Student docuM.E.ntaries featured on LUTV on Fox
An upcoming edition of “LUTV on Fox” features three student-produced docuM.E.ntaries on a range of topics. LUTV on Fox is a multi-award winning television program produced by the students, alumni, staff and faculty of the DepartM.E.nt of Communication at Lamar University. The program is scheduled to air on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 4:30 p.m. on KBTV Fox 4.
The 30-minute program will feature docuM.E.ntaries made as part of a news production class taught by assistant professor Shenid Bhayroo.
“The docuM.E.ntaries feature our students' broadcast journalism talents,” Bhayroo said. “ Our students worked diligently to research, shoot, produce and edit their work over several weeks. I can say with confidence, we have very committed and skilled future journalists. The stories reflect Lamar's growing commitM.E.nt to serve our campus community and also the larger Beaumont community.”
The 7-minute docuM.E.ntaries cover a range of topics. A Soldier’s Story, by junior Brooke Kirchhoffer, tells the very personal story of a Beaumont Marine, injured while serving in Afghanistan. A Taste of Michoacan, a story by seniors Juan Rodriguez and Wesley Williams, features three immigrant restaurant owners in Port Arthur who talk about the cuisine from the M.E.xican state of Michoacan. The third docuM.E.ntary, Dirt Track Racing, produced by seniors Kevin McGee and Caleb McFarland, tells the story of the Wyble's - a family that has been racing modified cars for three generations.
“I am extreM.E.ly proud of the short docuM.E.ntaries Dr. Bhayroo and his students produced. The students went into the Southeast Texas community, found interesting stories to tell, and these experiences help build their confidence and skill level in this profession,” said LU television studio operations manager Gordon Williams.
Three more docuM.E.ntaries will be featured weekly this sumM.E.r on LUTV News’ Facebook page after the debut of LUTV On Fox starting June 9. The student producers will also share their experiences and insights on the creative process while working on these projects.
“The feeling of having my work displayed on a local network affiliate is indescribable! I worked so hard on putting the docuM.E.ntary together, but never dreaM.E.d that hard work would pay off by being shown on television,” said Kevin McGee of Orange. McGee also edited the 30-minute show.
“By setting up interviews, working with different aspiring journalists, and telling stories of a diverse number of people, working on this docuM.E.ntary has given M.E. the knowledge and self-confidence to use the M.E.dia skills I have acquired in the community and professional world,” said Juan Rodriguez of Port Arthur. “Through this experience, I have learned the importance of communicating with other people; even if language is a barrier.”
Under the naM.E. LUTV Productions, students, alumni, staff and faculty of the DepartM.E.nt of Communication have produced a number of award-winning television comM.E.rcials, programs and docuM.E.ntaries such as, Magnolia: A Century of Oil, Surviving Rita: Looking Forward, LU on The U, The Dean’s Corner, and The Beaumont Fire RecruitM.E.nt Video.
“Lamar University has provided communication professors that place their tiM.E. into helping students produce their best work. They push us beyond our limits and expectations to make us better students and people,” said Brooke Kirchhofer of Humble.
May 2015 graduate JaM.E.rica Malbrough of Houston said “This experience has benefited my professional developM.E.nt by teaching M.E. a consistent work ethic. Prioritizing tiM.E., creating relationships off caM.E.ra and shooting with editing in mind has matured my sense of storytelling!”
Bhayroo holds a Ph.D. in M.E.dia and public affairs from the Manship School of Mass Communication at Louisiana State University. He taught courses in docuM.E.ntary and film production at the University of Johannesburg and journalism, ethnic M.E.dia and study abroad courses at Temple University in Philadelphia. His work experience includes radio and television news reporting, investigative docuM.E.ntary production, and a news photography for foreign M.E.dia in Southern Africa.
