Originally from New Orleans, graduating high school at the mere age of 16, there is a new “cowboy” in town, running the GSU TV Center..That cowboy is Alan Blakeney. Blakeney was inspired to work at Grambling State to focus on giving different opportunities to students, as well as himself.
Recently, he has held eight camera workshops and four grip and utility workshops. In just four hours of training, he landed 11 students an outside job making $175.00 a day.
These same workshops have given 16 enthusiastic students paid weekend jobs with ESPN Sports News. Another student recently landed a job at Nifty TV.
When are the workshops? When are the GSU student network meetings? Is it too late to join?
Functions are open to all GSU students whether you’re a mass communication major or not.
Meetings are held every Monday at 4 p.m. in the TV center. Any additional functions are always posted on the bulletin board outside of the TV center offices.
The TV network consists of many jobs. These include, but are not limited to, producers, directors, on-camera talent, reporters, gaffers, grips, electricians, writers and 100 more jobs that he would love to teach students to bring out the TV center.
Blakeney’s objective is for students to develop basic camera, editing and producing skills.
Towards the end of the semester, students will be able to produce viable programming. The center’s biggest handicap right now is equipment.
“There is by no means a lack of desire on the student’s part,” Blakeney stated.
The TV network is currently selling $1.00 raffle tickets for a chance to win one $50 gas card and one $50 Wal-Mart gift card.
The winner will be announced at the Oct.18th homecoming game. Winners do not have to be present to win, but must have the original ticket in order to receive your prize.
All funds raised will be used purchase basic equipment such as: firewire cables, tapes, lights, lamps and other general expendables which are things the center uses on a day to day basis.
Blakeney explained if the center does not have the proper equipment needed, there will be no TV programs that the student body could complete.
Programing will vary, ranging from talk shows to music videos. It will basically be whatever the students desire to compose.
When asked to tell the best thing about working for TV production networks Blakeney said, “TV and film productions are the most fun paid jobs in the world. It is one of the few jobs where you travel with all paid expenses, get paid for doing the job and have a blast doing such.”
Blakeney has seen snow on the Fourth of July and dived the barrier reef in Belize. There’s no greater reward to own than doing something you enjoy and meeting new people all over the world.
Blakeney advises students to take advantage of their resources being presented in the GSU TV network center.
“Don’t everyone come at once,” Blakeney stated. “But everybody does need to come!