Hennepin Tech’s Video Production Program Sees Award-Winning Success
When you think of a technical college, video production might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But at Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park, it’s all lights, camera, action on Fridays.
At the college’s production studio, students in the Videography and Directing course are shooting “Reel 2 Real,” the live broadcast that recaps and reviews movies.
“We’re doing news, we’re also doing experience for our future, for our career,” said Valerie Dorsonville, one of the students.
Dorsonville and her classmates put on multiple live productions every week. Their 15-minute live show is written and directed by students. The class also fully staffs the control room. Dorsonville, who hosted and controlled audio that day, said it has been a great experience.
“It’s really fantastic to learn about this, because I wanted to do this when I was super little,” Dorsonville said.
Dorsonville sits at the audio controls in the “Reel 2 Real” control room.
Tradition of Success
The Videography and Directing class is part of Hennepin Tech’s award-winning Interactive Design and Video Production program. The students have won a number of Crystal Pillar Awards, which recognize exceptional work in student media. Three of those honors were awarded last spring.
Instructor Ryan Hall thinks “media” should be something you think of when it comes to Hennepin Tech.
“I’m a big proponent of technical colleges, because it’s just a way for people from all walks of life to come in, learn a new skill,” Hall said.
He’s a grad of the program himself, so helping his students in the control room has him right at home. Here, he said his students are learning to work in a timed, live environment. But those skills are transferable outside of live shows and can be used for things like podcasts, or even corporate video shoots.
“There’s a lot of work to be had, and you also need to make content that rises above everything else,” Hall said. “You need to make stuff that’s excellent, that’s really cool, really eye-catching. And a place like Hennepin Tech is a great place to learn how to do that.”
Hall said in this program, jobs post-grad are everywhere. He went on to a four-year degree at Northwestern-St. Paul, and now works in production at a local church. Anecdotally, he said he has classmates who work in Hollywood. This program was a stepping stone to that.
“I’m a big fan of this program. I love just being able to get hands on cameras and production gear, and control rooms like this. This is an awesome place to be,” Hall said.
It’s a program that really sets the stage for a powerful career in the arts.
How To Watch
More information about Hennepin Tech’s programs, including how to get involved, are available on its website.
You can also watch “Reel 2 Real” — live or on demand — on the HTC Interactive Design & Video Production YouTube Page.
A display case at Hennepin Tech’s Brooklyn Park campus showcases the college’s Crystal Pillar Awards.
