Sask. Polytech student wins award for video project about MJPL

MOOSE JAW — A Saskatoon college student is being recognized for helping highlight the history and heritage of the Moose Jaw Public Library by using technology to combine archival photos and modern videos.

Kylla Kate Veran, a media production student at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, received the Innovation Student Award during her convocation ceremony in The Bridge City on June 17.

Veran collaborated with Moose Jaw’s heritage advisory committee on an innovative initiative to spotlight the library, a designated municipal heritage site. Using archival photos, videos and a script that the committee provided, she applied her training — video editing, storytelling, sound design, graphics and pacing — to transform the raw materials into a polished video.

In an interview, Veran — who is from the Philippines — said receiving the Innovation Student Award is “fulfilling,” even though it’s not easy studying abroad. Yet, winning an award so early in her career is a milestone.

“I’m still shocked I was the chosen one for that award, but I’m happy,” she remarked. “It felt meaningful (to win) because it’s unusual (for someone) from our program to win … that award.”

Veran explained that her instructor approached her about working with the committee, so she agreed to “take a shot on it” because this was an opportunity to work with a real client on an initiative in a real-world setting. She then connected with committee members online and received instructions that way.

Creating the over two-minute clip was somewhat challenging for the Sask. Polytech student because she had to technologically improve the videos — interior and exterior shots of the library — the committee sent. Yet, these “tweaks” made for a more visually engaging project.

“But, overall, it’s not that hard to create because we are following a script. And also, we have the client’s instruction that we need to follow,” Veran said.

The student used several Adobe software programs to create the video, “elevate” it and make it more engaging. This is particularly noticeable in the archival photos, which look less flat and more life-like.

Veran said the video turned out well, based on the feedback she received from the committee. Furthermore, she said the clip was good for her portfolio, although she thought she could have made it more engaging story-wise if she’d had more photos or videos of the library.

The college graduate added that she is now freelancing for a company where she interned, while long term, she wants to work full-time in editing and cinematography.

Janie Fries, vice-chairwoman of the heritage advisory committee, said Veran created a great video that was interesting and engaging and that combined “the old and new” in the library. It was also cool how she won an award for her efforts.

The committee wanted a video created since it thought that would be more interesting than just photos, she remarked.

Continuing, Fries, said some historic buildings that the committee is highlighting through the Moose Jaw Memories Project are not always open, nor do people who walk past always go inside. So, this initiative will let people scan QR codes — the stickers are attached to heritage plaques — that will take them to the videos.

The committee is promoting these heritage buildings because it wants them to continue standing and wants people to support them, said Fries. Furthermore, tourists — and other interested persons — enjoy learning about them from the plaques; the QR codes will now give them more information.

“Because it’s a QR code that we’re using … we can keep adding more and more information as we get organized,” she added. “And the public can add their own stories to the history of these buildings.”

The video can be found on the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Digital Innovation, Arts and Sciences’ Facebook page.