Shellie Turner
In Motion Staff Writer
Daytona State College’s Television Production program received some local exposure last month in an article written by Tony Jarmusz from the Daytona Beach News-Journal.
Jarmusz and a photographer visited the set of Florida Sweets and Treats at the end of March for a glimpse into how the show is run. The weekly program features local chef Costa Magoulas creating sweet concoctions live on the air. DSC’s program is unique as students fill the primary roles involved with production, from camera operators to technical director, which can be intimidating especially when it’s a live show.
“It really is a trial by fire.” WDSC production manager Mike Rentnelli said in the News-Journal article.
The students were informed in advance that they would have guests on the set, but otherwise it was business as usual for them. If there were any nerves present, it was more from the energy involved with doing a live production rather than having guests in the studio.
In the past, having this kind of local exposure has proved to be a boon to Daytona State and the program itself. Associate Professor Anita Bevins said this isn’t the first time the TV Production Program has been featured in the News-Journal and the response following the articles has always been positive. Since this most recent article ran in the publication it has been no different.
“Usually right after it runs, my phone rings a lot,” she said. “With people who are interested and who had no idea that we were doing this here. I have had quite a few phone calls since it ran.”
Megan Rasmussen, a Television Production major at Daytona State College, knew she wanted to work in television. She wasn’t initially aware that Daytona State had a TV production program at first. But she is a firm believer that the exposure can not only bring in more students, but can also bring the program to the community’s attention. Most of the items used on the sets in the television studio are donated, so additional community support could benefit the program.
“This could make people aware that the show exists and watch it,” she said. “And the community might be more engaged and support the program.”
Bevins encourages potential students to come in and shadow the class to get a taste of what could be store for them should they decide to join the program. While they wouldn’t be hands-on with the production, they would see what it’s like.
As far as what’s next for the program, several ideas have already been gathered for the Fall semester’s show and the time will come to start narrowing those down and making the decision.
“I’d rather it be the students’ idea, something they’re invested in,” Bevins said. “than to be told hey, you’re going to do this.”
The article on Florida Sweets and Treats can be found at www.news-journalonline.com. It posted April 8 with the headline “DSC students thrive under pressure in live TV studio.” To watch that and other episodes, go to the WDSC YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/WDSCTV15