APTRA Academy Continues Successful Run

In 2000, Los Angeles National Board member Hal Eisner created a fantasy camp for aspiring news reporters and anchors. Over the next 15 years, the Associated Press Television and Radio Association (APTRA) Academy has grown to a production that includes SAG-AFTRA broadcasters and performers working with makeup artists, public information officers, firefighters, police officers and many others. The academy provides real-life breaking news scenarios for the students and those just starting their careers.

On Dec. 6 and 7, mentors and academy students gathered at Camp Mt. Crags in Malibu Canyon in anticipation of the breaking news story. The story centered on a fire in the wooded area, with plot twists and turns that would rival any primetime drama.

Students were charged with gathering the facts for the story, which featured a real search-and-rescue dog, firefighters rolling in with lights and sirens, a fire helicopter flyover and police arresting several suspects. Working with their mentors, the majority of whom are SAG-AFTRA broadcast members, the students produced story packages based on the days-long events. Anchor mentees working out of a newsroom at Pepperdine University tied the story into their faux broadcast. Eisner, a broadcaster at Fox 11 in Los Angeles, is the glue that has kept the academy together and keeps it going every year.

L.A. Local Board member Vivicca A. Whitsett and L.A. Local Board and National Board member Michelle Dunker returned as suspects “arrested” by police during the fake-news drill.

“This was my second year participating in APTRA and I loved it,” said Whitsett. “I enjoyed meeting our young broadcasters (and future members of SAG-AFTRA) and the weekend was such a success. From working with LAPD and LACFD to my fellow SAG-AFTRA actors, sign me up for next year!”

Following the first day of the academy, current and former mentors and students joined in celebrating the 15th anniversary at a party sponsored by the SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local and the SAG Foundation.

This item was originally featured in the January 2015 local newsletter.