After six years and 200 episodes, Mr. Souza and the Tiger Talk crew members reached the incredible feat and created a lasting impact on the Oliver Ames community.
The iconic weekly episodes originated as something to inform students at home during the COVID-19 pandemic of what was going on in the OA building. Something that started so small grew into an outlet for students to express themselves and find what they are passionate about.
“You know, I am overwhelmed with pride,” Mr. Souza said. “I started this job because I wanted to help students find their path, and I think that this club more than anything has provided that. I have even had students tell me that it had a very, very important impact on their life.”
The genesis of Tiger Talk was only to provide news, but students like Wyatt Fayne created something more than that. The show became a way to entertain. Students pitched in with ideas and productions, then the club grew from there.
“One of the things we established early on was the people were very passionate about their film work,” explained Souza. “Students would stay after class and that was very encouraging. I would tell them that they should join the club. You would see them join, and then they would bring their siblings and friends and this revolving door is what really grew the club.”
Tiger Talk became an outlet and the Media Production classroom is always bustling with passion for movies and film. Devoted students created a legacy like Kali Blackerby, who is now going to college for press and media. Mr. Sousa talked about this club with tears in his eyes and a permanent smile on his face.
“I love to see inspiration flowing through them and it absolutely makes my day to know that they are getting as excited about this medium as I am,” Souza revealed. “That just makes my day. That is probably my memory. It’s just the idea of seeing my passion in their eyes.”
When working on this incredible project, Tiger Talk has won many awards and accolades, along with countless memories. Major accomplishments include winning the NASA video challenge and having had multiple winners in the Hockomock Film Festival. With all the tremendous work, they are still working to five hundred views per episode and continuously getting one episode out every week.
“It is a lot of work to turn over an episode each week,” Souza continued. “Sometimes we miss the goal here and there as far as the stuff we want to put into an episode, but there is a lot of work. Shows that take a little more time we do a two week turnover, like the hallway features. The shows, proper, that we film with the greenscreen takes a little less time. It is a lot of work.”
With all this work, Mr. Souza is overjoyed. He commends all the effort from the students throughout the years, specifically pointing out, junior, Nathan Bailey. Without the constant effort of the members, Tiger Talk would not have been about to reach this spectacular achievement.
“I just can’t believe I’ve done something 200 times,” Mr. Souza giggled. “I am so proud of it. It’s always been my baby. I am so proud of the students and their accomplishments, and it just fills my heart. Seeing their success is my success. My heart is full.”
