Make way for Director Paul Callender

Jillian Phillips, Communications Editor|November 7, 2018

Jillian Phillips

The man behind the Morning Show! Technical Director Paul Callender captured in his natural habitat.

TOWAMENCIN- Every Friday, North Penn High School students and staff look forward to the weekly Morning Show. But do we ever think about who the people are behind it?

From the time he was a child, “Director Paul Callender” has been drawn to the magic behind each and every camera.

“In second grade, I had a camcorder and Moviemaker. I would get the camcorder and I would take pictures individually of a Lego mini figure, and then every second move the arm and do a stop motion video.  I would be doing that in second grade, so I didn’t have the patience and knowledge. I didn’t know that you need to have it at a certain speed to make it look like it wasn’t choppy,” explained Callender when reflecting upon the year that sparked his passion.

Callender’s middle school, Penndale, allowed him to fully wetten his feet with film for the first time. Callender was apart of the Tech Crew for the school’s theatre productions, as well as Penndale TV. When entering the high school, Callender was eager for the opportunities North Penn has to offer.

“I got into Mr. Berger’s broadcasting class, where I actually got experience editing with professional software. I stepped up from the Lego mini figures and camcorder,” Callender laughed, “especially with North Penn Television, I’ve realized the creative freedom you have. Growing up I’ve always seen movies and I’d think,’man, I want to make something like that’. That’s how I got hooked in.” 

In just his first year of NPTV, Callender was in charge of basic jobs, such as camera and graphics. As a senior, Callender proudly wears the title of Technical Director. One of the NPHS student’s first duties of the year was Morning Show auditions. He enjoys working with his fellow NPTV classmates to write and edit superior segments for the show.

“We all contribute in some way, shape, or form. I wrote the Low Down, and Question of the Week. It is a lot, but ultimately I think we all bounce off each other. Recently I was writing something and I was recording the voiceover and Mrs. Faikish was like, ‘wait, stop, hold on! Don’t start this with a date! Quick, fix it!’. So we definitely bounce off each other. It’s definitely a team effort” explained Callender.

This year the NPHS senior is given the opportunity to put more of his passion into his schedule through Career Study with Mr. Gillmer and Mrs. Faikish. Upon entering his last year of high school, Callender is determined to learn even more before turning off the cameras.

“Mr. Gillmer has taught me a lot about television production and editing. Mr. Berger has done a lot with teaching me the basics with the software. I want to learn on not necessarily doing things to make myself look good, but to serve the show and focus more on coming after school, editing something, or even being there when someone else can’t. I’d also like to get better with technology” Callender reflected.

Callender’s passion for film is accompanied along with a passion for music. The NPHS senior has been apart of North Penn’s music program since elementary school, and continues to play instruments every day.

“I’ve been involved in band since fifth grade. Guitar, I picked up outside of band. I’ve been doing solo performers with Mr. Tumolo so that’s why I have my guitar right now. I do mostly guitar, but if I wanted to rotate to bass or drums I could” explained Callender.

His endless love for music is what initially inspired Callender to lead his church’s teen worship band with other NPHS students. By bringing two passions together, film and music, Callender began live streaming the services for those unable to attend on Sunday.

“We would set up cameras and I would live direct that. I would take some of the experience that I have from here [NPHS], like directing a live show, and bring that to there. We only got maybe like five or six people watching every week, but those five or six people appreciate it” said Callender.

It is common for musicians to have one instrument they primarily practice, but Callender excels beyond limitations and enjoys exploring with many different sounds.

“I play whatever is needed because I can play pretty much all of the instruments needed. Guitar, bass, cohoon. I can kind of sing! I’m still refining that. I’ve been doing everything. My favorite is probably the electric guitar” chimed Callender.

Amidst all of these activities, Callender also is the president of the Christian Club, maintains a job at Freddy Hill Farm, as well as “eating, homework and sleeping” the NPHS senior added with a laugh.

With a wide variety of passions, Callender is forced to decide upon what he will do for the rest of his life after graduation in June.

“I definitely want to apply this stuff, because everything I’ve learned here with TV has been really valuable. Same goes with music, everything I’ve learned through North Penn and figuring out myself. I definitely want to apply both of those things, but I think chiefly I want to make it more towards ministry and getting involved in the church. Maybe even working for the church and doing these things” remarked Callender.

This Friday after the pledge, take a moment to recognize the hard work and dedication that is put into crafting the Morning Show. Take a moment to appreciate the students, like Paul Callender, that go above and beyond in all that they do.