Brett Dickie is a rather reluctant television star.
One of the hosts of ‘Video Xtreme? on Independence Township local cable access channels 10 and 20, Dickie has aspirations in the television or film industry. His goal, at least at first, was to be a producer or director.
‘I told myself, ‘I truly do not want to be in front of the camera,?? he said, but then came the opportunity to resurrect the production, which focuses on hard rock and heavy metal. ‘I really couldn’t turn this down.?
Dickie, along with co-host Ron Ledwell and producer-director Jason Hughes, collaborate for the monthly production out of the Comcast building on Maybee Road. The ‘childhood friends? are 1999 Clarkston High School graduates who were in a film class together in their junior year
Hughes, who now works for the local cable operation, thought of Dickie to be the host.
‘I do consider myself up to date on bands and music,? Dickie said. ‘I follow it naturally.?
Dickie is building his industry credentials as well. After completing a one-year program at the Motion Picture Institute of Michigan, he is now a junior at the University of Michigan-Flint, majoring in television and mass media.
Hughes and Dickie brought in Ledwell to serve as co-host, finding the on-camera interaction to be more effective.
The trio’s first assignment was at St. Andrew’s Hall in Detroit, where they interviewed the bands Finger 11, Local H and the Burden Brothers.
‘It was my first time on camera,? Dickie said. ‘I was so nervous.?
The bands, however, were very cooperative, even recording tag lines for use on the show. Dickie and Ledwell offer commentary, show videos from the various bands and give updates on Detroit area concerts. As time goes on, the program may give an opportunity for local bands to play their music.
They’ve found other ways to be creative, including shooting the show’s opening outside the studio. The scene is from the perspective of a special stakeout, with Dickie and Ledwell playing the roles of the ‘suspects.? The scene plays out with a certain degree of melodrama, ending with the duo’s apprehension and ‘sentence? to host the show.
In addition to support at the studio, Dickie has received ‘great advice? from his sister, Rebecca, who is studying at Western Michigan University.
Dickie hopes to eventually direct and produce in television or film. In the meantime, ‘this is fun,? he said.
‘To be able to come up here [to the studio] and have it at our disposal for a show more geared to our age group, something we really like to do, is incredible,? he said.
Watch for ‘Video Xtreme? at 10 p.m Friday-Sunday and at 9 p.m. Tuesday on local cable access channels 10 and 20.