Chris Puglia
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 13/02) - The next Steven Spielberg or George Lucas may be a product of Yellowknife.

That is thanks to a media program at Sir John Franklin high school that teacher Arnold Krause said may rival any in Western Canada.

"We're very fortunate. We do everything in digital. We have everything from consumer to pro-consumer equipment, as well as professional studio equipment," said Krause.

The school is equipped with 38 computers all with digital editing capabilities. The television studio also has a blue screen and cable TV broadcasting access.

"The kids have no idea how lucky they are," said Krause.

The media program is also providing students with an abundance of hands-on learning.

Last year 15 students logged over 100 hours recording a documentary on the Yellowknife Fire Department.

"This year we're doing the same thing again with a little tighter focus," said Krause.

"As a result of the video we are also doing infomercials with the fire department. They air with the "Take Me, I'm Yours" pet show on Channel 20."

Media students also tape and edit the pet show.

This year Krause said there are a few ideas floating around to create news and talk show programs. The students will also be working with NWT Construction Association to create a video to promote working in trades.

The media program is popular among the student body. Krause said nearly 300 students enrol in it every semester.

According to Krause the best part of is to see how media studies integrate into other course studies.

"We have students in English classes that are making videos for their presentations. I really like that because it shows they've internalized it," said Krause.

The program has been a part of Sir John's course selection for about six years and students have shown a great deal of success.

"Students have competed in the national film school competition in the video area. We have been placing bronze and silver at the national level at the high school and college level," said Krause.

"We have students in the Vancouver Film School, students that have gone on to Ryerson and NAIT and SAIT."

Dustin Milligan is a Grade 12 student who has taken the media studies program right through high school.

"Media studies has been a huge influence on my academic career because it has allowed me to have my own creative free will," he said.