In 2008, Time Warner Cable in Coronado was forced to cease television production of the Coronado 4th of July parade. That created a void for many life long residents of Coronado too old, ill or fragile to actually attend the parade. Without a means to see the event, as they had for so many years, we launched KYDS TV to fill that void.
In 2009, Coronado’s parade returned to television so these many senior citizens can enjoy the event like they had for so many years. Each year, wIth a handful of local youth, the Coronado Young Directors Society (KYDS) endeavors to produce, engineer, direct and broadcast the annual event to carry on the tradition of Coronado’s parade on television. We are volunteers, not television professionals, doing this for the fun and the experience of giving back to this great community.
2011 was our third year, who could believe we’d be back, better, stronger, with bigger smiles. After reflecting on our third year broadcasting the parade, I am compelled to publicly share my gratitude and observations on the events of July 4th.
First, to the young men and women of KYDS TV. YOU did something very cool last Monday. It was truly AWSOME and I have already asked you all to reflect on how cool it was. You provided some of Coronado’s most fragile residents an opportunity to see the parade as it happened. And, you didn’t just show them a parade, you electrified that experience with youthful exuberance.
Man on the Street, Willy, with Mayor Tanaka
What I observed validated my belief that “today’s youth”, contrary to popular thinking or the media, are not much different than those in our past. You anchored, directed, operated and interviewed like profesionals in the absense of prior experience. My KYDS were hard working, diligent, flexible, compassionate and, extremely intelligent. What I observed defies the message we often hear and read about today’s youth.
In our third year, with make-shift technology and the effort of nine youth, the production will stand proudly on its own along side its predecessors. Not having seen the broadcast yet, I still say this with conviction. You can all be “proud” of your work in the context of pride stated above, enjoying a sense of accomplishment. I was honored to have helped.
I am also honored to have had the support of a dozen unsung heroes behind the green curtain. To our floor director, Laurie Mulligan of Sprint/Nextel who stitched all the dynamic pieces together as they happened. No make up (except black, dry erase), no ribbons, or lime-light, nothing but unrelenting pressure, thank you.
To the moms and dads forming a support battalion in our “Green Room”, thank you for you help making the magic possible and fun for our KYDS. Your group represented a Joint Task Force of Marines, Navy, and Air Force, what more could we have asked for.
To Connor Morse of Coronado HS, it was an amazing thing to watch as you mastered the “boards” sending video and audio to our audience. Directing makes or breaks the production, you get better each year, even as the curve balls continue to come on the “boards”. With our third new and constantly changing platform, you pulled it off marvelously.
Our whole community owes thanks to Bill Putnam of Time Warner Cable of Coronado. Thanks again for allowing us to go on and providing the live feed for us. Obviously, we can’t go live without Time Warner Cable’s two “BNC” connections and an unpaid volunteer on the holiday. The parade on TV is simply not possible without you Bill, thanks.
Susan Enowitz, Mr. B, and the Historical Association staff, thank you for your after hours contributions and allowing us in again… we label that window camera, and we all agree it is, our “Money Shot”. Thanks again.
To Jane Mitchell we send our very special thanks. During the week of your CHS reunion, you took time to sit down with our KYDS before hand providing coaching, answering production questions, and then went live with us to carry the “dead air” time. Thank you (and we hope your successful getting us the Chargers’ QB next year).
KYDS TV interviewed a host of local personalities on air this year. To them, Ken Kramer, Catherine Hicks, Mr. Mayor, and Bob Balfour, thank you all.
Without financial support, we could not continue. Thank you Coronado Optimist and my wife Rose for your enduring support. Our new camcorder was a huge and much needed late entry. Thank you for elevating my “tinkering” hobby and giving back to our community to a new level.
There is so much more to say this year but I close saying..”I’d like to thank the AcademyÂ….” no, that’s next year. Thank you, all my KYDS, for making the magic happen”, and I can’t wait until next year.
Cast and Crew, KYDS TV 2011
Mark Gilliland,
Coronado Young Directors Society
