MISSION VIEJO : TV Partnership Grows More Polished

When MVTV made its debut a year ago, its first offering was humble: a list of community events rolling down the screen.

Cable-TV viewers who tune in to Mission Viejo Television today see a far more ambitious lineup, from a local news magazine to a neighborhood game show taped in a bowling alley.

The local access channel operates as a partnership of the city, a college jobs program and Mission Viejo High School, which has an on-campus studio.

Almost $500,000 has been funneled into equipment over the past four years, giving students a chance to work at a near-professional level.

The students get a head start on potential careers in video production, and cable subscribers get original local programming on Channel 31.

“The real benefit of our cooperation is that all three programs pool resources and accomplish much more than any of them could have done individually,” said Danian Hopp, assistant to the city manager.

The school district got the program off the ground with a $300,000 state grant for equipment.

The city kicks in $52,000 annually from cable franchise fees.

In addition to students who take TV classes at Mission Viejo High School, Coastline College offers a jobs program that allows students and other residents to work at the studio.

“We’re giving them a real-world experience,” said Tina Murphy, who teaches the Coastline class and produces MVTV programs.

“The time pressure they’re under is very real.”

Murphy is a behind-the-scenes whirlwind, showing students to their places and setting video camera angles.

The students respond, moving quickly to their places as the camera rolls.

“It’s a reality check,” said Matt Sheehan, 17, an El Toro High School student. “You have to hustle or you’ll fall behind.”

Though the pressure is initially nerve-racking, students said, after a little experience the work seems easier.

“At first, I was worried about messing up,” said Brian Kahn, a 15-year-old Mission Viejo High School student.

“But after the first few minutes, you get into it.”