The Videographers Upstairs

In a cramped room on the third floor of Norris University Center, three men huddle around a vast array of video, television and graphics equipment. They are the ones controlling the television and projection screens as well as the live webcast on DM's Web site.

"This is as important as the lights, music, sound... every piece in the Louis room," said Andrew Bloustein, a four-year Dance Marathon veteran and Communication '06 graduate.

Although he's a recent graduate, Bloustein was asked by DM to help out with visual production because of his professional experience in the field. He and his two colleagues edit and stream video, as well as design graphic logos for the eight television screens scattered throughout Norris.

"DM is one of the greatest productions at NU," Bloustein said. "The excitement, fun and energy drew me back."

In addition to the three people managing graphics and video, there are six more during each dancing block operating the four cameras on the dance floor.

The majority of the camera, graphics and video equipment are rented out by DM, Bloustein said.

"I basically built the setup," Bloustein said. "I saw this operation grow significantly, from projection screens to plasma, Web feeds, DVDs and videos."

New in the video and television arsenal are the two monitors attached to the sides of the main trusses. The 40-inch screens were donated by Apple Co. specifically for the event. The technology company also donated computers for use during DM.

The visual operations trio that includes Bloustein has been working since Fall Quarter to prepare for DM.

"The hardest part of my job is not trying to stay awake. That's the easiest part," Bloustein said. "Figuring out the how to get the most of what we have is hard."

Text: Paul Takahashi/The Daily Northwestern

Photos:

(Top)
Medill junior Todd Johnson watches the live feed on the 30-inch televisions set up outside the Louis Room.

Tommy Giglio/The Daily Northwestern

(Bottom)
Kenan Mir shoots video for DM. His video is broadcast live over the Web.

Paul Takahashi/The Daily Northwestern