April 2009

 

Hi Mr. Vela,

 

My apologies on a very over due email.  Congratulations to you, the whole Live From 205 team, and all of the alumni in regards to the achievements and recognition that you all receieved at the 2009 STN Convention.  I read the newspaper article in the Peninsula News yesterday!  Looks like Live From 205 is doing great!  I followed the status of Live From 205 on Twitter while you all were in Florida.

 

I wanted to express my appreciation for all that you and the 205 team have done, are doing, and will continue to do in the future!  It is truly remarkable to watch the 205 productions online and see the legacy continue.  When I read in the newspaper yesterday that Live From 205 is in it's 6th year of operation, that made me feel really old!  I remember the days of scrounging around for equipment, digging the modulator out of the trash after we had thrown it away, brainstorming ideas with you and Bob, and coming up with the name "Live From 205" as we huddled around a box of pepperoni pizza from Raffaello's....and of course....the one-of-a-kind segments produced on Eric's Couch during our first year.  

 

The opportunities, experience, and sense of community that you have presented to all those who have participated in Live From 205 is priceless!  Each year, there is a new team built and the lasting relationships, coupled with the teams of years past, are truly great!  

 

The show looks strong, the skills of the students seem top notch, and the 205 spirit is more alive than ever!  

 

As you may or may not know, I graduated college this past March and am officially done with my undergraduate schooling.  Please let your students know the following: Cherish these moments in high school and recognize the awesome relationships you have formed with your peers, teachers, and school community through Live From 205.  High School will be over before you know and then college will fly by even faster.  The rest of your life outside of high school seems like a film reel on fast forward.  Enjoy every moment while it lasts and always strive to find your replacements as you get ready to graduate.  Paving the way for future generations is the only way to make the show even stronger and to keep the 205 spirit alive for many, many years to come!  

 

With that said, congratulations again at STN and all of your continued success...

 

Hope to see you all at your last show of the year and at the award's banquet (if I'm invited)  :)

 

All of the best.......See you at 11 (oh wait.....that is Bob's line)!

 

March 2009

Hey Mr. Vela,

Long time no talk! I know that STN is coming up soon so I thought I should email and wish you and all the 205'ers good luck this year. First time it's not in L.A., enjoy the trip!

I think the last time I was at the studio was June 2007, has much changed? I can't believe it's been 2 years since that, and almost 4 years now since I graduated. I don't think I know more than 3 or 4 205 students currently in the program. How's the sports segment going?

I don't remember if I told you but I'm at Cal State Northridge now. I'm in the Film Production program here and very very pleased with it. The facilities and faculty are awesome. I directed a short film last semester and am producing and editing another one (16mm synch sound) this semester. My emphasis is actually in editing, so I'm learning the AVID right now. It has some similarities to FCP but its harder at the moment. 

I've also been working for Pearl Entertainment for almost 2 years now. Its a small entertainment company, but I guess you could say I'm the 2nd editor in command now. It's amazing how comfortable you get with FCP using it almost everyday. I'm going on six years now on FCP and I still learn new things everytime I use it. I think my sisters having been telling you but I've also been having a lot of cool experiences working at this job. (Oscar afterparty, red carpets, etc.) I was an at editing seminar before the Oscars and got to see all the nominated editors this year too. 

I was just thinking about how weird it is that I wouldn't be doing this if it wasn't for Bob and you letting me experiment on FCP back in 2004. I haven't "made" it yet, but it's cool to know that I'm studying what I want and working a job as an editor (you can't complain about work when you like it).

So I just wanted to once again say thank you, and good luck at STN! Show 'em who's the best!

 

-Salman Syed, 205 Alumnus

Once in a while I still think about my days with Live From 205 and how much fun I had and the great things I gained from it. I want to thank you again for giving me the experience I had and great memories I keep from the program you made happen. Today i happened to be at the computer while I was reminiscing and decided to visit the website, which i haven't looked at in years. Wow. Your kids are great! The show does not look like high school at all. It's SO professional. Yet still so much fun to watch, not stiff like the real news shows. I really liked the content. The show really broadens the viewers little pv bubble world and shows what's out there. Your anchors: professional, well-spoken, nicely dressed, and attractive individuals. And of course the kids that work hard behind the scene: also amazing. As I watch the show, and watch each segment, I think about the few individuals that worked so hard on that piece and I give them props. It takes a person passionate for 205 to do the work and do it well cause I remember how much time and energy it took to make a package, time and energy which other high school students are spending relaxing or chilling. I'm so proud to be a PVHS alumni and also so happy to see a little of PVHS now on the show. Watching the show gave me a warm feeling and made me smile extra big. Thanks Mr. Vela for what you did for me and what you continue to do now for your students. And also tell your kids they're doing a wonderful job!!! I'm so proud of them!!!

Sincerely, Pamela Santos

205 Alumnus