 67 Roadshow, an hour long special which I kept time for, can be found below). Attended DPTV events for set-up, tear down, and helping run the events themselves (such as Kids Club Live in Royal Oak where I was in charge of the costumed characters that would come out to greet kids).
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Primarily I learned to work in a professional video production setting, taking away valuable lessons such as finding who to ask what questions based on their profession and what questions to have answered before approaching a superior. I also learned about the workflow of a professional video production team, while learning what goes into specific roles such as a Producer (while I was not one of the Interns who got to try their hand at producing, I performed the research compilation and pitching required of Producers at stations such as DPTV, learning how to do so along the way).
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this internship experience was being depended on by people who I saw as far more successful and superior to myself. The role of Assistant Director is vital to the workflow of a station like WTVS, and by the end of my Internship I felt like being in this role helped me integrate into the main production team that I had looked up to throughout the summer. The Director looked to me when they wondered if they should cut to a piece of B-Roll or wrap up the segment, thus putting me at the head of a chain that wrapped around the studio from AD to Director to Chiron/Graphics Artist to Producer. In simpler terms, I felt like a professional.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
The most important bearing my time at DPTV has had on my future career goals can be seen in the connections I have made. From my fellow Interns, who I still communicate with and have just recently met with again, to my Supervisor, who I still go to for advice, I made long lasting connections that will serve me well in my future endeavors. And I met Daniel Tiger, as pictured above.