Florida State University’s College of Communication and Information (CCI) students are gaining real-world experience in live production thanks to a new state-of-the-art broadcast production unit that is enhancing how students learn, create and prepare for careers in the media industry.

This summer, FSU Live Director and Specialized Faculty Paul Dam traveled 2,200 miles to Burbank, Calif., to secure a custom on-location broadcast van. Equipped with industry-standard technology, the mobile production unit supports live broadcasts of university events while giving students hands-on experience with the tools and workflows used in professional media production.

“When I first saw the broadcast van, my first thought was ‘this is so cool,’” Dam said. “The equipment was designed in a state-of-the-art fashion, and the company did a beautiful job modifying the van to fit the necessary equipment.”

FSU Live and the broadcast van provide students with opportunities to work on live, non-athletic events, such as arts, entertainment and executive productions. The van features 4K cameras, video switchers, graphics systems and audio mixers. It also includes modular flypacks that allow production crews to transport equipment to a variety of event locations.

“There are opportunities for even more live broadcasts that students can be getting their hands on the equipment and learning, which makes them more marketable,” said Jim Garbarino, director of CCI’s Digital Media Services. “We can do Homecoming Live, Commencement, The Flying High Circus, Dance Marathon and more.”

For CCI students, working in the industry-grade van offers a direct pathway to career readiness.

“It affords us the necessary hands-on experience to not only add to our résumés but also develop the technical skills that allow us to confidently take on similar opportunities on a larger scale,” said Olajumoke Oni, a graduate student in public interest media and communication.

While the van serves as a powerful resume builder, its integration into students’ curriculum ensures that entire cohorts receive the necessary training prior to diving into a live production.

“Students in Multiple Camera Studio Production and Advanced Multi-Cam Television Practicum will be trained on the new FSU Live, outside broadcast equipment, and they will be the core technical crew for productions during the semester,” Dam said. “The Multi-Cam course is to give students the foundational training on how to use the equipment. The advanced class gets more into production management and more on producing.”

The project has been years in the making. Nearly two years ago, the Provost’s Office approached Garbarino about developing a mobile production unit capable of supporting university and student events. After coordinating with CCI Dean Michelle Kazmer, creating a business plan and working with industry partners, the vision took shape. Dam joined the effort in December 2025 after transitioning from WFSU Public Media and helped guide the project through its final stages.

What began as an idea has evolved into a cutting-edge mobile production facility designed to give students a competitive advantage after graduation. In July 2026, students got their first glimpse of the van.

“I was surprised. I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect but I found it to be very well equipped,” said Bea Perry, an undergraduate student majoring in digital media production and sociology. “I can tell a lot of planning and hard work went into it because it’s surprisingly compact yet intricately designed with good hidden storage.”

For Oni, her awe later translated into appreciation for Dam.

“A huge shoutout to Mr. Paul Dam for affording me this amazing opportunity and, most importantly, for sharing his expertise and knowledge,” Oni said. “I truly appreciate his guidance and the opportunity to learn from someone with such extensive experience in the field.”

To learn more about FSU Live, visit the FSU Live website. Students interested in getting involved with FSU Live can reach out via email to paul.dam@fsu.edu.