Palo Verde Students Get Hands-On Experience in Film and TV Production
Jet Guido, TV and Film Production teacher at Palo Verde High Magnet School, is in his third year of teaching and is giving students hands-on experience in filmmaking while helping them build confidence and communication skills. He teaches film and TV production to all grade levels, along with a yearbook course focused on digital communications.
In his classroom, students learn the filmmaking process from the ground up. Guido starts with editing, using Adobe Premiere Pro, an industry-standard software. “The first thing we jump into is learning how to edit,” he said. “If I were to jump into camera or scripts or anything like that, what are they going to do with that footage?” Students work through multiple editing lessons to build a strong foundation before moving into camera basics, lighting, and eventually producing their own films.
Students also gain experience using real equipment, including 4K camcorders, microphones, and lighting setups. Along the way, they learn essential skills like white balancing, exposure, and audio capture. While the equipment is straightforward, Guido says it prepares students for real-world production. “It’s real basic equipment, but it gets the job done.”
Beyond technical skills, Guido emphasizes collaboration and communication. Students work in groups to create projects and learn how to express themselves through storytelling. For Guido, that is the most important outcome. “I want them to come out with confidence and to know that they have a voice,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s film, writing, art, or music. They need to find a way to communicate.”
Palo Verde High Magnet School offers a variety of academic and career-focused programs in addition to TV and Film Production, giving students opportunities to explore their interests and prepare for college and careers.
In his classroom, students learn the filmmaking process from the ground up. Guido starts with editing, using Adobe Premiere Pro, an industry-standard software. “The first thing we jump into is learning how to edit,” he said. “If I were to jump into camera or scripts or anything like that, what are they going to do with that footage?” Students work through multiple editing lessons to build a strong foundation before moving into camera basics, lighting, and eventually producing their own films.
Students also gain experience using real equipment, including 4K camcorders, microphones, and lighting setups. Along the way, they learn essential skills like white balancing, exposure, and audio capture. While the equipment is straightforward, Guido says it prepares students for real-world production. “It’s real basic equipment, but it gets the job done.”
Beyond technical skills, Guido emphasizes collaboration and communication. Students work in groups to create projects and learn how to express themselves through storytelling. For Guido, that is the most important outcome. “I want them to come out with confidence and to know that they have a voice,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s film, writing, art, or music. They need to find a way to communicate.”
Palo Verde High Magnet School offers a variety of academic and career-focused programs in addition to TV and Film Production, giving students opportunities to explore their interests and prepare for college and careers.
Summary: Students at Palo Verde High Magnet School are learning about filmmaking while building confidence and communication skills.
Posted: 3/25/2026
Keywords: article, 2025-2026, school, magnet programs, high school
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