Opinion
‘Focus’ offers students taste of real world
November 8, 2012
Students involved with Focus on U are hoping to raise the show’s awareness on campus.
The show, which is created and produced by UW-River Falls students, brings about several unique opportunities and experiences for viewers and those who are involved in the organization.
Ben Perez, who has been involved with Focus on U for five semesters, chose to get involved to pursue his career aspirations of being a director or writer for a television show. He believes that there was no better way to pursue his interests than to become involved with Focus on U since he has had a great time being involved with the organization.
Perez is looking forward to the season finale of the show, which will occur from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 12 in the Falcon’s Nest at the University Center. He is also excited about the new equipment the show is implementing.
“The new equipment will improve the quality of our show by a long shot,” said Perez.
Hallie Raisanen, executive producer of Focus on U, initially chose to become involved in order to fulfill requirements for her digital film and television major, but has found that her involvement has lead to much greater opportunities than just fulfilling a requirement that she needed to graduate.
Raisanen’s favorite part of being involved with Focus on U is filming the final productions for each show.
“When mistakes are live, you have to work with things as they come. This is the real deal,” said Raisanen.
Perez and Raisanen are presented with challenges since most of the new members are inexperienced, as most of the experienced members graduated last year. However, Raisanen is excited to see what the new group has to offer.
“This year we have fresh blood and new ideas,” said Raisanen.
Students who choose to get involved with Focus on U have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience behind the scenes and in front of the camera.
The students have the opportunity to write for the show, act, operate television equipment and edit video.
“While the equipment is a bit low key and low budget, it is the same thing as the professional television industry, just with different equipment,” said Perez.
Perez encourages students to watch the show to become more connected with campus.
He explained that the show features a wide variety of campus interests, including organization, athletics and social events which students can learn more about by watching the show.
He also thinks that it is important for UWRF students to view the work of their fellow students.
“The show deserves to be watched,” said Perez.
Raisanen also encourages viewers to like the “Focus on U” Facebook page and provide feedback so that the show can better represent campus. The show airs every day at 9 a.m., 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. on channel 19.
Nicole Hovatter is a student at UW-River Falls.