UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls

Student Organizations

Focus On U

 

What is Focus Productions?

Focus Productions is a university student broadcasters organization that has produced quality student programming, such as our bi-weekly variety talk show Focus On U, since 1985. Focus on U, trademarked UWRF's campus TV show, is the longest running television program on the university and River Falls cable television networks. Produced by an all student production crew, Focus On U address issues of interest to the campus and the greater community.

Focus On U is taped before a live studio audience from the newly renovated Studio 111 in the Kleinpell Fine Arts building. The show is formatted to include digital shorts, a news segment, musical performances and guest interviews. Guests have included former astronaut and alumnus Dan Brandenstein, editor of "Wired" magazine John Battelle, NPR media critic Eric Deggans, states runner Brian Stark, "Mystery Science Theater 3000" writer and star Michael J. Nelson, and more recently NFL Films audio technician Ryan Stridde. Each semester now concludes with a live studio audience, complete with audience participation and musical guests. Musical acts to take the stage include Taj Raj, Kenzie Joy, and Vacation Dad.

Focus Productions programming has included a variety of shows such as live election results and analysis for western Wisconsin, RF Live and the show Late Night Alternative.The show is broadcast over the community cable television channel 19, serving the Wisconsin communities of River Falls, Hudson and Prescott. The shows are also rebroadcast on the internet.

How to Join?

Focus Productions and Focus On U is open to all students interested in any aspect of video production. No previous experience in broadcasting is required. Positions available include hosts, announcers, news anchors, executive producers, directors, technical director, floor managers, camera operators, audio engineers, lighting designers, editors, set designers, treasurers, public relations, and writers.

An introductory meeting for Focus On U is scheduled at the beginning of each semester, during which plans for programming are discussed and opportunities for students are further explained. Whether you are simply curious about what's goes on behind the scenes of a television production or you are considering television as a career option, you are encouraged to attend. Meetings are every Tuesday and Thursday at 4:45 p.m. in 112 Kleinpell Fine Arts.

Email Erik Johnson for more information.

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