Production students flock to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to shoot content - University of Houston
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This February marked the end of the fourth year Valenti media production students have worked the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR).

As part of an ongoing partnership facilitated by professor Craig Crowe, these students have covered various HLSR events—from animal judging and auctions to the birthings. Working alongside media production professionals, they help document and create video content for the show gaining hands-on experience in different production positions—including, directing, camera operations, recording and editing—each day. This content is live-streamed across the country and displayed on-site on screens, both inside and outside of the venue.

“This experience is invaluable to each student as not only more media production learning but as a resume builder,” said Professor Crowe, an instructional assistant professor at the Valenti School of Communication.

“They got to work one of the largest live sporting entertainment events in the country, not to mention the historical value to Houston.”

For media production junior Audrey Dion, this experience was particularly memorable. Audrey shot the birthing of a newborn calf, which was subsequently named in her honor.

Between February 20 and March 17, students worked either morning or evening shifts as members of the HLSR’s paid Studio Intern program. Under Professor Crowe’s direction, the number of Valenti students who participate has grown steadily over the years. In 2015, 12 students worked the event. This year, there were 30.

“Well, I do feel lucky and proud of what we have accomplished so far, and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo team is very happy with the quality of students we have provided,” said Professor Crowe.

“This is a great feat that our students demonstrate. There are other students from Lone Star College and Alvin Community College working as well, but not in the numbers we provide.”

Valenti Students at the Rodeo