JEFF MCHALE
Instructor

Classes you teach: 2nd Quarter News Production (Tech II), 3rd Quarter Advanced News Production, and 3rd Quarter Specs In Focus.

Past experience: I have worked in one end or another of the field for about 8 years now. I have done ENG camera, Producing, and Directing.

Current industry contributions: I have done freelance work for such companies as CBS Sports and FSN.  I have also shot ENG camera for the City of Dearborn’s Government Access Station (CDTV), Designs of Future Worlds LLC, as well as miscellaneous freelance positions. I currently, freelance as an ENG videographer and operate my own DJ Company.

What would people be surprised to know about you? I actually enjoy country music!  Even I was surprised to know that about me.

Favorite local newscast: The one with the most accurate weather forecast. Because that’s a hard thing to do.

Favorite local news reporter or anchor: Don’t have one really.

What do you watch when you turn on the TV? Boston Legal, great show both for entertainment and production value.

Prefer to be on camera/on-air or behind the scenes? Behind the scenes

What do you think is the coolest job behind the scenes? I think that all the jobs behind the scenes are pretty cool, but I’d have to say ENG Camera or Director, just depends on what I’m working on.

How far should someone go to get a story? As far they need to, as long as no one gets hurt.

Do you watch reality TV? I try not to.

Who would you most like to interview? Michael Jackson

What do you consider your most important role at the school? My most important role at the school is to try to educate and motivate the students to help them succeed!

How do you stay on top of trends in the industry? Continuously freelancing is one way to stay on top of the industry trends because you can work on so many different projects.  Networking is a VERY important part of working in the field.

What do all successful grads seem to have in common? A drive and determination to work hard and go the extra mile.

Why do you turn on the radio? To hear a game (football/baseball) if I am in the car and can’t see it on TV. Besides that, I usually put on a CD. Since I work as a DJ I sometimes skim through the stations to try to keep up on new songs, and what’s popular. 

Do you have a favorite radio station? Not really.

What song do you wish would disappear from radio? None really, if I don’t like the song I just change the station.  The radio is SO diverse.

Where do you look for creative inspiration? Everywhere I go.

What do you enjoy most about working at Specs? The atmosphere. The faculty, the students, and being able to teach them everything I know so that they can go out and get jobs in the industry. 

Favorite place: Somewhere I can go snowboarding, in REAL snow.

One thing you'd like to learn: I would like the learn everything I can.

Pets: My roommate has 2 cats: Caesar (Orange Cat) and a black cat named simply, The Black Cat.

Places traveled: Florida, Las Vegas, Arizona, Boyne (MI)

Greatest accomplishment: I own and operate a very successful DJ company, and I can hardly believe the great things people say about it.

Special talents/skills/hobbies: Videographer, DJ, and Snowboarding.

Things people associate with you: For some reason, a lot of people seem to think I look like “That guy from ‘Who’s Line Is It Anyway?’ you know, the tall guy with the curly hair?” Ryan Stiles, that’s it.