Video production students from Walnut High School are creating a portfolio of digital marketing materials for another of Walnut Valley USD’s schools — Ron Hockwalt Academies.

The assignment is for a career technical education class taught by Karen Alorro that offers hands-on opportunities to a dozen budding cinematographers.

“My goal is to expose students to real-world experiences to help them prepare for a career in film or graphic design, not just with the technical skills but with a work ethic and etiquette that will be expected of them when they enter the workforce or college,” Alorro said.

Two teams filmed around the continuation high school campus on Nov. 8.

“RHA is basically our client and we see advanced video production as a job,” said student producer Audrey Nunez. “Our crews are filming students and staff to create a documentary and short social media reels.”

The team is also working on a marketing campaign with a local restaurant.

“I feel like it helps us in meeting deadlines and keeping everything professional — and a lot of us want to do this in the future,” said junior Deandra Meza. “Most high school students don’t get to experience and find their passion as early as we are.”

Video production students have been learning fundamentals of videography and photography including rule of thirds, basic camera angles, and making a documentary.

After filming is complete, students will begin editing clips, adding music and formatting the sound bites. The team will also produce a one-minute documentary trailer for social media.

A team of graphic designers from Alorro’s CTE class is also designing print ads and branding collateral materials for Ron Hockwalt Academies.

“We’re excited for this opportunity to share all the wonderful things happening on our campus,” said RHA Principal Ron Thibodeaux.