I’ll go ahead and blame my self-imposed busy schedule for not getting the job done first, but I couldn’t have been happier to see some local students receive a bit of publicity — even if they never ask for it.
FOX 4 out of Kansas City recently traveled all the way north to interview Wesley Valentine and others at Platte County High School about Valentino Productions — a small company founded just three years ago. Will Valentine (a 2017 Platte County graduate) and his brother started the project and have made noticeable strides.
I must admit: I wanted to do this story, but I just haven’t made the time.
The Valentines always make time. From creating highlight videos each week for the football team to competing with the high school’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter, these guys stay plenty busy.
And boy, are they talented.
Anyone who goes to Pirate Stadium to watch the football team or follows along on the road probably sees the large, flat-screen TV on Platte County’s sideline. Valentino Productions sets up the monitor and accompanying equipment — it really is impressive — before the game.
Coaches then can immediately review video clips of every play on the sideline through an attached tablet. This allows for real-time critiques to help the players see what they did well or what they might have missed.
Up to five students work on providing different camera angles, and in previous years with Will still in the fold, students even provided live webcasts through YouTube of the games. This came complete with graphics and running commentary.
The game only starts the process.
With careful review of the footage, Wesley Valentine — faithfully stationed on Platte County’s sideline — uses software to edit the videos. He usually adds music with input of one of the players in what becomes a widely anticipated release each week.
Truly, Valentino Productions can be considered a part of the team at this point. Not many schools have this type of resource to provide professional quality work at no cost.
Much less having the talent come from inside the school.
Wesley Valentine is a senior this year so I have questions about how the business fits into the future at Platte County. As much as you like to think that the skills are passed down to a new set of students, I don’t want to underestimate the talent and dedication the Valentines have displayed in this endeavor.
Hopefully, I’ll find some of that time and ask some questions to take a glimpse into Valentino Productions’ plans. Regardless, I’d like to know what the Valentine brothers plan to do with their skills in the future because there has to be a spot for them in the professional world with this type of experience already developed and refined.
When I first went into journalism, projects like this weren’t even on the horizon.
There are so many opportunities out there in the digital world and developing those skills early can surely pay dividends. Old guys like me — and some even older — have attempted to adjust on the fly and try to stay up-to-date with changes to technology, but it certainly can be a challenge.
I’d venture to guess the Valentines have a leg up on many people who do this recreationally or through classes in school. These guys are out there living and breathing this in real world experience with some of the harshest critiques you can receive available — those of high school football players wanting to look good on tape.
Take notice of the sideline next time you visit Pirate Stadium — and opportunities could be limited — to check out the setup. Valentino Productions should be appreciated for the innovation and effort supplied at Platte County in recent years because the kids deserve all the recognition they can get for the work behind the scenes.
Ross Martin is publisher of The Citizen. He may be reached via email at editor@plattecountycitizen.com. Follow him on Twitter: @Citizen_Ross.