BEMA’s Tools of the Trade Show Connects Theory with Hands-On Industry Training
The Broadcast Electronic Media Arts Department recently held its third Tools of the Trade event at Rosenberg Library.
By Qi Mai
The Broadcast Electronic Media Arts Department recently held its third Tools of the Trade event at Rosenberg Library.
Representatives from five companies — Lumix (Panasonic), Sony, Sigma, Tilta, and Bright Tangerine — showcased their most advanced media devices to broadcasting students.
BEMA Chair Misha Antonich stated that this event provides students with a rare and incredible opportunity to learn about current media equipment. It’s a one-stop mini trade show for students pursuing freelance careers where they can see professional media devices.
Lumix and Sony demonstrated still and video cameras, Sigma presented over 35 lenses, Tilta showcased rigs and camera supports, and Bright Tangerine demonstrated matte boxes and camera support. Blackmagic Design, based in Burbank, California, brought video cameras, monitors, audio equipment, video switchers, and DaVinci Resolve.
The DaVinci Resolve panel was a significant highlight of the show. “Students should definitely know about DaVinci Resolve. It’s an excellent way to get started with a free application where you can do editing, color correction, visual effects, motion graphics, and audio post-production all in one software,” said Kendall Eckman of Blackmagic Design. “The students seem very interested and ask great questions. We hope we can help guide them in a professional direction.”
Student Esther Mondesir, who recently completed her Television Production Certificate, said, “It’s really cool to join the event and see all the new equipment. At school, we have some app downloads available, but this is a great place to learn about new devices.”
Zia Hoskins, an education marketing representative for B&H Photo Video, which has an excellent student discount program, shared her thoughts: “I see a lot of passionate students here, and I’m impressed by their level of knowledge and dedication. This is a fantastic program, and it’s always a pleasure to be part of it. I look forward to being back next year.”
The Tools of the Trade began after Antonich attended a large media show in Las Vegas and thought to organize a similar event at City College. His idea was to create a “mini trade show for students,” combining theory and practice to help students understand classroom knowledge and gain hands-on experience. In 2021, he invited several companies to join the first mini-show.
“This year, I’m thrilled that our students could experience different types of cameras, lenses, software, and hardware,” said Antonich. “It’s always wonderful to see their enthusiasm.”
Widening the Signal
Beyond this year’s trade show, BEMA students are provided many opportunities to attend seminars and network with industry professionals.
Department Chair Antonich or Instructor Dana Jae Labrecque also takes students to the monthly Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers networking events in Oakland, where they meet media, technology and engineering professionals.
Two other major events the BEMA students attend are the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) trade show in Las Vegas each April and the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Show for audio each January. NAB is the largest media entertainment trade show in North America and features major industry players, such as the NFL, NBC and Sony.
Antonich is excited to send select students to this prestigious event, where they can network with industry leaders and gain insights into the latest media technologies. “It is the biggest audio and video media entertainment trade show in North America. This year, we have eight students going, and they will be talking to professionals.”
The professional training and industry experience BEMA students receive during their time at City College not only sharpens their skills, but also lays a strong foundation for their future careers.
“In a world where content creation is booming, the BEMA program gave me the confidence and knowledge to pursue my career, knowing I have a solid foundation to build on,” former student Greg Gazzano said. Gazzano is now working as a Video Producer at Apple.
