In a time when news travels fast and students are eager to stay informed, the Univision team is responsible for keeping everyone up to date with UHS news in a fun and engaging way. The crew behind the recording and editing do their best to create a frequent news update for all grades. Most of the time, students do not even stop to wonder about the process of making every episode. So, what goes on behind the camera? Below is a behind-the-scenes look at the work and innovation that goes into making Univision a success.
The Team Behind the Screen
Each crew member’s role contributes to the show in various ways, from interviewing students to editing the final touches. The first step to any Univision episode is writing the script, which is a collective effort. Once the script is finalized, the camera crew films the scenes using professional microphones, cameras and lighting to ensure the film is of high quality.
“The key to filming is to always capture the mood on screen,” cinematographer Angi Elias said.
The anchors are the hosts of Univision and deliver the news to the audience. Two anchors are chosen each year based on their charisma and public speaking skills.
Besides the anchors, the Trojans on the Street are also essential members of the Univision cast. Their job is to interview students around campus in a lighthearted and humorous way, adding levity to the show.
While most UHS students are more familiar with the onscreen cast, the editing team is essential to Univision. After all the footage has been shot, the editors shuffle through and cut raw footage. They also add sound effects, graphics and music to craft a well-polished news source for students.
Mrs. Kessler is the foundation of Univision, managing the production and ensuring everything is running smoothly.
“For me, I view her [Mrs. Kessler] as a critic,” Elias said. “She’s very critical and always wants us to improve.”
The Process: From Planning to Production
The process varies depending on each segment, but it all involves creating an idea, filming and sending the footage to be edited. For instance, the anchors create a skit to entertain students while informing them. On the day of filming, the filming crew arrives early to set up equipment before the actors arrive.
“Typically, we start by brainstorming a skit that delivers the news that needs to be given for that upcoming week,” anchor Sam Johnson said. “Afterward, we decide on a setting, go there, and film.”
Interviewing students is a central part of the captivating aspect of Univision.
“If it’s an unscripted interview-type segment then we like to get an angle or two and let the subjects do their thing,” Trojan on the Street Issa Hower-Haken said. “If it is more of a short film, we storyboard what shots and sequencing we want and then film them, directing the actors on what to say and do.”
After filming, editors organize footage based on segments and cut unnecessary clips to only the central moments. The goal is to keep it short and sweet to fit in the short homeroom period. Graphics, visual effects and audio levels add to the show’s professionalism. Sound effects are most often used to emphasize certain moments or dramatize transitions. After editing, the episode is given a final review before being aired and watched by students.
Overcoming Challenges
While every episode that airs seems perfect, production has its fair share of challenges.
“One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced is dealing with the lighting in the rooms, but we were able to overcome it by talking with each other and contributing ideas on how to deal with it to come up with a better result,” Johnson said.
Other challenges include organization, communication and procrastination. However, having a good schedule and communication system allows the Univision crew to complete tasks more efficiently and reduce stress.
Conclusion
Despite its ups and downs, Univision has become an essential resource for the school community. It connects students to weekly events and each other. By providing entertainment and news, Univision encourages students to remain active and engaged in school spirit.
“My favorite part of being on the Univision team is being with a group of people that are all super passionate about what they’re doing and working towards a common goal,” Hower-Haken said. “It is super rewarding to see everyone’s hard work pay off, and it really creates a strong community.”
The passion, dedication and collaboration that goes into every episode ensures that Univision remains a crucial part of UHS.
