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Lights, Camera, Learn

Lights, Camera, Learn

by Aaron Henrich

Visual Arts Education

Season 1

From Classroom Broadcasts to C-SPAN Documentaries

Tanaya Safi is a high school junior who has already produced three award-winning C-SPAN documentaries. In this episode of Lights, Camera, Learn, Tanaya shares how her passion for storytelling, editing, and advocacy has shaped her journey through student media. She explains how media can turn complex issues into accessible, meaningful stories that inspire change. She reflects on the mentors and classroom experiences that encouraged her to try every role in production, discover her voice, and develop confidence both on and off camera. Tanaya also offers thoughtful insight into the ethical use of AI in education, the importance of curiosity, and why students should never turn down an opportunity that excites them.

Untold Truth About Movies, Media and Success

In this inspiring and entertaining episode of Lights, Camera, Learn, ABC10’s Mark S. Allen shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories from interviewing Hollywood legends, producing independent films, and building a decades-long career in media. He opens up about creativity, resilience, personal setbacks, and the relentless drive it takes to survive in the entertainment industry. From hilarious interviews with celebrities like Robin Williams and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, to lessons learned through failure and reinvention, Mark delivers candid insights into storytelling, filmmaking, and success. Packed with humor, honesty, and inspiration, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about media, movies, or chasing creative dreams.

I Didn't Make It in Hollywood….Then Found Success in TV News

What happens when your dream doesn’t work out? In this powerful episode of Lights, Camera, Learn, ABC10 sports reporter Kevin John shares his journey from pursuing acting in Hollywood to building a career in broadcast journalism. He opens up about failure, rejection, and one of the most difficult periods of his life—when he struggled with his mental health and had to find a way forward. This is more than a career story—it’s a conversation about resilience, purpose, and finding your path when things don’t go as planned. Topics covered: A Hollywood dream goes bust and starting over Breaking into broadcast journalism Mental health and personal struggles Finding purpose through storytelling

AI Is Changing Education Forever… And Most Schools Aren’t Ready

Artificial intelligence is already transforming education—but many schools are still resisting it. In this episode of Lights, Camera, Learn, educator and author Holly Clark breaks down how AI is reshaping classrooms, why some schools are falling behind, and what students actually need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. She also shares global perspectives on how other countries are embracing technology in education. If you care about the future of education, this conversation is essential. In this episode: How AI is impacting classrooms today Why some schools are resisting change Global differences in education and technology What students need to succeed in the future

I Sent Hundreds of Emails… Until Someone Said Yes (Breaking Into Sports Media)

What do you do when no one responds to your emails, applications, or outreach? In this episode of Lights, Camera, Learn, Bella Kunde shares her journey of persistence—cold emailing, networking, and pushing through rejection to break into the media industry. She opens up about the uncertainty, stress, and determination it takes to create your own opportunities when the traditional path doesn’t work. This is a must-watch for students and aspiring media professionals trying to get their foot in the door. Topics covered: How to break into media with no connections The reality of cold emailing and networking Dealing with rejection and staying motivated Creating your own opportunities in a competitive field

Lights, Camera, Learn - Ignacio Dominguez

In this episode of Lights, Camera, Learn, we talk with NBCUniversal reporter Ignacio Dominguez. Just a few years into his journalism career, he’s already covered the emotional and political sides of the immigration issue on the California/Mexico border and investigated the illegal world of cock fighting. He discusses the importance of empathy, hustle, and bilingual storytelling in connecting with diverse communities and building trust with sources. Ignacio also offers advice for aspiring journalists on gaining real-world experience, networking, and staying curious in a fast-paced, ever-evolving media landscape.

Lights, Camera, Learn - Rebecca Long

Rebecca Long was an aspiring actor, but a series of encounters and incidents led her to become a passionate middle school teacher instead. Find out more about her journey from stage to classroom, how her background in performance shaped her teaching style, and how her father influenced her interest in media. All that and more on this next episode of Lights, Camera, Learn!

Lights, Camera, Learn - Kristie Gong

This episode of Lights, Camera, Learn! takes a look at the role of data and analytics in local television news. Kristie Gong, Director of Audience Insights, Analytics, and Programming at KCRA, the NBC station in Sacramento, discusses how data informs the stories and programming audiences see on television. Kristie also shares her journey from a media student at Cal State Northridge to a leader in audience research. She discusses how local stations adapt to streaming, multi-screen viewing, and the challenge of reaching younger audiences who don't watch traditional news. Kristie adds her insights into the importance of mentorship, representation in media, and helping students discover careers behind the camera to help preserve the future of journalism.

Lights, Camera , Learn - Dennis Weaver

In this episode of Lights, Camera, Learn!, we sit down with Dennis Weaver, a media production teacher and coach at Highlands High School in Sacramento’s Twin Rivers Unified School District. Weaver shares how his journey as a musician, filmmaker, and lifelong creator shaped the innovative media program he built for students, emphasizing creativity, resilience, and real-world skills. He reflects on the lessons he learned from the music industry, athletics, and mentorship—and how those experiences help him guide students from underserved communities toward opportunity and confidence. Dennis’s story is a powerful reminder that education can transform lives when passion, creativity, and commitment come together.

Lights, Camera, Learn - Emi Mendieta

What goes into turning a script into a finished film or video? In this episode of Lights, Camera, Learn, cinematographer Emi Mendieta shares insights from her career working across narrative films, documentaries, and music videos while revealing the creative and managerial realities of life behind the camera. She discusses the steps and creativity she uses to translate scripts into visual language through color, composition, and collaboration with directors and production teams. Emi also reflects on the importance of on-set safety, shaped in part by the tragic loss of her close friend, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, and explains how that experience has deepened her commitment to protecting cast and crew. The conversation also explores her international upbringing, early love of filmmaking sparked by watching Star Wars, and the journey that led her to a career in cinematography.

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