SWAU Students Play Key Role in Australian TV Documentary

Professor Brett Hadley (left) works with student Aiden Miranda and Robyn Kent from the Australian crew during the shoot in Dallas.

Communication students at Southwestern Adventist University had a unique educational opportunity in February when they operated as the film crew for the Australian television program, "The Incredible Journey," hosted by Gary Kent.

The episode, delving into the complexities of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, took the students to the heart of the historical event at Dealey Plaza in Dallas.

This hands-on experience provided invaluable real-world training for the aspiring content creators, who took on crucial roles within the production. The students worked as camera operators, lighting crew members, and sound technicians, contributing directly to the creation of the documentary.

"This was an amazing opportunity for our students," said Brett Hadley, professor of radio/TV/film and chair of the communication department. "To work on a professional television production, especially one dealing with such a significant historical event, is something they will never forget. It allowed them to apply the skills they've been learning in the classroom to a real-world setting.”

The episode required the crew to film on location at Dealey Plaza, the site of the assassination. This provided the students with a powerful, immersive experience, as they worked within the very location where history unfolded.

The shoot in February provided students with a powerful, immersive experience as they worked where the actual events transpired in November, 1963.

Gary Kent, the host of "The Incredible Journey," praised the students' dedication and

professionalism. "The SWAU students were a fantastic crew to work with,” Kent stated. "Their

enthusiasm and skills were impressive, and hope we can work together again on the projects we have here in the U.S.”

Hadley explained that the communication department is now in the post-production process and developing the footage to be ready for broadcast in Australia. This also gives students experience in video editing, adding b-roll, integrating graphics and specifics for creating content for broadcast television.