Holliston Resident Interning at Framingham Cable Access TV

Four juniors are learning video production skills through hands-on experience at their internships at (FPAC).

The internship opportunities were coordinated by FPAC Executive Director Bill McColgan, Keefe Tech Superintendent James Lynch, and School Committee member and FPAC Board of Directors member John Kahn.

“We sat down and discussed creating a community partnership between our organizations,” said McColgan. “We thought that creating these internship opportunities were a great first step.”

Daniel Coelho, Hugo DeAlmeida and Matt Rivers of Framingham and Brad Naugler of Holliston were chosen as student interns by Keefe administrators based on recommendations from their teachers.

Keefe Tech School Admissions Counselor Faith Chrisom facilitated the internship schedules, arranging for the students to work in teams of two for one five-hour day each week.

“This was a great opportunity for our students to gain real work experience while also giving back to the community,” said Chrisom.

The four students began their internships in March, and are responsible for assisting in the production of programs about Framingham, public service announcements, studio productions for cablecast on FPAC-TV and coverage of community events and sports.

They received hands-on training in everything from taking simple inventory and computer IT work to setting up camera and audio equipment and utilizing the equipment for shoots in-studio and in the field. They have also been involved with projects at every level of production, including using Final Cut Pro software for editing.

“They get the full scope of what it takes to create and broadcast programs,” explained FPAC Operations Manager Paul Cintolo. “It brings the artistic and technical aspects of the work together.”

“I’m really interested in the communications field, and this internship has given me the opportunity to work at a small business in a fast paced environment where I’m learning how to manage my time,” said Rivers.

Students worked on the production of Bate Papo, a Brazilian-language talk show that airs on FPAC-TV, helping with set-up for lighting, audio and microphone lines, camera equipment and the character generator.

They also assisted in running a training workshop and attended the first annual event in March to help capture A-roll and B-roll video footage.

Currently, they are helping to rewire the FPAC production truck, which is used for various on-location shoots.

“The students have been a tremendous positive influence at FPAC,” said Cintolo. “It’s a win-win situation; they’re helping us and we’re helping them.”

“It’s been valuable to gain an understanding of how to maintain professionalism at all times," said Naugler. "You have to be ready for anything and have an open mind."

“These four interns have been an absolute pleasure to have," said McColgan. "They are a terrific reflection on Keefe Tech, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them in the future."