Over spring break, twelve graduate and undergraduate students from the School of Media Arts & Studies participated in the first ever Columbus Blue Jackets Video Production Day. The students toured the video production facilities at Nationwide Arena including the control room, the press conference room, and the TV and Radio booths. The occasion was designed for students interested in a career in sports broadcasting and production.

“It was a great opportunity for students to network in a potential career field,” said Andie Walla, Lecturer of Video Production in the School of Media Arts & Studies. When Walla first heard about the experience, she was excited to take charge and organize the trip over the break. Walla teaches Multicamera Producing and Directing. However, she focuses more on interview formats, cooking shows, and music events. “Adding this opportunity to see how professional sports use multicam production was perfect for students in my class,” Walla mentioned.

“I was blown away by the number of people they managed to put on their game. Each person had a different job but they were all working together to give the audience a show they will never forget,” said Cristin Vinci, a fourth-year student and Integrated Media major. “We got to see backstage and ask many questions which was very helpful to me because this is something I want to go into after college.” Vinci is currently enrolled in Walla’s Multicamera Producing and Directing class. “Overall this was an awesome experience to understand the inner workings of any sporting event.”

Students also participated in a speaker panel with four veteran members of the Blue Jackets production team, including Jason Abbadie, Manager of Event Presentation, and David Maetzold, Rinkside Reporter & Game Host for Fox Sports Ohio. Two of the panel participants were Bobcats: Tanner Smith, Team Videographer, and Greg Murry, PA Announcer. “I loved the radio people, the video people and the whole day!” exclaimed second-year MFA student Burr Beard. “The panel Q&A was a highlight as was the Blue Jackets win over Boston!”

“The Columbus Blue Jackets Video Production Day was an amazing opportunity for students to interact with professionals in the industry who are eager to share their knowledge, said Michael O’Brien, a second-year student and Integrated Media major. “Along the way I made new friends and memories I won’t soon forget.”

Walla plans to take students on the professional networking experience in the future. “I hope this event was successful for the CBJ team. I very much see value in continuing to expose students to the world professional sports broadcasting.”