Lights, camera, action! MSU Television Center now features HD set

Contact: Sasha Steinberg

Mississippi State’s Office of Agricultural Communications films its first Farmweek episode since the completion of the University Television Center’s new high-definition studio. (Photo by Megan Bean)

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University’s Television Center now is home to a high-definition studio that will better assist the state’s largest higher education video production facility.  

“Using the innovative set construction methods of Charlotte, North Carolina-based Gelbach Designs, we were able to work together to create a new look that specifically caters to high-definition programming, and we were able to do it in a very cost-effective manner,” said David Garraway, the center’s director.

Twenty percent larger than its predecessor, the new set features state-of-the-art, energy-efficient lighting and three high-definition monitors that allow for high-end motion graphics to be presented, Garraway said.

The newly renovated space also enables TV Center staff to utilize its six-foot camera crane for moving shots and dynamic camera angles.

 “Our clients have many, many different needs, audiences and styles, and we feel that the look of the new set really pushes the TV Center into the 21st century, but also gives our clients a more flexible environment in which they can create productions that suit their needs,” Garraway emphasized.

He also expressed appreciation for the support of the university’s Facilities Management division and Office of Agricultural Communications in making the set redesign project a reality. OAC, the TV Center’s primary client, will continue using the set to produce Farmweek for the MSU Extension Service.

 Airing Saturdays at 6 p.m., Farmweek is the state’s oldest and only locally-produced agricultural television news show that broadcasts statewide 52 weeks a year on Mississippi Public Broadcasting. To view the latest edition of Farmweek, visit http://bit.ly/FarmWeekNewSet.

The University Television Center is part of MSU’s Office of Public Affairs. MSU Chief Communications Officer Sid Salter said the new set “gives MSU one of the finest on-campus facilities of this nature in the Southeastern Conference.”

“As MSU enters a new era of marketing and branding, this facility will enable us to produce high quality videos, live satellite feeds and in-depth university programming,” said Salter. “I’m proud of what this upgrade represents for the future of the University Television Center.”

Garraway said the university’s communication department also will be using the new set for its advanced television production classes.

An open house celebrating the TV Center’s studio renovation takes place Sept. 18 from 3-5 p.m. at the Wise Center. All are welcome, and refreshments will be served.

Located at 240 Wise Center Drive, MSU’s Television Center offers broadcast-quality educational, marketing and promotional projects for both traditional and new media. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.utc.msstate.edu or call 662-325-1332. Garraway also may be reached at david.garraway@msstate.edu.

MSU is Mississippi’s flagship research university, available online at www.msstate.edu.

Monday, August 31, 2015 - 3:40 pm