| Student Video Network | |
|---|---|
| Launched | 1974 |
| Owned by | University of Houston |
| Picture format | 480i (SDTV) |
| Slogan | Your Student Run TV Station |
| Country | United States |
| Language | American English |
| Broadcast area | Houston, Texas |
| Website | http://www.uh.edu/svn |
| Availability | |
| Cable | |
| Cable | 6 |
| IPTV | 6 |
| AT&T U-verse | 6001 |
The Student Video Network or SVN is a Student television station at the University of Houston. Founded in 1974, it is one of several fee-funded organizations on campus, and broadcasts through Channel 6 on the University of Houston's Cougar Vision cable network.
Contents |
SVN began broadcasting in 1974 from one of the former facilities for Houston PBS member station KUHT. In 1985, KUHT reclaimed the building and the student operated television station was shut down. Several members of that organization decided to pull resources together and create their own student operated video network on campus. They decided to work under Campus Activities to increase the chance of survival. In the early 1990s students were able to come to the Student Video Network and create their own productions that were then aired on a closed-circuit television station that students who lived on campus could watch.
Student Video Network started to come to prominence on campus during the mid 90's, beginning under the leadership of Eden S. Blair who served as Chair from 1993 - 1995. Purchasing an AVID editing machine before the Communications Department meant SVN became a training ground for students who wanted to learn how to edit using industry standard equipment.
Blair opted not to go for a third year as Chair and was followed by Nicole Redo for the 1995 - 1996 school year. Redo continued the relationship with the Dean of Students office maintaining the UH News program. She also expanded SVN's community involvement by televising a live debate between candidates for Student Association President and allowing parties to air commercials.
In 2001, Tropical Storm Allison flooded out the entire studio, damaging equipment, software, and SVN's facilities beyond repair. In 2003, University of Houston's Campus Activities decided to restart the program, only playing new video releases with the future intent of bringing back student productions.
In 2006, Gus Forward, a Business Administration undergrad, worked with Campus Activities advisor's as the first President of the organization to allow students to work on original productions and increase the amount of equipment used.
In the summer of 2007, Gus Forward stepped down and Tommy Lee Kirby, a Media Productions undergrad, took over and worked on increasing operating space and obtaining new video equipment. Also during Tommy’s time came the Outdoor Movie Festival started by commercial director Jeremy Malhotra. This event showcased recent and new movies and was run annually during the school year.
At the beginning of the 2008, Luis Gonzales assumed the position of President of SVN after being the Vice President under Tommy Lee Kirby. Under Luis’ tenure as President, he started up a production checklist for producers. His Vice President, Cole Calza, worked with the Jack J. Valenti School of Communication. This strengthened the relationship between SVN and the school.
Then in October of 2009, when Luis resigned from his post, Viral Bhakta became the new President of SVN. He increased the educational and production aspect of the organization for members and University of Houston students. For example he established weekly production classes along with various production form and pre production to post production guidelines. With this came the opportunity for producers to attain marketing and props for their show. Viral also came up with the idea for an application process if students or members wanted to become part of the SVN executive board.
In 2010, Viral was reselected to serve as the SVN President for another year. Also joining the SVN team was Ali Iqbal, who is an owner and photographer at his company (Color Digital Studios), as SVNs Production Manager. Viral established a relationship with movie marketing companies such as Allied Integrated Marketing and Moroch Marketing. Recently, SVN became part of the social media world with a new Facebook and a Twitter account. Our Vice President, Roman Perez, has fully established an Internship program for members and students that will be in use at the end of the Spring 2010 semester.
Student Video Network continues with its annual Outdoor Movie Festival which two showings yearly.
Students must submit a production proposal form for their idea to be reviewed. If approved, students utilize the SVN studio to tape their show or use the equipment to tape out of the studio. They use the Control room for the postproduction of their show or commercial to finish their project. Shows taped in studio are linearly taped to Final Cut Pro to be edited. Out of studio shows are non-linearly taped on to Mini DV tapes.
SVN offers various production forms to help students have a guideline from the very beginning of production to broadcasting the final product.
Once the taping and editing is done for the show, it will be put in the line up and is ready to be shown. (In Spring 2010, SVN has added three shows to its lineup.)
SVN Studio
The SVN Studio contains
Equipment List
| 3x Canon XL-2 Cameras | Ix Canon D60 | Ix Sony HD Handy Cam |
| 1x Glide 4000 Pro | 2x Smith Victor (SV) Soft Boxes | 3x Smith Victor studio lights |
| 3x ARRI Fresnel 4-Piece Light Kit | 2x Kino Flo Lighting Systems | 4x Tripods |
| 4x Wireless Lavaliere Microphones | 3x Ambient Mics | 5x Shure Mics |
| 1x Boom mic | 2x colored gel kits |
Control Room (Post Production)
The SVN Control Room contains
Imacs Contain multiple editing software including Final Cut Pro and Adobe Production Premier CS5
This IS (NEW)
“This IS” is a free-style movie special, where the two hosts (and an occasional guest host) break down their opinions of the movie undergoing a review. The two hosts will introduce themselves and begin the review with a quick synopsis of the film, not including spoilers. After the synopsis, the film will be broken down in the different categories it will be graded on (direction, acting, cinematography, plot/screenwriting, presentation) and every host will be given the "spotlight" where they will each provide their opinions and input with no interruptions from the other hosts.
In the Game (NEW)
“In the Game” is a 30 minute sports news show that goes beyond the stands and gives cougar sport fans everything they want to know about their favorite cougar athletes. We highlight the most talked about games on campus, and obtain up close and personal interviews with U of H‘s favorite athletes. Coogs, don’t just sit there, Get IN THE GAME!
For The Love of Food (NEW)
“For The Love of Food” brings cougars an overview of famous restaurants and good dining places in town. It is shot entirely on location and includes reviews of the items on the menu, interviews with the chefs, and a little behind the scenes sneak peek of the restaurant.
The Underground
Unique and new artists are interviewed and perform their original music on a candid set. The show allows open discussion. Hosted by seasoned radio talent & promotions manager, Sid Simone, who is emerged into all genres of music, "The Underground" is a rising artist's dream. Sid coaches the interviewee, and highlights the artists while maintaining entertainment and professionalism. Watch your head - follow me to "The Underground."
Cougar Comedy
Cougar Comedy is the only program of its kind on SVN. The program showcases the performances of the professional comedians Student Program Board invites to perform at the university every semester. Along with footage of the live shows, Cougar Comedy includes on-screen comedian interviews conducted by Edward Garza.
The Good Stuff
Good Stuff is a variety cooking show hosted by Shon Mondragon. It includes creative but simple cooking recipes by Shon to cook delicious meals fast. It is a must watch for cougars living on campus or independently off-campus who have to get hands on in the amazing and diverse world of cooking on a daily basis. So, buckle up and follow us on a creative route to deliciousness!
Intuition
“Intuition” is a talk and variety show modeled very much after the popular morning show, “The View.” A cast of four hosts discuss/debate an array of relevant topics ranging from pop culture to politics to issues around the University of Houston campus. Perhaps what makes “Intuition” unique is the enormous potential for UH students to interact with show through segments that specifically seek out the opinions of random students/faculty around campus and organizations as well.
Other Programs
| Working On My BS | Science Fiction Theater | PirateTV Live! |
| SVN News | Ham Whiz | Radio Free SVN |
| Today, Again | Stoat | Marbles |
| Student Union | Caveat Emptor | Grave Offerings |
| Young Pups | My Dead Friends | Laura's Lick House |
| All Around UH | A Day In The Life | Raw Flava |
SWANK
SVN has an exclusive contract with SWANK Motion Pictures, Inc., which allows use to show new and old movies on our station.
SVN offers multiple Classes to students to attend and learn basic skills of Production. The classes are done weekly with members of the Executive Board for SVN. Through these classes, students can also earn the privilege to rent out the SVN equipment for school events such as sporting events. All classes are taught by the SVN Executive Board members.
SVN has created a form to help Producers market and use SVN props for their show.
Marketing/Props Request Form
This form allows producer to receive marketing or props for their show, but can only be utilized after specific requirements are met.
SVN also allows members and students with the required experience to use the SVN equipment to shoot a commercial.
Commercial Request Form
Allows student organizations to request a commercial. Has example of storyboards and scripts attached that should help students significantly. Primarily handled by the by the Commercial Producer and overseen by Production Manager
Event Coverage Form
Allows student organizations to get events filmed or photographed by SVN. Primarily handled by the Special Events Director and overseen by Production Manager.
Interviews
SVN has had the opportunity to interview different celebrities. Recently SVN held a Terriers_(TV_series) viewing event which was hosted by stars of the show Donal Logue and Michael Raymond-James.