James Coleman
Samalya Thenuwara
Videographer
NSPA Broadcast Journalist of the Year Portfolio
NSPA Broadcast Journalist of the Year Portfolio
Personal Statement
When I first joined my high school publication, West Side Story, I never imagined that I would become its broadcast editor-in-chief. I had never shot or edited a piece of video and a broadcast section was not even in existence. In two short years, I had fallen in love with shooting b-roll and had become the first broadcast editor-in-chief in the history of the publication.
In my first year on the West Side Story, I was the editing the feature section. It was a very mundane experience but a very comfortable one. When a story floated my way about a student, Simone, who couldn’t speak due to Rett Syndrome, I realized that an article just wouldn’t work. I would need a video. I taught myself how to use a camera and edit video which I found came more naturally to me than writing. I dubbed my short yet in-depth profile on Simone a “mini-documentary” which was a unique addition to the plethora of coverage in our publication. This was a step outside my comfort zone but I was happy with what I found.
I really liked making videos so much I was proclaimed an honorary videographer. It became all I did the rest of the year and I knew it was what I wanted to do in the future. The formation of a broadcast section felt like the stars aligned for me. I had the honor of being the first Broadcast Editor-in-Chief. I spearheaded this new chapter of the publication and, with time and experience, made many changes to my leadership style.
I created the first official set of guidelines for videos and trained the new videographers. Requirements included using multiple interview angles, making use of tripods, and microphones or external recording devices I hosted boot camps and worked one-on-one with many teammates to improve the videography of our section. In addition to the output of the section, I was also responsible for the section itself. That meant assigning videos and upholding due dates. This was especially difficult because of the time-consuming nature of videos. I figured out a method of assigning videos and news packages that were fair for my fellow videographers. I was also tasked with running the publication’s news biweekly news show. I changed the way we film from adding color coding in the scripts to creating new ways of editing the coverage.
I believe my excitement and devotion to videography helped legitimize its value to my publication. As it is not the traditional way of covering news, its value is sometimes questioned. I could have argued for the merits of video all day long but showed my audience instead. I wanted to make sure people knew that videography combined three senses to make a consumable way of documentation.
These past two years were also a time of personal growth. My desire for the perfect b-roll overpowered my flawed politeness. I became more assertive and learned that if you want something you have to ask for it. With both the tapping and editing process, I learned that patience is fruitful. Finally, and most importantly, I learned that there are passions in life that you can miss if you do not embrace the uncomfortable and explore.
In my first year on the West Side Story, I was the editing the feature section. It was a very mundane experience but a very comfortable one. When a story floated my way about a student, Simone, who couldn’t speak due to Rett Syndrome, I realized that an article just wouldn’t work. I would need a video. I taught myself how to use a camera and edit video which I found came more naturally to me than writing. I dubbed my short yet in-depth profile on Simone a “mini-documentary” which was a unique addition to the plethora of coverage in our publication. This was a step outside my comfort zone but I was happy with what I found.
I really liked making videos so much I was proclaimed an honorary videographer. It became all I did the rest of the year and I knew it was what I wanted to do in the future. The formation of a broadcast section felt like the stars aligned for me. I had the honor of being the first Broadcast Editor-in-Chief. I spearheaded this new chapter of the publication and, with time and experience, made many changes to my leadership style.
I created the first official set of guidelines for videos and trained the new videographers. Requirements included using multiple interview angles, making use of tripods, and microphones or external recording devices I hosted boot camps and worked one-on-one with many teammates to improve the videography of our section. In addition to the output of the section, I was also responsible for the section itself. That meant assigning videos and upholding due dates. This was especially difficult because of the time-consuming nature of videos. I figured out a method of assigning videos and news packages that were fair for my fellow videographers. I was also tasked with running the publication’s news biweekly news show. I changed the way we film from adding color coding in the scripts to creating new ways of editing the coverage.
I believe my excitement and devotion to videography helped legitimize its value to my publication. As it is not the traditional way of covering news, its value is sometimes questioned. I could have argued for the merits of video all day long but showed my audience instead. I wanted to make sure people knew that videography combined three senses to make a consumable way of documentation.
These past two years were also a time of personal growth. My desire for the perfect b-roll overpowered my flawed politeness. I became more assertive and learned that if you want something you have to ask for it. With both the tapping and editing process, I learned that patience is fruitful. Finally, and most importantly, I learned that there are passions in life that you can miss if you do not embrace the uncomfortable and explore.
Videos
An artist's journey
A hum of voices leaks out of an adjoining doorway in the AP Studio Art classroom. The room used to be a dark room which, deemed obsolete due to the rise of digital cameras, was renovated into a workspace...
Madi Wehmeyer '18 shares her journey as an artist.
published on wsspaper.com 01/25/18
Madi Wehmeyer '18 shares her journey as an artist.
published on wsspaper.com 01/25/18
Fashion Friday: Miranda Medina '18
Her bright blue hair and personalized style express her unique personality. This video follows Miranda Medina '18 as she stylishly parades the colorful city of Iowa City. “[Style is] adding your own little spice to yourself,” Medina said.
published on wsspaper.com 09/03/17
published on wsspaper.com 09/03/17
West High's 50th Anniversary
West High hosts celebration in honor of their 50th year. The event featured live music, faculty (old and new), and a display of the school's history. West Side Story brings you the highlights.
published on wsspaper.com 09/29/17
published on wsspaper.com 09/29/17
Counselor Amy Kanellis retires after a successful career helping students
West Side Story interviewes counselor Amy Kanellis one last time in honor of her retirement. Kanellis elaborates on her path to West High’s guidance office. She touches on her past work as well as her thoughts of the future.
published on wsspaper.com 06/27/17
published on wsspaper.com 06/27/17
Annual Functional Programs Talent Show is a hit
The Best Buddies club hosts its annual Functional Programs Talent Show and Family Night. The night included many performances, ranging from magic tricks to songs, as well as a silent auction. West Side Story brings you the highlights of the fun.
published on wsspaper.com 04/21/17
published on wsspaper.com 04/21/17