South Whidbey High School students now have the opportunity to learn camera operation techniques with real-life application thanks to an independent study mentor program developed by WhidbeyTV.

Presently, the group consists of five students who film football games, usually with the assistance of a WhidbeyTV staff member on lead camera. But according to Jeff Greene, graphic design, video production and yearbook instructor at South Whidbey High School, the plan is to eventually film additional events and subjects such as public service announcements, boosters and theater and band performances as well as more sport activities including basketball and volleyball.

Greene said students learn set-up, operation and filming techniques. WhidbeyTV then processes and edits the footage before placing it on the South Whidbey School District station.

“This is stuff that we can’t do in a classroom,” he said. “We’re trying to teach a real world lesson and experience; and hopefully they’re having fun.”

“I think it’s a great opportunity,” said Joe Davies, one of the student program participants. Davies said he would like to pursue a career in acting after high school and is intent upon gaining knowledge of various facets of the media business.

Elli Sandberg noted that although she is unsure what specific career she will pursue, it will almost certainly have to do with media, computers and technology. The digital media program is helping her to obtain the necessary skills prior to graduation.

Cedar Rossel said he would like the opportunity to film the jazz band and perhaps even create a documentary-style reality show.

Greene explained that prior to the WhidbeyTV collaboration, the high school’s only options for sharing its video productions were YouTube or streaming. With the new program, students are able to gain experience using professional equipment and seeing their work broadcast on a local network.

“It’s phenomenal,” said Greene.

Patricia Friedman, director of programming and production at WhidbeyTV, noted that the company believes strongly in community involvement and cooperation.

“What’s so great about this is it is a win-win situation,” she said. “We could have three people come out and shoot this, but it wouldn’t support the community as much as mentoring and inspiring and getting the kids to feel like they are knowledgeable and empowered to go out and create content.”

She added that the goal is to create an avenue for communication both between the Whidbey community and schools and amongst students, teachers and staff members.

“These kids communicate digitally,” she noted, adding that in the new age of digital media, most communication is done via a combination of words and images.

“This is just the beginning of this program,” said Friedman. “We are quite aware that there are a lot of talented people on this island who have experience behind the camera. … This is also a call out to say if there are people who are interested, by all means, reach out. This is only the beginning of this mentor program, and we have a lot of phenomenal people on this island.”