New Video Production Studio Inspires Creativity and Collaboration at Croton-Harmon High School

Croton-Harmon High School (CHHS) students recently celebrated the grand reopening of their revamped video production studio, a key upgrade completed as part of the District’s Future Facilities Project initiative. The redesigned space boasts a spacious studio and state-of-the-art control room, located adjacent to another classroom for independent planning and collaboration.  

Not every high school offers video production electives, and CHHS students clearly appreciate the opportunity they've been given. Students enrolled in these courses eagerly anticipate their classes, often citing them as the highlight of their day. The renovations have amplified this enthusiasm, providing students with a dynamic space to hone their craft.

“This new space is so much larger, which will be great for teaching other students how to use the equipment and prepare for CH-TV,” said Robbie, a senior involved in the school’s broadcast program. “In the old space, you couldn’t fit nearly this many people and had to wait to do your work.” Fellow senior Gabe added, “The new space will allow us to move faster and be more creative.”

Assistant Superintendent of Business Denise Harrington Cohen said that the Video production studio demonstrates how the district is fulfilling the promise of the Future Facilities Project. “A key aspect of the FFP is to create student learning spaces that allow for collaboration, creativity, and future-driven teaching and learning,” said Ms. Harrington-Cohen. “The enhancements to the video production studio foster an environment that encourages greater student collaboration and teamwork.” 

CHHS offers three levels of video production courses: Video Production 1, 2, and 3. These classes are designed to equip students with a broad range of skills, from technical expertise and production skills to teamwork and storytelling. Students work their way through the Video Production classes and the majority of students who have chosen to take VP3—the most advanced level—plan to pursue production or film-related studies in college. Senior Aaron emphasized the practical skills gained through the program, saying, “This class teaches us how to work together. We have to brainstorm different ideas and then agree on what we want to do with the added pressure of a deadline.”

Autonomy is a key feature of the curriculum, particularly for VP3 students. They are able to take the camera around the building to identify compelling stories and film in an on-studio setting.  Video Production teacher George Aponte, who joined CHHS this year, recognizes the importance of students earning independence and taking pride in their work. “The students take ownership of their roles, especially when VP3 students mentor those in VP2. They are learning while they are teaching,” he explained.

Students in VP 1 and 2 also engage in projects designed to mirror real industry scenarios, complete with tight deadlines. They partner to come up with compelling concepts, write scripts, develop storyboards, and film segments, including commercials and music videos. In the studio and classroom, they utilize sophisticated tools like Canon DSLR cameras, Rode wireless and shotgun microphones, and Final Cut Pro X, which provides hands-on experience in video production and editing. 

Mr. Aponte is also excited about the professional-grade experience the studio offers. “The hands-on work in this space is transferable to virtually any news studio. If any of these students want a job in news, they should be able to walk in and know their way around. They’re already doing the work,” he said.

They write scripts, develop storyboards, and collaborate as teams to tackle projects designed to mirror real industry scenarios, complete with tight deadlines. Utilizing professional tools like Canon DSLR cameras, Rode wireless and shotgun microphones, and Final Cut Pro X, students gain hands-on experience in video production and editing, preparing them for careers in film, television, and media.

As students and staff adjust to the new facility, they are eager to maximize its potential. Live CH-TV segments, a cornerstone of the program, will soon be produced in the upgraded space. Robbie summed up the work ethic instilled by the class: “One of the main things you learn in this class is about deadlines. When the show is going live, there’s no extension.”

With its innovative design and enhanced functionality, the new video production will inspire creativity and prepare students for future success in media and beyond.

CH-TV can be found on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CHTVCroton. We hope you’ll take a few minutes to check it out!