BVTV uses student production facilities to cover student sports

Gone are the days of cumbersome video tape reels — think early 1970s — and television monitors standing on stilts that had students squinting their eyes at the back of the classroom.

Technological advances over the past 50 years have made classroom audio/visual learning much more comprehensive as well as entertaining. It has also allowed the potential to launch careers in multi-media.

The 21^st century has arrived in full force with endless possibilities.

Enter BVTV, part of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Multimedia Program at Bonita Vista High School that offers a structured, multi-level pathway for students passionate about digital media, live event production and virtual production.

Unlike a club, BVTV is a comprehensive three-year series of project-based learning classes designed to equip students with real-world skills necessary for success in today’s media landscape, according to BVHS CTE multimedia teacher/advisor Hugo Martinez.

“Through the BVHS CTE Multimedia Program, students gain hands-on experience and a deep understanding of production techniques that prepare them for a variety of career paths from sports journalism to the forefront of virtual production,” Martinez said.

The program’s multimedia pathway begins with the “Introduction to Multimedia” level where students learn essential skills in content creation, social media production, video production, podcasting and graphic design with an industry-focused approach. In the second level, “TV & Film Production,” students dive into live event broadcasting and storytelling through a professional workflow.

Students are responsible for producing a school news broadcast using live event production techniques that airs twice a week.

The program also features a unique virtual production honors cass, making Bonita Vista High School the only high school in the nation to offer a virtual production course based on live event production techniques, according to Martinez.

This class utilizes cutting-edge technology — similar to that used in top-level Hollywood productions — to merge real-time footage with virtual environments.

“This experience provides students with insight into one of the fastest-growing areas of film and media, allowing them to gain hands-on experience with technology that many encounter only at the college or professional levels,” Martinez said. “This skill set is incredibly valuable and opens doors to various opportunities in film, broadcasting, virtual events, and immersive media experiences.”

For students seeking even more specialized education, the pathway includes an IB Film course that adds a global perspective, focusing on film theory and production with an internationally recognized curriculum. Completing the pathway leads to articulated college credits, honors recognition, and special graduation distinctions, equipping students with high-demand skills and a competitive edge in the digital media industry.

At any level, students can participate in the Livestreaming Internship Program, where they cover school events, such as sports games, and operate advanced equipment, gaining valuable skills for future careers in sports journalism, media production or live event production.

The crew from BVTV broadcasted live from the school’s stadium for the Barons’ Oct. 10 Metro Conference football game against the visiting Mar Vista Mariners. The BVTV crew included primary anchors Wyatt Schneidau and Gabriel Hunt and secondary anchor Guillermo Smith to cover the non-league contest.

The BVTV crew was back live from the school’s gymnasium for a Metro-South Bay League boys basketball game against Southwest High School on Jan. 17 and April 30 for a Metro-Mesa League boys volleyball game against arch rival Eastlake High School.

Junior Jaden Williamson served as line producer for the football game while sophomore Daniel Estill was on hand as a co-producer for the basketball contest.

What makes BVTV unique is that it’s almost entirely run by students. Martinez serves as advisor, but students primarily do all the hands-on work, which proves valuable in gaining work experience in the field.

“It’s basically all-student run,” Williamson said. “We have very little involvement with administrators. It’s very student-driven.”

BVTV produces a weekly program run by students on informational news and school events mixed in with fun facts.

Sports programming includes pre-game and post-game shows, general commentary and graphics.

“We basically take the cutting-edge technology that is available to us,” Williamson said. “We have robotic cameras and studio-quality gear.”

For broadcasts, a minimum of three cameras are used along with four anchors, two field reporters and another field anchor.

Besides football games, BVTV broadcasts also include on-campus basketball, field hockey, flag football and baseball games.

“We can basically do any sport we want because the technology we have is so adaptable,” Williamson said.

All broadcasts are archived on YouTube (www.bvtvcrew.wixsite.com).

“I really enjoy being involved here at BVTV,” Estill said. “One of our goals is to expand beyond our high school so we can bring in a wider viewing audience in the community.”

BVTV has existed since the 1990s and since 2016 in its current format. This is the first year a live stream intern program is being offered.

A dedicated new multi-story studio is in the process of being built between the gymnasium and stadium that will share space with other campus programs (visual and performing arts, dance) that will help take the BVTV program to a new level of professional production standards.

The program is already producing dividends.

Uriel Lopez, a BVTV producer last year, is currently studying at the prestigious Los Angeles Film School.

Bonita Vista High School recently hosted its CTE Advanced Multimedia Showcase celebrating the work of student storytellers, filmmakers and innovators from short films and livestreams to sportscasting and virtual production.

“Since my arrival to Bonita Vista High School, I have been so impressed with the quality of work coming out from this program,” Bonita Vista principal Lee Romero underscored. “BVTV attends every school event and captures the essence of Baron Pride. Their tireless work does not go unnoticed.”