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KERSTEN BECKSTROM
NWCT Volunteer Crew member/Editor, Along for the Ride
PASSION + TALENT = A PERFECT FIT
Kersten Beckstrom always had a passion for police work but her career path led her to a profession in magazine publishing and copy editing. Who knew that her first love and her career choice would merge after retirement!
Kersten is a crew member and the video editor for the Plymouth Police Department's show, "Along for the Ride." Her participation in the department's Senior Corps got her involved in the program—she has been an active member of the crew since the program's inception four years ago.
"Along for the Ride" highlights the activities, programs and officers of the Plymouth Police Department. The program is taped in NWCT's studio once every two months and is hosted and produced by Officer Angela Haseman and CSS Jim Long. During studio shoots you'll find Kersten running teleprompter for on-camera talent. She also keeps a close eye on the finer details of the program. "During the filming I do pay particular attention to the details of the on-camera talent," says Kersten. "I always check to make sure the talent's hair and uniform look good so that each one of them comes across in a very professional manner. How they are viewed by the public is important."
Once shooting in the studio and on-location is complete, Kersten's next task involves editing all interviews, information and footage into a thirty-minute program. This is where the skills that served her well in her career come into play. "Putting the pieces of a program together on a timeline is not unlike putting together a magazine," says Kersten. "I drop items into a timeline in a way that makes sense to the viewer but I also do it so the program is informative and visually interesting. Instead of working with a computer that produces articles on a page, I'm using a computer that produces a show on tape."
Kersten usually averages about 40 hours of volunteer time per episode of "Along for the Ride." This dedication to the program has earned her recognition from both the city of Plymouth and the police department. Though the recognition is important, it's not the real reason Kersten stays involved with the show. It's because she loves learning new things. "There is just always something new to learn," says Kersten. "Even now after five years, I feel as if there is just something around the corner that is new or fun or exciting or challenging. And that's why I keep coming back."
Tune in "Along for the Ride" to see Kersten's talents at work. It airs each Wednesday evening at 8:30pm on Channel 20.
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