ESPN Sportscenter Commercial

For this project, I decided to create an ESPN SportsCenter commercial because sports have always been something I connect with, and I wanted my spot to show the emotion and energy that makes people tune in. The topic felt natural for me because highlights are a huge part of why fans love ESPN, and I wanted to recreate that same excitement through my own editing. My commercial works as a call to action without using any dialogue—everything is communicated through the visuals. By showing different sports moments, from game-winners to sideline reactions, the clips basically tell the viewer, “If you love moments like this, then SportsCenter is where you need to be.” The music helps push that message too. Instead of using random audio, I used the actual SportsCenter intro theme, which instantly signals to the audience what they’re watching. The familiar sound builds anticipation and makes the highlights feel even more dramatic, creating that classic ESPN vibe.

This project also meets all the assignment requirements. I start with a clear setup that explains my topic and why I chose it. The call to action is shown visually instead of spoken, which makes the spot feel more cinematic. The SportsCenter intro music plays throughout the commercial, just like we were required to include some form of music. In my blog post, I also added two links—one to ESPN’s official site and one to an article about how highlight-driven sports media keeps fans engaged. I made sure to include label words so everything stays organized and easy to follow. Overall, what I learned from this project is how powerful visuals and sound can be when you’re trying to communicate a message. You don’t always need narration—sometimes the right footage mixed with the right audio can say everything on its own.

3 light set up

 This week in Professor Harwood’s class, we went over the basic 3-light setup that a lot of photographers use. He explained the three lights — the key light, the fill light, and the backlight — and what each one actually does. The key light is the main one that really lights up the subject, the fill light helps soften the shadows, and the backlight sits behind the person to help them stand out from the background.

After he broke it down for us, he showed how all three lights work together. Once you see it in action, you realize why people use this setup so much. When everything is placed right, the picture looks cleaner and has more depth. If you take one light away, you can tell right away because the shot either gets too dark on one side or the subject kind of blends into the background.

We got into groups and practiced setting up the lights ourselves, which honestly helped a lot. Doing it hands-on made it easier to understand how small changes in lighting can change the whole look of a photo.

Reflector Lesson

This week in Professor Harwood’s class, we learned about reflectors and how they’re used in photography. He broke down what they actually do — pretty much just bouncing light back onto the subject so the picture doesn’t look too dark or uneven. He also explained why photographers use them instead of always relying on extra lights. Sometimes you just need something simple to brighten up shadows or add a little more detail without changing the whole setup.

After he showed us the different types of reflectors, we split into groups and went outside to practice. That’s when you could really see the difference. When someone held the reflector the right way, the person in the photo looked way cleaner.
rer and brighter. Without it, the shadows were heavier and the lighting just wasn’t as sharp. With the reflector, you could tell the light was more controlled and the picture looked cleaner.

It was a pretty straightforward class, but actually seeing the reflector in action helped everything make more sense.

10 Step Video Leaving Class

 This week in Mr. Harwood’s class, our assignment was to film 10 short video clips of students leaving the classroom. The goal was to practice our camera work, framing, and storytelling through visuals. For my project, I filmed Dominic Reaves, capturing his routine as a student-athlete on campus.

We filmed around Staley Hall, showing how Dominic transitions from study hall to the lab and then to his truck — giving a glimpse into the daily life of a busy college athlete. I wanted to make sure each shot flowed naturally, so I focused on smooth transitions and consistent lighting throughout the video.

One of my favorite parts of the project was the way Dominic left the frame in one clip and re-entered in the next, which created a smooth visual flow. Keeping the camera steady on a tripod really helped those transitions look clean and professional.

Filming Dominic was a great experience because it allowed me to think about movement and pacing — how to tell a story without using words. This assignment might have seemed simple at first, but it really taught me the importance of composition, timing, and steady camera work. Seeing how all the clips came together in the end made me appreciate the craft behind effective video storytelling.

5 Question Interview

 This week in Mr. Hardwood’s class, we were tasked with producing and editing an interview between two senior students, Jayln Woodbury and Summer Gray. The goal was to put our production skills to the test — from setting up lighting and sound to capturing clean, professional footage and editing the final video into a polished interview segment.

We filmed inside the theatre, which gave the video a nice cinematic touch. The lighting setup played a big role in bringing the space to life, and I had to make sure both subjects were well lit without too many shadows. Sound was just as important — clear audio can make or break an interview — so I made sure to use proper mics and adjust the levels carefully during editing.

What I really enjoyed about this project was the teamwork. Once one person finished their interview, we rotated roles — switching between interviewer, camera operator, and sound technician. It was a great way to help each other learn and see the process from different perspectives.

After filming, I handled the video editing, syncing the sound, adjusting color and lighting, and adding smooth transitions to keep the flow natural. Seeing the finished product come together after all the setup and coordination felt rewarding.

This assignment not only improved my technical production skills but also reminded me how valuable collaboration is in media work. Everyone played their part, and by working together, we turned a simple class task into a professional-looking project.

PA Announcer Insentive Comments

Hello World, Welcome back to the blog.

In this week’s assignment, we were tasked with finding topics that resonate with us and putting together a news package on that subject. We broke into groups and went around campus conducting interviews with students to gather different perspectives. This hands-on approach gave us the chance to experience how real reporters build stories through multiple voices and viewpoints.

For my story, I chose to cover the PA announcer who made incentive remarks during a high school football game in the Upstate of South Carolina. This issue stood out to me because it wasn’t just about one person’s words—it was about the impact those words carried within the community. I interviewed current university students to hear their reactions and perspectives on how those comments affected them personally, as well as how incidents like this reflect broader challenges in culture and inclusivity.

Why we did it:
The purpose of this assignment was to help us think critically about stories that matter, not just to us, but to the communities around us. By choosing relevant and sometimes uncomfortable topics, we learn how to capture meaningful narratives that spark conversation. This exercise also showed us the responsibility journalists carry when reporting on sensitive issues. It pushed us to practice fairness, accuracy, and empathy in our reporting—skills that will be essential as we continue to grow as storytellers.

My 30 Second Me Video

 

Hello World,

Long time no see. I hope you've had a great summer. If you're reading this, that means we are back from break and here for the 2025 fall semester.  We was tasked by my wonderful professor, Professor Hardwood, to make a 30 second video introducing ourselves, who we are, are major and what we are most excited for. My classmates and I took turns recording and timing each other for our 30 sec. video. It was great doing this particular assignment because I'm quite familiar with some of the equipment we used to conduct our videos. Excited to learn more about the camera we used to do the filming. In the link above is my 30 sec. video where you get a sneak peek of who I am. We was also tasked to upload an edited version to add a little pizazz to our video. The edited version would not only enhance our video but also get a glimpse to show off our editing skills just a bit. I look forward to being more productive and hands on this semester and learning with my classmates.

Trent Bryant Soundbites

 Here are the audio clips I used for the Trent Bryant assignment.

My Current Playlist

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What’s on your current playlist? I have a mixture of Hip Hop and R&B songs I listen to daily. In this assignment, we were tasked with creating audio showcasing our favorite musicians’ songs. For my project, I used tracks from Future, Lil Gotit, CEO Trayle, Gunna, and Young Thug.

Future
Born Nayvadius DeMun Cash, Future is a pioneer of melodic trap music and a staple in modern hip hop. Hailing from Atlanta, he broke out with his debut album Pluto in 2012 and went on to drop hits like “Mask Off,” “March Madness,” “Life Is Good,” and “Wait for U” featuring Drake and Tems. Future has won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance and is known for his influence on both the sound and the emotional tone of today’s trap music, blending gritty street tales with auto-tuned melodies. He’s collaborated with nearly every major name in rap and continues to be one of the most streamed artists in the world.

Lil Gotit
Lil Gotit, born Semaja Render, is an emerging voice out of Atlanta’s new wave. Closely associated with his late brother Lil Keed and Young Thug’s YSL camp, Gotit gained buzz with his early project Hood Baby and tracks like “Da Real HoodBabies” and “Crazy Thoughts.” He’s known for his energetic delivery, playful ad-libs, and creative slang. While he hasn’t cracked the mainstream yet, he’s earned a loyal following and continues to grow his catalog with mixtapes like Top Chef Gotit and The Cheater.

CEO Trayle
CEO Trayle is one of the more underrated but respected figures in the Atlanta underground. With a sound that blends eerie production with whispery, laid-back flows, he’s known for tracks like “OK Cool,” “Love Is War,” and “Happy Halloween C4.” His music often leans into storytelling and emotional complexity, standing out from more traditional trap sounds. Though he's not a household name yet, Trayle has built a strong fanbase through consistency and staying true to his raw, introspective style.

Gunna
Born Sergio Kitchens, Gunna rose to fame through his collaborations with Young Thug and the Drip Season mixtape series. His breakout hits include “Drip Too Hard” (with Lil Baby), “Pushin P” (with Future and Young Thug), and “Fukumean.” Known for his slick fashion sense and melodic flow, Gunna has been a chart-topping artist and was nominated for a Grammy. Despite facing legal troubles as part of the YSL indictment, he made a strong comeback with A Gift & A Curse in 2023, showing his versatility and resilience as an artist.

Young Thug
Young Thug, real name Jeffery Lamar Williams, is considered one of the most influential artists of his generation. Breaking onto the scene with songs like “Stoner” and “Danny Glover,” he has since dropped hits like “Best Friend,” “Hot” (with Gunna), and “The London” (with J. Cole and Travis Scott). Thug is known for his unique vocal style, gender-bending fashion, and ability to spot and mentor rising talent. His label, YSL Records, helped launch the careers of Gunna, Lil Keed, and others. Thug’s career is currently on hold due to a high-profile RICO case, but his legacy in shaping modern rap remains undeniable.

Hub City Spartanburgers Inaugural Season

 

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Big news, Spartanburg! I’m beyond excited to share that I’ve been offered and have accepted a position as a broadcast camera operator for the Hub City Spartanburgers, the new Texas Rangers-affiliated minor league team. This season marks the team’s inaugural year, and to say I’m thrilled to be part of it is an understatement.

What makes this even more special is that I was born and raised right here in Spartanburg. Growing up, I always dreamed of being involved in something that would have a lasting impact on my hometown. Now, I’m living that dream, and it feels different—in the best possible way.

As a broadcast camera operator, my role will be pivotal in capturing the action during every game. I’ll be responsible for filming everything from the players' intense at-bats and pitches to the fans’ reactions and the electric atmosphere of the stadium. My footage will not only be used for live TV broadcasts, but it will also be featured on the jumbo screen for replays and reviews, giving fans the chance to relive the most exciting moments of the game. Every angle and shot counts, and I’m pumped to be part of a team that will bring these moments to life for viewers both at the stadium and at home.

The journey to this job wasn’t easy, and I know I’m one of many who applied. But I’ll never forget the feeling when I got the call. My interview was scheduled for 9 a.m., but I showed up early and was done by 8:45 a.m. I remember walking out of that interview feeling great about my chances, but I also knew I was up against stiff competition. The sense of gratitude that washed over me when I received the offer made everything worth it.

Earlier this year, I went through a testing moment in my life. At the time, I didn’t understand why things were happening the way they were, but now, I see that it all led to this. It’s not just a job—it’s a blessing. I’m thankful that despite the challenges, I kept pushing forward because this opportunity is truly the biggest blessing I’ve received yet.

I’m excited to be part of the Hub City Spartanburgers inaugural season and can’t wait to help bring the games to life for fans all season long. Spartanburg, this is just the beginning, and I’m honored to be part of something this special in my hometown. Photos was taking from training this past weekend.

Radio Wrap ft Trent Bryant

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What’s up, Orangeburg? This is RJ, and today, I’m excited to share the story of Trent Bryant, a senior mechanical engineering major from Georgetown, South Carolina, and one of the standout drum majors of South Carolina State’s Marching 101.

 Trent Bryant: SC State’s Drum Major Who Defines Bulldog Tenacity

You’ve probably seen the iconic image of Trent leading the Marching 101 on SC State’s website. This powerful photo, taken during a halftime show in October 2024, quickly went viral. It’s more than just an image; it represents the excellence, focus, and Bulldog pride that Trent brings to both the band and his academic life.

In February, my feature writing students interviewed Trent about his newfound fame. What we learned is that Trent’s rise to the spotlight wasn’t due to just one photo, but years of hard work, dedication, and passion. As a mechanical engineering major and drum major, he’s proven that success in both the classroom and on the field is possible with discipline and resilience.