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STEVE STRASZ
Instructor
Classes you teach: TBD
Office hours: TBD
Education: Specs Howard School, of course. Graduate of RTV 6-89. Prior to SHS I studied radio and television production at Macomb Community College and at Lakeview High School.
Past experience: I wish I had as much diverse experience as other faculty, but instead a majority of my industry experience came under one roof, which
was 14 years experience with Comcast.
It is true what my instructors told me when I was attending school here. You learn way more in the field than you could ever pack into 32 weeks. At Comcast I did just that. I began as a part-time PA in 1991, became public access coordinator, the full-time network series producer, then a writer/producer for advertising sales, then a full-time Avid editor, then a department lead and finally a production supervisor
for Michigan.
While wearing these many hats I learned and did everything I could -- camera, audio, set design, script writing, acting in commercials as needed, linear editing, non-linear editing, lighting, graphics, Photoshop, and media duplication.
Current industry contributions: Not a great deal going on at this time, although I'm sure I'll find some things to do. I freelance as an A/V and I do voiceover work as well. Otherwise, I'm really just putting a lot of my focus and study into Specs Howard School right now.
What would people be surprised to know about you? They would be very surprised if they could see me in action break dancing. Come to think of it... so would I.
Favorite local newscast: Fox2 News at 10pm. Hey... it's news that works for me.
Favorite local news reporter or anchor: Huel Perkins is awesome. I also like Stephen Clark on WXYZ.
What do you watch when you turn on the TV? I watch just about anything. I watch commercials because making advertisements is a large part of my career so I study them, study the graphics, etc.
I enjoy a good live program because you just never know what will happen. I gravitate to Comedy Central
most of the time. "Mind of Mencia" is hilarious. I fall off the couch watching that kind of stuff.
I like crime dramas as well such as "CSI" or "Numbers." I think these over-the-top game shows are a riot to watch. I used to watch "Millionaire" and "The Greed" on Fox. Now of course, it's "Deal or No Deal" on NBC.
Prefer to be on camera/on-air or behind the scenes? I will do either one. It's all good!
What do you think is the coolest job behind the scenes? Editing. There is just so much you can do there.
How far should someone go to get a story? All the way baby.
Do you watch reality TV? Oh yeah, remember "The Swan" of Fox? I've seen most of the key reality programs, "Surreal Life" is a good one. Never had a
chance to watch "Big Brother" or "Survivor," I have to admit. I did enjoy "Average Joe"' on NBC. I bet the folks that produced "The Real World" back in 1992 had no idea this concept would take off the way it did.
Favorite TV commercial: I like the "Truth" tobacco industry ads. They are interesting, compelling, entertaining, powerful message. I like the way the
spots are shot on the street, scripted but loosely scripted.
What TV advertisement bothers you the most? Not the BK ads! Everyone I talk to thinks the BK guy is creepy. I think the commercials are hilarious. If you
don't get the joke, well gee, I'm sorry.
Who would you most like to interview? I would interview Stephen Colbert from Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report." I would love to ask him some really
off-the-wall, messed up questions and see how he responds.
What do you consider your most important role at the school? Basically to follow the mission statement; which is to inspire, educate and motivate
future leaders of the communications industry.
How do you stay on top of trends in the industry? Various ways. Mainly through co-workers. They always know something that you don't. And often you
know something that they don't know. But also I look at industry magazines
and the internet.
What do all successful grads seem to have in common? The drive to succeed. They stay true to their goal, they don't end up back at the stamping plant and they are in it to win it.
Why do you turn on the radio? Yikes, not for music I assure you. I have my own collection. I turn the radio on for talk such as Drew and Mike.
Do you have a favorite radio station? 97.1 FREE FM.
What song do you wish would disappear from radio? Dust In The Wind, for real. And people had the nerve to wipe out Stairway to Heaven. At least it
was Led Zeppelin, not KANSAS? Who is Kansas again??
Where do you look for creative inspiration? The TV screen; the edit console; the guitar fret board; a book.
What do you enjoy most about working at Specs? Teaching and sharing all my industry knowledge and expertise with students that want to know it all.
Favorite place: Like Dorothy taping her heels, there is no place like home!
One thing you'd like to learn: I'm an Avid guy so I think I would like to learn and master Final Cut Pro.
Pets: One female Australian Shepherd, named Pixi. She is one crazy dog but we love her.
Subjects that interest you: Production obviously. I sometimes make skits for fun. It's something I started to do when I was 13 years old and it led me to
where I am today.
Favorite director: No preference
Favorite movie: That's a tough question. I can tell you for certain it's NOT "The Parallex View" starring Warren Beatty. Does anyone remember that? I
think it may be "Star Wars" only because I learned at the tender age of 11 years old what the green screen meant and how the special effects worked and
it inspired me to make my own short films and use sound effects, etc. There are certainly greater movies, even better films in the "Star Wars" series but
the very first one is what set things into motion so it had a big impact on me.
Places traveled: Toronto, Los Angeles, Dallas, Orlando, Chicago, The Bahamas, and of course, all over Michigan.
Greatest accomplishment: To be hired into this school. I love it here!
Best book: Kurt Cobain, Journals
Special talents/ skills/ hobbies: Musician
Things people associate with you: You'd have to ask the people.
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