Ethan Tse, a 2021 Wayland High School graduate, is the recipient of Wayland’s cable access studio’s annual award to a graduating senior.
In announcing the scholarship, WayCAM Executive Director James Mullane lauded Tse’s willingness to volunteer at any time. “When others may have stood back, Ethan would be the first person to volunteer.”
As an example, Mullane said when the upgraded broadcast system on the new turf field was completed, Tse took on the technical directing role on the new switcher. He worked on many athletic productions, including spring football games during a season that had been delayed due to Covid-19.
Mullane said one characteristic that always stood out about Tse was his willingness to ask questions. “As a student, Ethan wanted to get it right, and he was confident enough to ask questions as part of his learning process.”
In applying for the scholarship, Tse said his interest in film dates back to his early years. “I want to learn about the process behind filmmaking, what goes on throughout its production, and the many strategies and styles that allow film to be so emotional and relatable,” he wrote, adding that he has two main goals in his pursuit of filmmaking.
“I want to create a film that connects with its viewers on an emotional and mental level, and to better understand the processes and concepts behind film production.”
Likewise, he says, he is interested in television. “Film and television have been big parts of my life, and I want to take part in the industry that produces these marvelous works.”
Tse will major in Film at Boston University, building on the skills he has gained as a Wayland High School student.
During high school, Tse was introduced to various aspects of production when he enrolled in TV Production classes. “We made storyboards, conducted interviews, and ran a sports coverage program. We learned how to prepare a set, work the teleprompter and tricaster, and plan for every shoot.”
Tse wrote, directed, and edited a Public Service Announcement about littering. He took on many tasks for the Sports Update program, running the teleprompter, conducting research, and editing episodes. He also helped to design the show’s logo.
As a senior, Tse enrolled in the Honors Script–to–Screen class and was involved in producing a documentary about the pandemic’s effects on the daily lives of Wayland High School students.
Of the latest WayCAM scholarship recipient and his future prospects, Mullane says, “I expect big things coming from Ethan. He’s bright, confident, and wants to learn.”
