3,2,1…We’re Live!
“Hello and welcome to this edition of mornings I’m Elizabeth Chung… and I’m Teagan Pace. Let’s get right into it North Penn!” These are words heard by the NPTV viewing audience on Friday mornings, but behind the camera, there is so much more than what meets the eye.
Walking into the NPTV Studio, one is greeted with the aura of creativity. Students sitting in chairs with headsets strapped to their ears, cameras zooming in and out, and anchors practicing their scripts. North Penn seniors Jaden Phelps and Millie Clarke are taking action when it comes to directing the Morning Show while senior Bryce Pace is using his talents to deliver the news or instruct the camera crew.
Few truly knows what happens behind the scenes to make sure that there is a show to put on.
“From Monday to Thursday, even Friday morning sometimes, we’re writing the script, Mr Gillmer and Mrs. Fakish are giving us information about things that are going around at North Penn, and we’re filming packages, getting footage that we can use for videos and things like that.” Phelps explained.
It’s clear that the preparation for the Morning Show takes more than just the 10 minutes that people see on the screen.
“We have to go to pretty much every event to find something to cover because we want to cover everything that goes on in the school and make sure that everyone sees something about what they do included. It’s a lot of work but it really pays off.” Clarke stated.
The creativity that is shown by these editors and directors is unmatched. Having to come up with entertainment, such as, a Question of the Week and a Dude Report theme could be a struggle for most, but not for this crew.
“So question of the week, if no one submits anything, I try to come up with something that I think would be fun. Sometimes we repeat them from last year because there are some that people love to answer like, What’s your favorite fast food place? Favorite Football Team? stuff like that is usually people’s favorite thing because it gets people passionate about what their talking about and we like to see the excitement.” Clarke explained
“For Dude Report, Rayat and I will come up with an idea and start writing the script and then well ask permission for places to film.” Phelps added.
Not only are they responsible for directing the show, but they also are responsible for the ideas behind the skits and the questions every week. The pressure of putting on a good show doesn’t just lie behind the glass, it most importantly lies with the anchors.
“People ask me ‘Do you get nervous?’ and the answer is yes no matter how many times you do it. And I think that’s a good thing too. I think that’s part of the fun.” Pace expressed.
The practice, which is run 20 minutes before the show, doesn’t always clear away the nerves. But with the support of the staff you have around you, it almost feels like a family that craves to watch you succeed.
“I think the recognition of it. Like the Morning Show is something that everyone sees and it’s something that really can bring everyone together because everyone can see the hard work at the end of the week.” Clarke said.
“I really love the chaos of getting a show ready last second or that adrenaline rush I think that’s probably my favorite thing and I think I get that most from directing,” Phelps stated.
“It’s very collaborative and once you’re there in the moment, it’s like a test of how well you do something and I think it’s a lot of fun!” Pace says.
Every show has a story of how it started and what goes into making a successful show. We’re lucky enough to see the NPTV Morning Show every Friday. Going behind the scenes of NPTV and seeing the process of how they put a show together makes the Morning Show that much more special.