Blanton Student Video Lab

The big screen comes to the classroom.

The video production class at CLC Tech in the Blanton Center teaches students how to produce videos using their family pictures.

For the past several years, students were taught to create and produce videos for Christmas and family presents, Mother’s Day gifts, and video tributes of loved ones present and past.

“Tears and smiles are their measure of success” says Mr. Caneta, who relishes the stories about how the videos emotionally moved their audience. “They are recording history and making their audience feel something. That is a really powerful tool that comes from their creativity. And our students are very creative. My job is to bring it out so they can determine how they can use it in other facets of their lives. It is empowering.”

So far, Mr. Caneta’s students have won both of the video contests they have entered. The competitions fielded schools from around the county. One student’s classroom project was recognized by the Kern County branch of The American Lung Association at a dinner at the Petroleum Club. “Several doctors came over and thanked him, and a USC film student in attendance praised his work and encouraged him,” Caneta said.

The students also helped in community video projects for the Kern County Sheriff’s Department and a local elementary school’s kindergarten graduation. Another video they were involved with explains the Court and Community schools and their respective programs. Others projects are pending and still others are lined up. “We are busy“, said Caneta.

Mr. Caneta’s background includes working in TV newsrooms wearing several different hats. Mr. Caneta credits those experiences for the skills he teaches today. He has had roles in front of the camera and behind the camera, both of which brings a smile to his face: “I was lucky to be given a chance and thankful that I had the proper education and work ethic to do the work.”

Jerry Caneta has won several awards and was part of an Emmy award-winning news team. He is often asked for advice and enjoys speaking of his students’ work. He is a motivational speaker in the community regarding today’s youth.

** links to award winning videos that were done by students coming soon!! **


Print This Page   Email This Page