The 23rd April saw the first Visual Impact Academy Boot Campcourse, in partnership with the Cape Film Commission (CFC), Cape PeninsulaUniversity of Technology (CPUT), and Africa Soccer Media.

Students arrived bright and early on a chilly Thursdaymorning with much excitement and anticipation. Among these students was thefirst batch of previously disadvantaged individuals sponsored by the CFC, whoarrived along with the others with the aim of being trained to work asbroadcast assistants for 2010.

The four-day course covered a range of theoretical topicsincluding an overview of pre-production, production and post-production; setetiquette; communication skills; terminology; and interpersonal communication.Following this the students engaged in practical training in ENG (electronicnews gathering) and SNG (satellite news gathering) assisting, such as gearchecks; camera and tripod set-up, camera set-up; 3-point lighting; audioset-up; and cable management. Students were taught about satellite links and weretaken on a field trip to Dimension TV where an expert put theory into practicewith SNG. They were also taught GPS navigation and were given the opportunityto navigate around the streets in Gardens with a GPS. One student said ?I likedthe practical because it is rare to have an opportunity to handle suchexpensive equipment?, and another said ?The lecturers are energetic andpassionate about what they are teaching?.

On the final day of the course the students were evaluatedin the form of a theoretical and a practical test. Assessors from industry andeducational institutions formed part of the rigorous practical assessmentprocess. The students were asked to perform tasks that a typical ENG and SNGassistant performs. Those who amid the grade will be sized with a certificatedetailing what they were able to do practically. Another great incentive isthat everyone who passes the course will get a chance to register on the AfricaSoccer Media portal, as well as VI Academy and CFC websites, which will putthem in contact with international and local broadcasters for 2010. The top 32students are also in line to get a chance at working with major internationalbroadcasters.

All in all the first boot camp course was a great success.One student commented: ?I liked the way the lecturer made the class participate? they were very professional?, while another said that ?the lecturers knowwhat they are talking about and are well experienced, and that the course waswell planned and structured ? well worth it?. The VI Academy is looking forwardto its next course that starts on 7 May.

http://www.visuals.tv/Visual_Impact_2010_Initiative.asp