Falcon Fever Before The Summer

By Amos Hollinhead

Before you leave for the summer, how about a little bit of fever! The only show capable of doing that is the University of Montevallo's sports show Falcon Fever. Falcon Fever focuses on getting coverage of everything happening in the Montevallo sports world, from events, teams, student-athletes, and staff. However, this is only the part that happens in front of Falcon Fever's cameras.

Behind the scenes are a crew of students that produce the show every week of the semester, and now that the show has become a class, Dr. Bruce Finklea is teaching those students how to construct a quality production. The students are using their skills to not only produce the show, but to also grab the content they need for the show in order to have a successful production. Not only have the students enjoyed taking this class, Dr. Finklea has enjoyed teaching it.

Dr. Bruce Finklea explaining his vision for the show

"The skill that they use to tell a story are transferable. In the real world, they have to be ready to interview the president one day, and maybe a homeless man on the street the next day. It has been a great opportunity for any Mass Comm student to gain some extra experience to go and package an event, or interview a coach or a player. So it has been a really good experience."


The skills students need to produce a show such as Falcon Fever takes much time and planning. Students have to practice and learn how to operate equipment, learn how to write stories, be able to capture footage, conduct an interview, and how to be professional on camera. The one thing special about this semester is Dr. Finklea has handpicked all of his students to take this class and produce this show. In other words, Dr. Finklea had his "Dream Team."

Graduating senior and Falcon Fever anchor Savannah Kidd has been working with the show for two years and she has learned much from Dr. Finklea about anchoring and producing. She, as well as the other students of the Falcon Fever crew, has received great experience from handling a weekly show.

Sloan and Savannah anchoring for the last time together

"From day one, anybody that comes into this department looking to better themselves and is looking to really figure out where they belong and what they want to do, Dr. Finklea will help you every single step of the way."

Falcon Fever has ended production for this semester, but if you would like to see past episodes, go the Montevallo For You YouTube channel. Also, you can follow Falcon Fever on Twitter, @UMFalconFever, and send the show a friend request on Facebook to get the latest news on Montevallo sports.