Middle Years Program (MYP) Design students at Whitby School in Greenwich, Connecticut, recently learned professional video editing techniques from EJ Gentile, an avid editor at NBC Sports. Gentile, who works on the professional football talk show PFT LIVE on Peacock, led a two-part workshop for 20 sixth graders on Feb. 13 and 21. The first visit took place in January, where he reviewed student commercials and shared industry insights. The 7-time Emmy Award winner from Cos Cob, Connecticut, returned twice in February to give students advice on production and to help refilm certain segments. “I was impressed with their creativity,” said Gentile. “We talked about trying to engage the audience more, while giving as much information to the viewer as we can.”
Students learned techniques such as video “padding,” using sound effects, and how graphics support storytelling. “Mr. Gentile showed us how one sound effect or transition can change a scene,” said 6th grade student Andrew. “He helped us decide what edits to make, based on our clips.” The 30-second ads promote student-led projects, such as Baking Showcase, Soccer Shootout, and Jedi Redemption. One commercial by Bella introduced an “Adopt-a-Duck” fundraiser, where donors receive photo updates on ducks living in Whitby school’s pond. “I wanted people to care about the animals in the pond,” Bella said. “Mr. Gentile helped me crop my video, so it made more sense.” The 6th grade commercials will air for other grade levels in early April, after Whitby’s Spring Break.
Gentile also spoke about careers in media production and taking on new challenges. “You never know where something might lead,” he told students. “Taking on different roles can open new doors.” His advice led to questions about careers in video and sports broadcasting. “This has given our students insight into the real-world editing process,” said Phil Lohmeyer, the school’s MYP Design teacher. “EJ’s guidance really improved their projects and highlighted the role that video can have in branding and storytelling.” Lohmeyer mentioned a continued collaboration with Gentile, who plans to support the school’s “Whitby News Network” this spring.
Sixth grader Mari, left, prepares to film for her brand Baking Showcase, while students Bella and Blanca hold cue cards as EJ Gentile directs. On the right, daughter Ceci watches dad in action as he suggests solutions during the filming process.
