What I learned in Boston...

A few observations from the Boston JEA/NSPA Convention last week.

Representing MO on the Green Monster.

1. Red Sox fans are incredibly nice. 
I was the guy who wore a Cardinals cap on the tour of Fenway Park two weeks after the World Series. I expected a good-natured jab here or there, or at least a few sideways glances. That was not the case. Every single Boston fan I met seemed genuinely grateful for our visit. Way to keep it classy, Boston.

Bootcamp students practicing focus statements.

2. Video journalism is alive and well in our nation's high schools.
This is no doubt because of the countless advisors who sacrifice their time and energy, teaching their students the HOWS and WHYS of broadcasting. Year after year we get to see broadcast journalism teachers grow and improve at our summer workshops. This past week we got to meet some of their students and see how these teachers have taken what they've learned at our workshop and done the far more difficult task of instilling it into the culture of their classrooms. Well done, advisors. You have ridiculously high standards for your kids and they're better for it.

Dave Davis on investigative news packages.

3. Students are hungry for craft.
Every session we taught last week was packed from wall to wall. The room was so full that several people were turned away because the number of people standing along the wall made it impossible to open the door. The reason is simple: There is an abundance of technology and a scarcity of technique. Most students are carrying HD video cameras in their front pockets. The novelty of shooting video is gone. Now is the time to focus on great content and the craft of visual storytelling.

PS: Here's a download link to our "Intro to Videography" Keynote presentation.