By Ashley Griffith
ORLANDO, Fla.,--Dan Shepherd, Freelance Field Producer, visited Valencia Community College Thursday to give Journalism students an insight into his career as a freelance field producer.
Shepherd has gone from photographer for NBC and CBS to freelance producer for a variety of clientele including NBC news, CNN, ESPN, The Today Show, Good Morning America, ABC News, CBS news and The Oprah Winfrey Show.
Shepherd graduated from Oklahoma University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism in 1986. He claims “persistence in this industry is important,” so while in Oklahoma, Shepherd actively pursued and obtained an internship for his first-hand experience in Journalism.
Shepherd landed his first job in Tulsa as a photographer/tape editor for KJRH (NBC) from 1984 to 1987, which included daily coverage of news, spot news, live-truck operations and video-tape editing.
“Be ready for anything in this business,” said Shepherd. Staying true to his word, Shepherd moved from Tulsa, Oklahoma to Orlando, Florida and landed a job at CBS from 1987 to 1990. While the responsibilities were the same as his previous job, Shepherd claims “local TV is a great training ground.”
Shepherd worked for CBS in Orlando then Tampa, Florida for 7 years.
In 1994 Shepherd began freelance work in Orlando. He was a photographer, audio, and field producer for a variety of clients including NBC News, ABC News, CBS News, A&E Biography, Home Depot TV, and Discovery Channel Canada.
Freelance journalism, while constant work is never guaranteed, is Shepherd’s preferred area of work. Freelance gives you a variety of clients and more freedom in the business.
“You get to do some cool stuff,” said Shepherd.
So how does one land a career as a freelance journalist? “It takes time,” said Shepherd. You have to develop relations with many clients, so you can get work; therefore, staying in contact with former associates is a must.
Although Shepherd’s career requires much traveling, he prefers working freelance as opposed to employment at one news station. Also, many times working freelance involves “making more money,” said Shepherd.
Shepherd’s career has certainly been rewarding. He has received two Emmy nominations: one for his coverage of the 9-11 Terrorist attacks, and the second for his coverage of 2005 Hurricane Katrina.
Shepherd clearly has a passion for the journalism industry, and his achievements have been recognized. “This business changes on a dime, you never know,” said Shepherd.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Casino Night Donations Break Records
ORLANDO, Fla.,--In an effort to raise money for the American Heart Association (AHA), the Valencia Volunteers organized “Casino Night” which took place on the Valencia Community College east campus.
The event took place on September 17 in the cafeteria area. With the help of the Student Government Association, the volunteers boast an all time high attendance rate and record breaking donations.
The volunteers had hopes of raising upwards of $500, so Volunteer Coordinator Yary Garcia was delighted to announce that donations were “over $1, 200,” which broke donation records from past events.
Casino Night is an event put together every year to honor those who have survived and passed away from cardiovascular diseases. “We do this to help build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and strokes,” said Garcia, “We are teaching the student body how easy it is to impact someone’s life.”
Casino Night is the chosen event “simply because it is fun,” claims Garcia. Upon entering the casino, a five dollar donation could be exchanged at the door for five thousand dollars in playing money. Of course more can be donated at one time.
“All the proceeds are being donated to the American Heart Association,” said SGA Vice President Kesheena Lattimore. The donations are being given to the AHA, however, the funds will be “donated at the AHA Heart Walk,” said Garcia, which took place on Saturday in Lockhaven Park.
Along with a variety of prizes, free refreshments and trendy decorations, there were two Roulette tables, four Black Jack tables, one Craps table and two Texas Hold’em tables up for play. Complete with casino dealers, a DJ and plenty of food, Casino Night was a fun atmosphere to just mingle with friends or partake in the games.
Multiple donations received multiple raffles. Some of the prizes included a CD player, DVD player, an iPod and a Wii. Many students heard about the prizes last year, and decided to try their luck with the raffle.
Students were thoroughly enjoying themselves whether they were huddled at tables talking or partaking in the very crowded Texas Hold’em tables. Student Marco Rodriguez claimed “everyone was talking about it,” so he came as a result of “the hype.” Other students were drawn to the donations aspect. “It’s for a great cause,” said student Brittney Reese.
The American Heart Association has been involved in the Valencia Volunteer’s past events for a few years. “I have kept it because the American Heart Association is such a great organization and it’s dear to the students as well as the faculty and staff,” said Garcia.
The event took place on September 17 in the cafeteria area. With the help of the Student Government Association, the volunteers boast an all time high attendance rate and record breaking donations.
The volunteers had hopes of raising upwards of $500, so Volunteer Coordinator Yary Garcia was delighted to announce that donations were “over $1, 200,” which broke donation records from past events.
Casino Night is an event put together every year to honor those who have survived and passed away from cardiovascular diseases. “We do this to help build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and strokes,” said Garcia, “We are teaching the student body how easy it is to impact someone’s life.”
Casino Night is the chosen event “simply because it is fun,” claims Garcia. Upon entering the casino, a five dollar donation could be exchanged at the door for five thousand dollars in playing money. Of course more can be donated at one time.
“All the proceeds are being donated to the American Heart Association,” said SGA Vice President Kesheena Lattimore. The donations are being given to the AHA, however, the funds will be “donated at the AHA Heart Walk,” said Garcia, which took place on Saturday in Lockhaven Park.
Along with a variety of prizes, free refreshments and trendy decorations, there were two Roulette tables, four Black Jack tables, one Craps table and two Texas Hold’em tables up for play. Complete with casino dealers, a DJ and plenty of food, Casino Night was a fun atmosphere to just mingle with friends or partake in the games.
Multiple donations received multiple raffles. Some of the prizes included a CD player, DVD player, an iPod and a Wii. Many students heard about the prizes last year, and decided to try their luck with the raffle.
Students were thoroughly enjoying themselves whether they were huddled at tables talking or partaking in the very crowded Texas Hold’em tables. Student Marco Rodriguez claimed “everyone was talking about it,” so he came as a result of “the hype.” Other students were drawn to the donations aspect. “It’s for a great cause,” said student Brittney Reese.
The American Heart Association has been involved in the Valencia Volunteer’s past events for a few years. “I have kept it because the American Heart Association is such a great organization and it’s dear to the students as well as the faculty and staff,” said Garcia.
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