DATA Students Create Public Service Announcement for SafeHouse of the Desert

Jessica Gerrell, Olivia Reynolds, Flora Lopez and Arin Wall, all students in Matt Hamilton and David Vogel's Digital Storytelling Class at Cathedral City High School, shot and produced a public service announcement for Safe House of the Desert.

"I'm going to use their video to educate and promote SafeHouse locally at different schools " said Angela Kinley, SafeHouse Youth Development Coordinator. "I'm very happy with the video. Our goal is to help youth, and having students in DATA make this PSA is full circle for me: youth involvement for youth outreach for a youth shelter is a perfect fit "

PSA for SafeHouse of the Desert from Matt Hamilton on Vimeo.

Day Two, Frank Bogert Memorial Rodeo, Palm Springs, March 13, 2010

DATA students captured day two of the Palm Springs Wild WestFest and Frank Bogert Memorial PRCA Rodeo March 13, 2010. At left is a photo taken by DATA student Gabe Jiminez during the saddle bronc-riding event.

The rodeo, which is sold out, ends on Sunday.

Below you can view some video highlights of the rodeo shot by DATA students in Matt Hamilton's Digital Storytelling Class at Cathedral City High School.

Digital Storytelling Workshop Week Three

The third session of the Digital Storytelling Workshop sponsored by the Palm Springs Unified School District took place in Matt Hamilton's classroom at Cathedral City High School on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010.

Teachers, specialists and administrators from across the district are taking advantage of the workshop offered by Hamilton, Lee Grafton, media mentor David Vogel (left) and music director Michael Boustead.

Projects from this workshop will be entered in the Digicom Showcase May 4, 2010 at Palm Springs High School.

Michael Boustead Works With DATA Digital Storytellers

Music Director Michael Boustead (left) spent a class period offering critiques of student music videos during Matt Hamilton's Digital Storytelling Class on Feb. 17, 2010.

Boustead was the music director for "The Pursuit of Happyness," "Phat Girlz," "Curious George," "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events," and "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. "

"I'm really impressed with the serious attitude of the students and the quality of their work, specifically with matching the mood of the music to their video," Boustead said.

Q&A with Kimjongilia Executive Director and Producer

Cathedral City High School digital storyteller Laura Padilla interviewed "Kimjongilia" executive producer James Egan and director N.C. Heikin Feb. 12, 2010 in Palm Springs. Padilla is a student in Mr. Hamilton's Digital Storytelling Class at CCHS.

"This film is about the human rights crisis in North Korea, which, in my opinion, is the worst on the planet," said Heikin. "It's always important to defend our fellow human beings and help them get out of the horrible trouble they are in. After watching this documentary, most people say 'I had no idea that was going on.'"

Egan said this was a breakthrough film in documentaries. "People are startled by the dance and the music that Heiken brings to this production," he said. "Because of her background as a dancer, singer and artist, she has created a documentary that is not only a call to action, but also a beautiful artistic palette that hasn't been seen before in documentary filmmaking."