STUDIO 1
Studio 1 hosts in-house events such as WEDU PBS premieres, debates, photo shoots, and guest events with your favorite PBS personalities. It also holds a huge green screen used for photo and video shoots.
WEDU PBS Studios’ largest studio space is 4800 square feet with a lighting grid height of 20’, and a seamless cyc wall curving into the floor as the background around a majority of the studio.
This studio space is used for both in-house events such as celebrations or premieres of exciting WEDU PBS programming or specials, debates, photo shoots, and guest events with your favorite PBS personalities including Rick Steves, Julia and Bridget from America’s Test Kitchen and Guy Hovis & Ralna English from the Lawrence Welk Show. The space is also very popular with the outside production community for a variety of projects, from a small one-person green screen set-up to a set featuring the interior of a home, complete with stairs to the illusion of a 2nd floor.
It has accommodated a bus, several cars, large animals, and a concert or two. Clients include CNN, ESPN, a multitude of ad agencies, YouTube producers and corporate producers.
Depending on the size of the event or production, it can hold an audience of over 100 guests, or a large set, state-of-the-art equipment and an extensive production team.
And the crew can be as many as 35 including, but never limited to, producers, directors, audio engineers, camera operators, make-up artists, floor directors, production assistants, teleprompter operators and a grand assortment of talent.
We provide just the studio space, or we can add lights, crew and equipment as needed to make a production or event the best it can be.
LOCAL PRODUCTIONS
WEDU PBS produces several local shows and programs, covering a range of topics such as local news, history, arts, culture, and community events. These shows are often produced in-house or in collaboration with local producers and organizations.
Overall, WEDU PBS's local productions aim to educate, entertain, and engage viewers while reflecting the unique character and interests of the greater Tampa Bay area. Through our programming, the station strives to connect with its audience, foster community engagement, and enrich the cultural and intellectual life of the region.
WEDU PBS produces several kinds of original and local programming:
News and Current Affairs: At WEDU PBS Studios, we produce local news programs that cover regional news, events, and issues affecting the Tampa Bay area. These programs often include interviews with local newsmakers, analysis of current events, and investigative reporting on important local topics. Some of these include the weekly program Florida This Week, as well as events with live studio audiences, round-tables, panel discussions, and more. Some other news and current affairs programming we’ve produced or collaborated on are Public Square, First Responders: Last to Ask, and That’s What I’m Saying.
Arts & Culture Programming: We showcase the vibrant cultural scene of the Tampa Bay region by producing programs that highlight local artists, musicians, performers, and cultural events. These programs include profiles of artists, coverage of arts festivals and exhibitions, and performances by local talent. Some productions are WEDU Arts Plus, Greater Sarasota, and High Water Marks.
History and Documentary: We explore the rich histories and heritage of the West Central Florida region in original documentaries and historical programs. These programs often feature interviews with historians and experts, archival footage, photography, and more. Some of our local and original documentaries include Saving the Florida Wildlife Corridor, Rise of the Rays: A Devil of a Story, and Greater Ybor City.
Cultural Exchange and Diversity: We celebrate the diversity of the Tampa Bay area by producing programs that explore different cultures, traditions, and perspectives. These programs highlight the contributions of diverse communities to the region's cultural tapestry and promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. Some of these include Greater St. Petersburg, Can We Talk?, and Perspectives.
GREEN SCREEN
Green screen technology is widely used in film, television, video production, and live streaming for its versatility and ability to create convincing visual effects. It allows filmmakers and content creators to place their subjects in virtually any setting imaginable, without the need for expensive location shoots. WEDU maintains a large green screen in Studio 1 (we hide it behind a curtain for big events like Be My Neighbor Day).
A green screen studio, also known as a chroma key studio, works by using a specific color (usually green is used at WEDU PBS Studios, but other companies and videographers sometimes use blue) as a backdrop during filming or recording. This color is then replaced with another image or video during post-production using specialized software.
STUDIO RENTALS AND LIVE EVENTS IN STUDIO 1
Some past clients include:
- Rick Steves
- National Wrestling Alliance
- America’s Test Kitchen
- Large retail stores
- Captain Kangaroo
- CNN
- ESPN
