Radio/Television/FilmRTVF 145 - Advanced Television:
Media Action Projects Hofstra (MAP Hofstra)
Course Description:
Design and development of communication systems for nonbroadcast purposes. This course focuses on writing, researching, planning, and producing programs for nonprofit and community-based organizations with specific needs and audiences. Working with clients, students develop an understanding of how media productions can assist in community outreach and action.
Student producers:
- "…this gave me a great understanding of the real TV world and what to expect – something I will hold onto as I enter the job market…" Jonathon Keslow, '11
- "…This class was an invaluable experience to me as I near graduation. The fact that I got to work with a client and had to cater to his needs instead of my own or a professor’s was a great skill to learn…" Ryan Finkelestein, '11
- "…looking back on this semester I learned a ton of practical skills for working with a client to produce worthwhile content that makes a difference…" Christine Shahidi, '11
- "…I really learned how to deal with different types of personalities and work styles…and how to communicate effectively with a client to get a mutually desired outcome…" Christina Leprine '11
I love a teaching environment that creates a win, win, win situation…
First and foremost a win for the student as we set up a real world experience that allows the students the opportunity to work with nonprofit organizations and truly make a difference with their projects. The students collaborate with the organizations to write, design and help implement media that fit specific needs. Truly a real world experience and setting.
Second, a win for the nonprofit organization that has access to the talent and skill level that our students possess. Many of these organizations are able to fill a communication need that they may otherwise not be able to realize because of time and budget constraints.
Third, the University wins as this creates a model that Hofstra University prides itself in as a part of their community outreach.
- Douglas Morrow – Associate Professor Dept. Radio/Television/Film
Click on a client to view the video projects and get more information about the class.
Long Island Alzheimer's Foundation
“…First of all, the students were highly professional. They were respectful, kind and empathetic to our Alzheimer’s participants, family caregivers and LIAF staff. They were really concerned and committed to getting things just right and conveying the message of the agency clearly and in a compelling fashion. And they did just that!”
-Fred Jenny, Executive Director
Project synopsis: Our video will give the viewer insight into the personal side of Alzheimer’s along with information about what the organization can offer. We want to appeal to both families and donors with a short PSA.
Producer's Feedback: “We worked closely with the client in order to create a piece that could actually be of use to their organization. With the help of our clients we got very descriptive and to-the-second critiques on our rough cuts…They were just as invested in this project as I was and it really paid off. I will take this experience with me into the television world and for the rest of my life.”
-Christina Leprine, ‘11
Theatre Three
“…I take this opportunity to thank you for a wonderful experience. The time, energy and talent that went into the creation of the media promotion for our educational touring program were deeply appreciated…we received only the most positive feedback…”
-Jeffrey Sanzel, Executive Artistic Director
Project synopsis: Our 2:30 second pitch video will focus on Theatre Three’s touring children’s program. They will be able to send it to school districts and post it to their website as a tool to recruit more clients. We will use footage from their shows along with interviews with the executive artistic director, actors and educators who have hosted the programs.
Producer's Feedback: “Working with Theatre Three was amazing. Jeff Sanzel had a very specific idea of what he wanted. The actors were incredibly willing to help us get any b-roll we needed and were passionate during their interviews. Overall, I learned a lot about how to produce for a client and will definitely be able to use this mindset on projects in the future.”
-Ross Greenberg, ‘11
Sustainable South Bronx
“…Thank you all for working so diligently together to produce pieces that illustrate our three program areas and the policy work that ties them together. You were able to negotiate the challenges of NGO scheduling and communications needs as we went along; and you were responsive to our needs in the final editing process.”
-Rebecca Manski, SSBx Communications
Project synopsis: We will do three web videos highlighting some of Sustainable South Bronx’s flagship programs, each about two minutes long. They will be vignette style and appeal to the South Bronx community and policy makers. The videos will be factual but also provide a connection with the viewer through the interview subjects’ personal stories.
Producer's Feedback: “They were excited to work with us. We didn’t know initially what to expect but were surprised with how dedicated their volunteers were and how willing they were to share their stories with us. We found it challenging to coordinate schedules, shoot dates and interview subjects because of the sheer number of working parts Sustainable South Bronx has but…everyone has a vested interest in seeing their community improve.”
-Luke Moseley, ‘11
Guide Dog Foundation
“…It was a pleasure to watch the process from concept to filming to finished product. I was impressed by your professionalism when dealing with our staff, volunteers and students.”
-William A. Krol, Communications Manager
Project synopsis: We plan to shoot three video pieces for the Foundation’s website. One of them will be a PSA to promote the need for people to raise puppies as future guide dogs.
Producer's Feedback: “Through working with Bill and everybody at the Guide Dog Foundation I learned how much goes into building client relationships and keeping them going. I think we made the vision come to life and created pieces that they can use for many years to come. I am proud of the work that was put into this and it is wonderful that we were able to help them out.”
-Nancy Wolfe, ‘11
