When you think about the Film & Media Studies Program, you probably think of Hollywood, feature-length films, and maybe even documentaries. But did you know that the film program also offers classes and a certificate in Broadcast TV?
This is where Pitt Studios comes in. Launched in 2018 by Paul Barto, the Associate Athletic Director for Broadcast and Video Production, Pitt Studios was brought to life to create broadcasts for ESPN’s ACC Network, which was launched in August of 2019. The studios are managed by NEP Group and are located in the Peterson Events Center. They are comprised of five control rooms that are connected to six different sporting venues: the Fitzgerald fieldhouse, Petersen Event Center, Vartabedian Field, Urbanic Field, Cost Stadium, and Trees Pool.
In addition to all the state-of-the-art equipment in the studios, they also feature extra space for students to be able to shadow every position from directing to audio operation.
Still not excited about a possible degree in Broadcast? Talk to Teaching Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in Broadcast, Kevin Smith. Smith designed the Broadcast curriculum and took an athletic approach to it. Students can gain hands-on experience immediately, no waiting on the sidelines until they’re a senior! On top of that, students are given tickets and allowed to invite parents and family members to watch the games courtside. Smith also invites local news anchors and film and TV directors, and producers to come in and talk to students. The hands-on experience, combined with the amazing networking opportunities, is sure to start any student’s career off right. Some students even come out of Pitt with their own Telly and Emmy awards!
Maybe sports aren’t really you’re thing, and that’s okay! Pitt Studios also offers other broadcasts for students to work on, including the Broadcast Club and Pitt to the Point. Pitt to the Point is an advanced practicum course that airs one-hour live streams from 8 am to 9 am online, and from 12 pm to 1 pm on KDKA and CBS Philadelphia. Students looking to get involved in Broadcast have a couple of options. They can major in the Film & Media Studies Critical Studies Track and choose courses for Broadcast. Or they can earn a Television and Broadcast Arts certificate. Either way, both options are sure to help your education turn into a LIVE thriving career in 5…4…3…2…1.