BOONE, N.C. – A production team composed of Electronic Media/Broadcasting professors and students worked with Artemis Independent, a Boone-based production company, to create a proof-of-concept promotional video for national PBS member stations.
“The :30 promo proof of concept is highlighting one of public media’s biggest assets – the “silver generation” – people who are 55+,” said Selena Lauterer, president of Artemis Independent. “This generation is the heart of the public television audience. My hope is the marketing initiative will create a long-term sense of belonging, purpose, and community. By engaging with this demographic in a meaningful way, we hope the promos will help retain our loyal viewers, and attract fresh faces, encouraging folks to see themselves on the screen, get excited and support their local public media.”
Producer Selena Lauterer on the set of the PBS shoot.
Lauterer also loved working with the EM/B students. "Working with the students/alum was such a joy,” she added. “Tessa and Kylie are top-notch professionals. And Ryan and Kelly were incredible. I look forward to working with them again.”
Dr. Kelly Davis, associate professor in the Electronic Media/Broadcasting (EM/B) program in the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University, directed the video. Ryan Witt, lecturer in the EM/B program, served as cinematographer.
Director Kelly Davis checks out a possible shot with cinematographer Ryan Witt.
“It’s really important to our students that their instructors have real world experience, and we pride ourselves on that in EM/B,” Davis said. He added, “When we can bring them onto a shoot with us, it not only reinforces what we’ve been describing in the classroom, it immerses them in a professional environment. They start to pick up on the communication, protocols, and the work ethic that comes from being surrounded by production professionals.”
Students and recent graduates from the EM/B program and UNC-Asheville provided production assistance for the project:
Tessa Cokely, EM/B alumna, class of 2024
Kylie Karner, EM/B student and station manager of AppTV
Olive Spence, UNC-Asheville alumna, class of 2024
"Media production is a collaborative world, and the best way to be successful at it is to be around people in your industry, face-to-face, networking and learning how the industry works,” said Ryan Witt, cinematographer and App State lecturer. “That is why I really enjoy bringing my students on set with me, they can get exposed to that world, but in a supportive and low stress environment."
Student Kylie Karner appreciated the opportunity to work on a professional shoot that helped her see how what she’s learning in the classroom can be applied on set.
“I loved working on the shoot with Dr. Davis and Professor Witt and I learned so much,” said Karner. “Since the shoot, I've been able to bring a lot of what I've learned to AppTV and apply it to our video shoots. I had a fantastic experience working on this shoot and I am very grateful for the opportunity.”
Kylie Karner (left) and Tessa Cokely setting up lights for the PBS shoot.
The Artemis team is now distributing the proof-of-concept promotion spot internally to public television station colleagues for feedback which will then inform the larger promotion campaign set to pilot this year, with a system-wide campaign launching in 2026.
Director Kelly Davis consults with cinematographer Ryan Witt, while production assistant Tessa Cokely sets up a light.
Director Kelly Davis (center) on location with production assistants Olive Spence (left) and Tessa Cokely (right).
Director Kelly Davis consults with production assistant Kylie Karner while on location in Boone.
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About the Department of Communication
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University focuses on preparing students to succeed in the varied fields within the communication industry. The department offers five majors – advertising, communication studies, electronic media/broadcasting, journalism, and public relations – and a minor in communication studies. Graduates work in a wide range of positions in media, corporate, agency, government, and nonprofit organizations. Learn more at https://communication.appstate.edu.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University's College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more about the college at https://cfaa.appstate.edu
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls 21,253 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
EM/B Promo for PBS
EM/B Promo for PBS