One of the hallmarks of Charles Sturt University (CSU) is the relevant and practical skills acquired by graduates for their chosen professions.

 

The training provided through the use of an outside broadcast (OB) van by television production students at Wagga Wagga is a practical example of the distinctive educational programs offered at CSU.

 

The completely refurbished six-camera high definition television OB facility is likely to see a great deal of use, with students of the Bachelor of Arts (Television Production) course at CSU at Wagga Wagga already utilising it to record the Southern Inland Rugby Union grand final in Wagga Wagga on Saturday 12 September and the Black Stump Festival, a Christian music festival in Sydney on the October long weekend. CSU television production students filmed the two events as part of their course.

 

Driving force behind the van’s upgrade, television production course co-ordinator Mr Patrick Sproule said, “Combined with our other television production facilities and a dedicated staff, Charles Sturt University provides the best introductory television training experience in the country”.

 

As part of a visit to CSU at Wagga Wagga on Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 October, Mr John Maizels, the Governor (Asia Pacific Region) of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), will inspect the new OB van.

 

The upgrade of the CSU outside broadcast van was made possible with $500 000 in funding from the Australian Government through the Better Universities Renewal Fund. The van is valued at $750 000 including additional equipment and labour costs.

 

Mr Maizel’s visit to the University follows the Society's Board of Governors approval at a meeting in the USA in June 2009 to establish the inaugural student chapter in Australia of the SMPTE at CSU Wagga Wagga. 

 

Formed in 1916, the Society is regarded as the leading technical body for the international motion imaging industry.

 

“The Society’s new student chapter at Charles Sturt University shows an enormous respect for our course as well as the Society's recognition of the importance of investment in education in the television and film industries,” said Mr Sproule.