Cameras whir to life and crew members bustle around behind the set. The Television Production class is gearing up for a shot in the production of their original TV series, “Avery Point.”

Located on the fourth floor of the Unified Arts building, TV Production has offered students an opportunity to learn how to operate cameras, how to capture and mix sound and how to edit using Premiere Pro for the past four years. The course’s intensive level focuses on refining those techniques and allowing students to gain real-world experience, including opportunities to work in sportscasting and filming school events and assemblies.

TV Production and Digital Video Production teacher Anamary Levasseur relaunched the course in 2021 after a former teacher had paused the program due to low student interest.

Levasseur said students in the project-based TV Production class learn and develop filmmaking skills throughout the course, which culminates in the three-month production of an episode of “Avery Point.”

“At that point, they become experts in one thing,” Levasseur said. “The class works a lot together to come up with a plot, and then write it, act in it, direct it, edit it and film it. They do all of it 100 percent.”

Levasseur said she aims to give students a creative opportunity they wouldn’t find elsewhere in the school. She allows them as much freedom as possible in the creative process.

“I try really hard to make it student-directed. The class comes up with a plot together. Everyone writes ideas on note cards. Then we figure out our genre and the main conflict,” Levasseur said. “My biggest role is making sure things are school-appropriate and logistically possible.”

Sophomore and TV Production Intensive student Grace L’Esperance-Chouinard said Levasseur’s hands-off approach during the teaching process allows students to take charge of their projects and direct them as they please.

“Ms. Levasseur makes sure we don’t burn the place down, but she doesn’t meddle with us. The director and all of us discuss together and figure out everything,” L’Esperance-Chouinard said.

L’Esperance-Chouinard said the class has pushed her out of her comfort zone and helped her learn important skills she applies daily.

“I’ve developed communication and leadership skills,” L’Esperance-Chouinard said. “Coming into these classes, I was not big on talking to other people. I was not big on leading a whole group. But now that I’ve worked in these group settings, I’ve gained some of those skills.”

Senior and TV Production Intensive student Lauren Zweibach said the class has allowed her to explore different facets of the creative process.

“One thing I really liked about this class is that you can kind of go into anything you might be passionate about,” Zweibach said. “You could direct, or you can write, you can act, or edit. And I think it’s really cool that Ms. Levasseur lets us explore our interests.”

Levasseur said that as she has improved at structuring the class, the community has grown stronger and the students more connected.

“A lot of long-lasting relationships get formed because we work closely together. Kids come back. Others join the Digital Video Production Club. It feels like people are finding a home and a community,” Levasseur said.

L’Esperance-Chouinard said she would recommend the class to anyone even partially considering it.

“Even if you don’t think you’re going to like any of it, sign up. It’s a semester-long class. If you hate it, you can switch out. But no one’s switched out of the class. Everyone finds something they like.” L’Esperance-Chouinard said.

Levasseur said that while the class can be challenging, it rewards students regardless of their filmmaking experience.

“There is something for everyone. Anyone can do something in this class to help be productive and make an episode,” Levasseur said. “It’s really hard work. Every minute is full, and it gets chaotic, but there are big payoffs… Come try it out in Foundations, and we’ll find something for you.”