Last month, members of the Dodge College community descended on Las Vegas for the annual National Association of Broadcasters Show (NAB). With nearly 1,000,000 net-square-feet in exhibit space and over 1,700 exhibiting companies to explore, NAB is “the world’s largest annual convention encompassing the convergence of media, entertainment and technology.”

For Dodge students the annual conference is a hands-on learning opportunity as well as a crash course in industry nomenclature as Cai Yi (MFA/Film Production ’17) and Nicole Renard (BFA/Television and Broadcast Journalism ’17) experienced as participants of the Sony NAB Student Experience. Arriving pre-show, the pair endured a half day of training to prepare them for the rush of inquisitive attendees roaming the show floor. Yi, a cinematography emphasis, was assigned to work the live television camera display area where he had the opportunity to “meet new people, not only from the industry but students from other universities” while learning “so many different things in such a short amount of time.”

As Yi demonstrated the capabilities of Sony’s cameras, Renard split her time between the monitors and compact studio areas. While the technical aspect of the monitors was admittedly a bit over her head – “I’ve never had to know technical stuff very much in terms of monitors as we don’t use this type in broadcast” – Renard hit her stride in the compact studio where she was able to put to use what she has learned in the Broadcast Journalism program to produce a mini live show, including conducting interviews. Renard was the first Sony student to conduct a live broadcast of the company’s booth for its online audiences this year. “That’s what I want to do, I want to host and interview and be on camera so that was really cool to have the opportunity to do what I enjoy,” says Renard.

For those students considering applying for the experience next year, Renard suggests taking the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “If you’re open minded and want to expand your skill set and network, then this is a great opportunity for that. It affords a chance to grow your network, with industry professionals and students alike.”

Also in attendance at this year’s conference were Chapman alumni Bianca Halpern ’07 and Gillian Munro ’07 who were scouting equipment for Halpern’s new project – an equipment rental house in Los Angeles that will provide students/alumni with access to affordable lenses and camera packages. “I want to help the DP’s and directors that are just starting out by providing access to gear,” says Halpern. She is also providing an area for children in an effort to make the business “a bit more family friendly.” Munro accompanied Halpern has a creative consultant for her business.

Staff members also attended the show to ensure students have access to the very best equipment and technology on the market.  “We’re buying a lot of stuff this year,” says Goldroom Manager Nick Peterson. Peterson went to check out the LED light panel technology that has improved significantly to the point where they are “finally decent” to begin seriously investing in; and to check out battery replacements with features including additional outputs for powering accessories.

“We always keep our stuff up to date so we stay ahead of the curve. We pride ourselves on being able to offer state-of-the-art equipment (mostly) across the board and after this year predominately across the board.”