An Intern's Eyes

Today is a rare day. There's actually nothing scheduled, but there is always something to do! So, my colleagues and I will be doing some office work: editing, writing, rendering....etc. I have learned so much through these guys and they have all been very sincere and patient with me!!

From all the events that have occurred last week and early this week and we look forward to the events going on this weekend and next week, I think we should have a day so that we compose and edit the previous work for your viewing pleasure on ECTV comcast channel 21 and also on our Utube and website: www.eastchicago.com.

I hope everyone has a productive day!!

Until next time........

An Intern's Eyes

Happy Wednesday to all!!!

Well I had a very busy weekend and early week. Saturday was our annual Puerto Rican festival held at Todd Park. It was fantastic and it was a great turn out. Sunday the festivities kicked off with the Puerto Rican day parade. The weather was perfect and it seemed liked there were many who participated in the parade. What I like most about the festival is that it is not just "Puerto Rican" day, it is a melting pot of East Chicagoans celebrating a heritage....together. One thing about East Chicago is that we are a diverse culture and those that live here get to experience something that other residents of other cities have to pay to vacation to experience.

Yesterday I went with my colleagues to film and interview the swim coaches at Washington Park. They have an excellent swimming classes; ages 4-7 and 8-12. As we filmed the interactions of the student and coaches in the pool, I noticed how calm yet confident these little kids were. The staff was very patient with the children and laughed when they accidentally got splashed with the water! Now if you are looking to sign your children up for swimming lessons, you'll have to wait until next year because this is an 8 week program and will be expiring mid-August.

After we completed the interview and filming, I went to pass out flyers for the Taste of East Chicago. If you didnt get a flyer, here is the information:

Taste of East Chicago

When: Saturday, August 21st and Sunday, August 22
Where: Veterans' Park (145th and Indianapolis Blvd)
Time; 12Noon-11pm

Entertainment:
Say Yes Band
New Orleans Beau & The Big Easy Band
Funky MoJo Daddy
Together


That is all I have for now.

Until next time............

Intern 2

Hi, again well this will be my part 2 of my experience as stage manger for E. C Central's West Side Story. As I mentioned before in my last blog things were going so fast and the next thing I knew the play was opening the next day. Well on opening night I came in early to set up the stage with some new tape because the tape we used could not be seen in the dark. Also my crew and I needed to moves some sets because of the lighting crew were finalizing the lights for the show so each set piece needed to be out one at a time. Lucky this night we were able to get three more crew members to move the sets and after explaining what their jobs were, things moved pretty smoothly. When the time did finial came to begin, we were all ready to go. The show itself when pretty well a few microphones need to be fix and a light quo was off but the backstage was going fine with the help of the crew and actors. All was going well until the end of the play were the gun that I need to check in every show did not go off. So when the show ended that was the first thing I needed to fix but before that could happen I was told that the director would not be in for there for the next performance and I needed to help ran the play the following day.

On the second day of the show I was glad to see that director did in fact came and worked with the students on their dances and songs but that was until midday then she left. After she left all I could do was see if any of the students needed help with their lines or if they needed me for to play the music for their song and dance. I was fortunate enough to have had the backstage completely organized the night before so all was ready to go for that nights performance. The show itself when well, all the actors were giving 110% this show. The lighting was running perfectly and the sound was better yet all was not well backstage. One of the crew members did not show so my side of the stage was short handed. But besides that all when well that night and I couldn't be happier. Well this is were I end, tomorrow I will end with the last show and the Puerto Rican parade. So bye for now.

Intern 2

Hi, again sorry for no updates last week but I've been very busy with E.C Central's West Side Story. Originally I was planning a update after I finished my shift but due to some long hours I put myself though I wasn't able to. So, here's the weeks worth of updates. Well, as I been saying for the last few blogs E.C Central was doing West Side Story and because of a lack of help a few of the city worker came to help the production, me being one of them. When I started I thought that I was going to be working as one of the crew work but on Monday I became assistant to the director. So, I spent most of my time with the director learning who played who, who sang what, who is in which scene, what the songs were, what the dances were,etc etc etc. In all a pretty busy day. When Tuesday came around I was still learning my job when I found out that that I was no longer a assistant to the director but promoted to stage manger which basically meant that I was responsible for all things backstage. I was to keep track of the actors, their props, and the sets themselves and what making this extra special the dress rehearsal was on Wednesday. So this time I spend my day marking the stage for the set, making a prop table and make a list of who and or what is in each scene. This list was for no only for myself but for the crew I was to run. Again a long day. Lucky on the day of the rehearsal, things were not to bad. I was able to have a list that explained each scene which was done for me by the director. So, when the crew came I was able to preset them in their spots and explain what needed to be done. Also because the prop table was made ahead of time all the props were in order for the show. Yet, when the show began a few issues came up with some of the actors forgetting a prop, sets not being put on fast enough and lack of help on one side of the stage which lead to a ripped curtain. I wasn't to bad of a run but improvements needed to be made before the opening night which was the following day. Anyway this blog is getting pretty long so tomorrow I be able to tell you all about opening night and all the other shows. Some until then bye.  

An Intern's Eyes

I just got back into town. Today I had an opportunity to assist the camera man and take a few photos of my own of our city's youth enjoying a day at Lincoln Park Zoo. As we began our ride to the zoo, I captured some pictures of eager faces. I overheard children telling one another of the expectations of animals that they wanted to see and even of those they were not fond of (animals that happen to be a little smellier than the others). I enjoy my job because I can "freeze" time with the camera. The excitement I saw on children from the centers were priceless. One child said that she wished everyone could come and see all these animals because they don't have them in East Chicago. Though I do not have children of my own, I do say on behalf of all the other parents, thank you to the bus drivers, counselors, summer youth workers, parks and recreation department and our Mayor for allowing such an awesome adventure.


Until next time.............

An Intern's Eyes

My shift today went by fairly quickly. I believe it is due to me passing out flyers to businesses in the area promoting a musical entitled "West Side Story." My colleague and I went from business to business asking for permission to post the flyers. I do want to say THANK YOU to everyone who was more than willing to help me, help promote this musical!


Performances for "West Side Story" will be held Thursday-Saturday (7/22-7/24) at Central High School Auditorium. All shows start at 7pm. If you are interested there will tickets available at the door. Doors open at 6:30pm.

Until next time......

An Intern's Eyes

Today was another interesting day here in the multi-media department. My task (which has now taken me 2 days to complete) is typing subtitles from an interview previously recorded. Now this takes a lot of time!! First, I must manually write down the guest's responses, type it all out, then upload it into the actual video (interview). I don't mind the tedious work that must be done, because I like to see the finished product. Also, today I was interviewed as an intern (can you say nervous?) and I spoke about my daily responsibilities as an intern and how this summer program has been a benefit for me as well as over 200 other interns. Well, I must get back to typing these subtitles so that I can have it on the editor's desk by morning.

Until next time........

Intern 2

Well, today I spend most of my time in Central High School. I have to say coming here as a theater student its nice to see that this art is still alive here in East Chicago. As I mentioned on my last blog today we did some filming and some interviews for the promotion of West Side Story. Heres what I know all the adverting will be out this weekend with a spot on ECTV,a youtube video, facebook, and all the stuff we advertise in. Also the play will open on July 22 and end the Saturday of that week. As of today the cast are still working out a few problem but all looks great for the day of the performance. So, look out this week for the adverting and hope to see you next week at West Side Story. Thats all for now this Intern 2 saying bye.

An Intern's Eyes

Today is Friday and I believe I have about 4 more weeks left in this program but I am not quite sure. Everyday I seem to do something new and exciting and I am thankful and humble that I have been given the opportunity to venture on my own ideas. I want to take the time to thank my fellow colleagues for showing me all that I know thus far and being patient with me while I try to grasp on to some of the projects. You guys rock!!

PSA:
Temperature is expected to be in the nineties all weekend long so please stay hydrated and check on the elderly. Be safe and productive!!

Until next time.........

Intern 2

Hi, again well it looks like I'm not only going to work on the West Side Story but I will be apart of it as a volunteer. This mainly happen because today as we spoke to some of the crew on promoting the play and they told us how much they needed some help. So, tomorrow we will go to Central High School to do the normal stuff like filming some scenes and getting an interview with the director and maybe some of the cast and then later give some of our free time to them as well. Until then I be watching how to edited some video and pics on a Mac. Just to say after working here for some time I found a new respect for the makers of the show for ECTV. All the hours they put in to these shows is just amazing. Anyway time to go, so bye for now.

An Intern's Eyes

Today my colleague took me on a tour of the broadcasting control room. I had an opportunity to watch how the City of East Chicago broadcast its news. That was exciting!! Later on, we did major editing on two projects; Peter Anton (an artist whose native hometown is East Chicago) and Earth Camp 2010 (Students from East Chicago exploring Indiana Dunes eco-system and wildlife).

Lessons I learned through editing:

#1 Must have patience!!! Rendering, layering, color adjustments all take time!
#2 You can have hours of footage but the finished project may only minutes long.
#3 Knowledge is key...the more you know about video, photography, and editing the more
you can do within the project.


....so if you are interested in any aspects of media/video, go to school!!!!

Intern 2

Well, not to eventfully today. Here in the office working doing some paper work. But if you been reading the last blog I mentioned a story that I may possible do. So here it is, it seems that East Chicago Central High School has decided to do the play West Side Story this year. For those who don't know West Side Story is a kind of Romeo and Juliet tale with two gangs, the sharks and the jets, fighting over their differences while two young teenagers fell in love. So if all go well I may be doing this story. But even if I don't I ask for all to support our high school and the art by going to East Chicago Central's West Side Story. So, that all for now, hopefully by tomorrow I can give some more information like when opening night but until then bye.

An Intern's Eyes

Today was an exciting day. I actually had the opportunity to conduct actual interviews. A non for-profit organization, World Changers has been in East Chicago for the past 3 days volunteering their labor to the community. World Changers consists of volunteers from Minnesota, Tennessee, North Carolina, and many other parts of the state working in conjunction with local government agencies, Southern Baptist state associations, and local churches. This Southern Baptist organization does mission work to share God's love by participating in community projects all over the country. As I interviewed the participants (all ranging from age 14 to 41) I learned that their efforts and labor is paid off through blessings from God. They were humbled by the experience to make a difference in someone's life and within a community. They were thankful for the opportunity and the many donations offered by various churches within East Chicago. I witnessed the participants climb high ladders to scrap sidings, paint porches, cement blocks, walls, garages, windows and many other tedious manual labor. Oh, did I mention it is 92 degrees!! I salute the World Changers organization for their mission, efforts, and hard work. Keep up the great work guys and hopefully we will see you next year!

Intern 2

Well, a new week with new stories. When yesterday was a bit different than the usual instead on working on one location we worked on two. The first was a story on the flashing of the fire hydrant. The basic idea is that because of the lack of use of the hydrant the city has to came in and release the water so that the rust and dirt can exit the hydrants and clean water came through. Simple right. Anyway, my job was to interview some of the workers about whats happening and how it will effort East Chicago residents. Unfortunately, we weren't able to do that due to some problems with the hydrants and were asked to came back later so we moved on. The next location was in West Side Junior High School to speak the World Changers. The World Changers are a Southern Baptists Church of young people who travel all around the United States to help repair damaged homes and spread the word of God. This time we just asked for information about the locations that they will be working on which just happens to be the following day. So, now onto today as you have read that both sites said to came back the next day but I wasn't able to go due to timing. So, now I at the office writing this blog and on some paperwork. In all nothing too eventful for me in the beginning of the week but I'm not too upset, I mean it's nice to be in a AC room from time to time. All joking aside it was a nice quiet day but hopefully tomorrow I'll some more to write about. Until then bye.

P.S I looks like I may be able to work on my own story, but first I need the okay from the higher ups. If all goes well I'll give some more information on what it is and whats to came. So, keep reading to find out.

An Intern's Eyes

This morning was very exciting for me. For the second time, I received an opportunity to be a guest on WJOB 1230AM morning radio show. The segment was all about East Chicago!!! Some of the topics discussed this morning were the outcome of some of the past events held and our main topic of conversation was the new development of the North Harbor Side of East Chicago. Listen people, our city is making vast improvements and it is showing! This revitalization project includes 2, 3, and 4 bedroom town homes that are just minutes away from Lake Michigan's beautiful Shoreline. This is just one of the many efforts Mayor George Pabey and the City of East Chicago are constructing to improve the community. For more information on Shores on Broadway, call (219) 392-0575 or stop by the leasing office located at 3619 Main St. in East Chicago.

By going on air I have learned a few things:
#1 My voice sounds a little squeakier than I initially thought.
#2 I have to be fully prepared to answer spontaneous questions.
#3 You must do your homework!! I have to research the topics of discussion so that my listening (and viewing) audience are fully
aware and well informed of events and projects.




Until next time........on to my next project!

Intern 2

Hi, again well this will end week 3 of the internship in the multimedia department. I have to say that it really doesn't feel like I've been here that long. But now that I reaching the half way mark, I can see now how much I've really been doing. From going on location to help with the filming of the stories to working in the office rearranging papers, I really do think I've been getting a good understanding of the multimedia department. Anyway, besides all that here's what new. The latest assignment was to film and interview the director of radiology of Saint Catherine's hospital for the ECTV health-watch. The topic was Saint Catherine's newest center the Cyberknife center which is a place in which patients can receive an alternative to surgery for the treatment of both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors with the Cyberknife machine. During the filming we were given a tour of the center and a general understanding of the machine itself and the people who qualify for it. I have to say this was one of the most amazing experiences to-date. It's incredible to see not only how far medical we are but as a city to have such a technology. Anyway, for more information on this came to the Saint Catherine's Cyberknife center or keep watch ECTV for this story and other great stories of our city. Well, that's all for today until next time bye.

P.S Also don't forget to hear from us on WJOB

An Intern's Eyes

As I view the calendar and today is Friday, I realize I have only a few more weeks until my internship is complete. I have so much I want to do!! I feel like a sponge and I just want to absorb as much as I can while I am here. Some of the things that I have done thus far include: video editing, capturing photographs of summer events, participating in a radio show, creating press release, and creating a blog. Although my first day here I was placed in front of the camera, it was a only a mock broadcast of the news.

I am currently working with my new colleagues to perhaps develop an event of my own. My goal here is to become more knowledgeable of media equipment and take responsibility in a project from the birthing of the idea to the final editing of that project.


Also, don't forget to join me Saturday, July 10th from 2-5pm at East Chicago Public Library located at 2401 E. Columbus Drive. Latonya S. Hicks will be signing copies of her new book "Dining With God" at her release celebration. javascript:void(0)

Intern 2

Hi, my name is Elizabeth and I am also interning in the multimedia division of East Chicago for this summer. On July 2, East Chicago had its annual Independence Day Celebration on the East Chicago Marina and it was my job to help film, interview, and speak on behalf of the event. To be perfectly frank I have never really been to the Independence Day event so I really didn't know what to fully expect. But I am happy to say that I did have a wonderful time. The celebration began around 6 p.m with food vendors selling various food and drinks around the corner and the music styling of the group Los Cordoba in the background. As time when on the boardwalk began to full with family and friends,which made the event really into a true celebration. A sense of community come out that night which continued until the we hours of the night. The most amazing moment was no doubt the grand display of fireworks which concluded our night. Even though I did spend most of my time moving film equipment and speaking on camera the experience was fun and I hope to have more opportunities like this in the future.