Journalism and Media Students Go Wild with KC Royals | University of Missouri

Students studying journalism and film and media arts have been given a great opportunity at Pine Tar Collective, the in-house marketing agency for the Kansas City Royals.

The collaboration resulted in an advertisement promoting the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s partnership with the Royals on the Kauffman Stadium Crown Vision, a nearly 9,000-square-foot screen above the outdoor field.

“This was an extremely unique opportunity to go to Kauffman Stadium and really experience what life at The K is all about,” said Steve Kraske, professor of journalism. “To work with professionals who really know what they are doing, have a very clear idea of ​​how to film this project and how to implement it. Being able to take advantage of this opportunity was a great experience for our students.”

Cristian Martinez, a journalism and film and media arts student, was one of the students who saw the entire project, from concept to screen.

“Working with the royal family on this project has been amazing,” Martinez said. “It was like a dream come true. UMKC, whether it’s the equipment or the professors themselves, has really prepared us for this moment where we are on set with the Royals. This made us feel comfortable. It made us feel like we could really translate what we learned in class into a professional set.”

The students took part in an MVP tour of the Kauffman and Pine Tar worksites. They met again later, where the students were able to pitch concepts to the production team and finalize the plan. After two days of filming, during which the students got to be in front of and behind the camera, Pine Tar edited the final film, which premiered during UMKC Night at the K. It will air during every Friday night home game for the Royals’ remaining season.

“We all could have been there and watched our ad,” Martinez said. “The Royals showed us at Crown Vision, which is crazy because I always wanted to be there. They showed us all and it was amazing.”

UMKC’s prime location and partnership provide students with incredible career development opportunities before entering the workforce.

“I think coming to KC is what it’s all about,” Martinez said. “I think some people like to say, ‘I want to go to Chicago. I want to go to New York. I want to go to Los Angeles,’ when in reality, Kansas City is the place to be. You have so many opportunities, like a chance to work hands-on early on in your dream career.”