Campus turns out for holiday card video
by Prufer
Two flutes, 175 Scholars Academy students, a skateboarder, a dancing Wall College of Business staff, seasonal greetings in eight different languages, 10 sports teams, Santa hats, antlers, children and a festive dog, and "Carol of the Bells" ringing out on the clock tower. It's Coastal Carolina University's holiday greeting card, brought to you electronically – soon.
Hundreds and hundreds of CCU students, faculty, staff and alumni participated in the making of a video holiday greeting card in Blanton Park in front of the Edward M. Singleton Building. After it's edited, the "card" will be shared with thousands of friends and alumni around the world – by email.
The idea came from Terri DeCenzo, who was inspired by American University's video greetings of the past two years and suggested that CCU follow suit – in a way unique to the Coastal community.
It was a challenge bringing it all together, according to Martha Hunn, CCU's director of news and public affairs who coordinated the event in a matter of weeks. The 8-by-24-foot card had to be designed and drawn on Illustrator (Jonathan Ady, University Communication), the scaffold had to be built to display it (Facilities) and a snowgirl had to be constructed (courtesy of Ron Walker in the Sign Shop).
Hours of organization were required to bring it all together, from scheduling and props to refreshments (AraMark). The clock tower rang out "Carol of the Bells," and several of the groups and teams performed by singing or dancing. The Gospel Choir, the Flute Choir and the Brass Ensemble also performed in the video.
Videographers David Russell, Dennis Reed and Josh Chesson ran cameras and sound for eight solid hours throughout the day, sometimes filming multiple takes when lines were flubbed or antlers dropped. An estimated two weeks of editing (Russell and Reed) will be required to reduce the footage to three or four minutes.
Featured in the video are Terri and David DeCenzo, surrounded by a group of CCU well wishers gathered around with a hearty"Go, Chants!"
It's the most unique video card you are likely to receive this holiday season and certainly the most teal!
