As Executive Director of WayCAM, the community cable TV studio, Jim Mullane is known for his unwavering commitment to adult volunteers and students of all ages. Whether they are learning how to operate a camera, write a script, or use a boom mic, Mullane is there to advise, guide, and, most of all, encourage.

Twenty-six years ago, Mullane started as a volunteer producer. Within a few years, he began teaching TV Production to elementary and middle school students in the school district’s summer and after-school programs.

Fast forward 25 years, and he was honored last spring for his lengthy career in the district, which included taking on a high school teaching assignment. An Emerson College graduate, Mullane has influenced countless Wayland High School graduates, who point to his classes as the catalyst that sparked their career decisions. Today many of his former students are working in the field, and he continues to be a valued mentor to many.

Recalling his first teaching assignments, Mullane says, “Through the Pegasus Summer Program back in 1996, I introduced elementary students to TV production.” In those early teaching days, Mullane observed the young students’ excitement about basic TV concepts.  Seeing their enthusiasm led him to pursue more opportunities.

He started after-school programs and became very familiar with television production and studio operations. “In my third year of doing that, WayCAM needed a new director, and I was hired,” he recalls.

His first high school class was an introductory course. Interest grew and he added a second level course. In recent years, an Honors Script-to-Screen class has led to a display case full of national and international student film awards.

The new opportunities led to surging student interest in pursuing media careers. “That’s probably what I’ve enjoyed most about teaching,” Mullane explains.”I see the enthusiasm of students who realize they can pursue a career in this business. That’s something they had never imagined before.”

Mullane has been very successful at recruiting high school students who contribute greatly to the studio’s programming. Students are producers, directors, on-air talent, and control room crew, and have produced many shows for broadcast over the years, including athletic events, concerts, student plays, sports talk shows, and community events like parades.

“I think every good teacher wants to make a difference for their students. Most of the time you do, but do not know about it,” Mullane believes. “I was lucky to find out a few years ago when we were negotiating our contract with Comcast.” Graduates sent letters and videos of support for WayCAM, outlining how the WayCAM classes led them to pursue a media career.

“They supported WayCAM because they were grateful for the start we had given them,” Mullane said. “Many wanted to be sure the opportunities would remain in place for future Wayland High School students. The outreach was very humbling, and I’ll never forget it.”

As far as the plethora of awards displayed in the studio, Mullane says, “I’ve pushed my students to understand the creative process of filmmaking. I try to get the best out of them. I tell them to write about something you know and are passionate about. It doesn’t matter if it’s a freshman making a 30-second public service announcement or a senior producing a 30-minute show. I stress that quality is more important than quantity.”

As a result, Mullane says the student teams in the Honors-Script-to-Screen class benefit from supportive relationships. “They know how to give positive feedback, and they work toward making each production the best it can be. I believe that’s why the students have won 21 awards over the years.”

In early 2023, Mullane will mark a new milestone in addition to his 25 years with the school district. He’ll celebrate 25 years as WayCAM’s to

p administrator. Since 1998 he has seen many changes and handled numerous projects, including overseeing the building of a brand new, state-of-the-art studio when the new high school was built.

“From my first days here – when we didn’t even have the Internet – we’ve had to stay current with the technological advances. That’s the only way to remain relevant to the community.” With his staff and students, he often shares his belief that change is one of the only things in life you can expect. “Rather than fighting it, you will be happier if you accept change,” he tells them.

“Embrace change, and you’ll keep moving forward,” he says. “That philosophy has sustained me in my studio work and my teaching over these past 25 years. That’s why here at WayCAM we can take continued pride in what we accomplish for the students and the community.”

by Connie Burgess