This group is designed to keep current KSU students and alumni informed about rumors and information regarding the news that Kent State University Teleproductions may lose its valuable production and training facilities in favor becoming one of the multiple dance studios in the Roe Green Center addition to the Music & Speech building, with construction tentatively beginning in summer 2008.
The $13 million allotted for the project apparently ended up not being enough, since the builders are now $4 million over budget. Instead of redesigning or restructuring some of the plans (for a project that hasn't even broke ground yet) to fit a budget probably large enough to build an entirely new building, let alone a wing, the builders are looking for ways to cut corners, which is apparently done by taking from other department. One of the ways to save a fraction of the over-budget costs is by annexing the Teleproductions facilities for the benefit of the Roe Green Center.
For over 45 years, The Kent State Teleproductions facilities and staff have been responsible for valuable training to many students. The company creates incredibly high quality standard definition, HD and broadcast programming that has won many awards, including multiple Emmy and Telly awards for the University and many other outside clients; locally with companies like PBS 45/49 and nationally with organizations such as NCAA. In addition, the Teleproductions facilities house a large broadcast studio, multiple post-production edit suites, as well as graphic and animation suites.
The meetings about the future of Teleproductions have not created one concise answer, but a few solutions have come up. Changing locations or downsizing seems to be the most likely option. If in a worst case scenario the company was dismantled altogether, the costs to Kent State University would be monumental; both from losing a valuable organization whose work brings prestige to the University, and also by closing the doors on a company that brings pride and experience to the many student employees who work there in the company’s enjoyable and exciting environment.
Many of our founding group members feel that, in the long run, if more forethought was given to the future location of Teleproductions, especially during the many on-campus renovations, it is possible that the issue of “What to do with Teleproductions?” would have never came up.
Possible options:
1) Now Impossible: Adding an additional Teleproductions studio in the Franklin Hall renovations, which would have added cost to the project, but would have saved resources in the long run from having to move Teleproductions or disband it altogether.
2) Moving the company into the basement of the library. This option could work, since the facilities are large enough, but it would halt production for a long period of time and also create considerable difficulty in moving set pieces down into the studio (The freight elevator does not go down to the basement).
3) Keep Studio A and C (the old TV2 studio) and turn Studio C into a dance studio (as planned) by clearing out the news and control area, but keep the Clear-Com and camera equipment in place, since it is already connected to Master Control. This option would allow Studio A to remain usable and also give the option to use Studio C as a multi-purpose studio, allowing for a readily available area for Acting For Camera and other classes, or to easily tape dance routines and theatrical performances. This option benefits both Journalism and Dance/Theatre students alike.
Studio A is the heart and soul of Teleproductions. Without it, the future of the company and its many benefits to Kent State and the area is very uncertain.
In the coming days and weeks we will add more information as to what exactly is happening with Teleproductions. As we gather facts and post our findings we ask that everyone who cares about the future of Teleproductions voice their opinion. We also encourage you to inform us of any information you have heard, or if anything posted on this site is false or misleading. Please don't hesitate to email us if you have any questions or more information to share.
We encourage you to join this group and invite your friends to help support the continuation of Teleproductions, a facility that not only serves the entire University and beyond, but also functions as a valuable stepping-stone for students heading into the television and film industry.
Thank you.
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