Video Crew
The Arkansas 4-H Video Crew is a trained group of senior 4-H members who learn valuable production skills as they work behind the scenes of 4-H events, general sessions, and award ceremonies. Members gain the ability to operate video cameras, production switchers, and other production equipment after being trained.
Please contact your county Extension office for further information or Kerry Rodtnick (krodtnick@uada.edu) - Extension Videographer and Advisor to the Arkansas 4-H Video Crew.
Applications 
Arkansas 4-H accepts applications each Fall for the Video Crew. We are searching for 4-H senior members (ages 14-19 as of January 1st - check your 4-H eligibility) who want to become part of a statewide team trained in video production. This team will provide video support to the 4-H state office staff during State O-Rama and other 4-H activities as needed. 4-H Video Crew commitments will include quarterly training sessions and attending State O-Rama. Membership does not carry-over from year to year, therefore, former members must reapply.
The responsibility of crew members is first and foremost to produce the livestream at State O-Rama. Other Responsibilities include creating the Code of Conduct and highlight videos for Teen Leader Conference, live-streaming the awards ceremony at TLC, and gathering general footage of 4-H events. The crew may also be called to help film various events throughout the year such as Virtual Field Tours.
Arkansas 4-H Video Crew - Important Dates
November
This boot camp serves as our initial training opportunity. New crew members will
learn the equipment necessary for producing our live events throughout the year. Returning
crew members will advance their understanding of production techniques. We will discuss
the objectives for the year. A timeline of projects and expectations will be discussed
and decided on. Crew members will learn video production terminology. Be ready to
share your goals for this year.
February
Stretch and warm up because our workout will be intense. This training we will go
deeper into what we’ve already learned. Get ready to know more about the cameras so
you’re ready to operate them at O-Rama. Our crew will learn to program and operate
stage lighting for TLC and O-Rama. Day 2 is reserved for tours of UCA Film department,
Channel 6 News department and Arkansas PBS in Conway.
Spring Training will further develop your camera and equipment handling skills. You will review what was learned in Boot Camp and Winter Workout. We will look at skills and gear used during film production in preparation for filming the Code of Conduct video in May. Day 2 is reserved for fiming a test scene to experience working on a short film
May
We will be filming the Code of Conduct Video that will be used during Teen Leader
Conference. Ben and Kerry will treat this session as a real short-film production
using industry terminology and practices. Each crew member will be assigned a position
during the film shoot. These positions may be rotated to give everyone experience
in multiple positions. We will learn camera operation, lighting, audio acquisition,
production coordination and script management.
June
The Crew will produce a live, multi-camera broadcast of the Teen Star & Hall of Fame
Banquet at the Arkansas 4-H Center. This event will serve as a warm-up for the work
we do at State O-Rama in July. Learn more about TLC!
July
The Crew will produce live, multi-camera broadcasts of the three main assemblies at
4-H State O-Rama. This broadcast will show on the big screens in the ballroom and
be streamed live on the internet from the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville,
AR. Learn more about State O-Rama!
History of the Arkansas 4-H Video Crew
The Arkansas 4-H Video Crew has been a joint project between the Arkansas 4-H department and the University of Arkansas System Divison of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service's Communications Department for many years. Communications is available to the members for questions and guidance. Each year the crew is responsible for certain projects, these will change and expand each year. Special assignments can be requested and worked individually or in groups. Tentatively, the crew is responsible for Code of Conduct videos for TLC and State O-Rama. They are able to produce highlight video from District O-Ramas, State O-Rama, and other camps if they choose.
Members are sponsored to attend State O-Rama by the 4-H Foundation and the 4-H Ross Photography fund. No other camps are sponsored. Training opportunities are free of cost. Crew members are issued a crew shirt to be worn at appropriate events during filming.
Our goals for the future crew include participation in the National 4-H Film Festival. The crew should eventually be able to operate all the equipment at State O-Rama on their own. Projects will be produced in groups with experienced members as mentors for new members. Our hope is that our Video Crew will train members in their field of interest in preparation for college and a working world. The crew will begin to help 4-H clubs around the state with their local projects as well as training other 4-Hers in these areas. We want Arkansas to lead the nation in the area of video and media production with projects completed exclusively by 4-H members.
