At the University of Kansas, alumni like Caroline Muth are forging exciting new paths every day. Her journey, from studying cinematography to uncovering a passion for sound editing, highlights the power of embracing unexpected opportunities. Caroline's Studio Production Assistant role with Tico Sports, a Kansas City-based media company specializing in Spanish-language broadcasts, has allowed her to work on high-profile sports events.

Tico Sports serves as the official Spanish-language radio broadcaster for teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, providing coverage of major events like the Super Bowl and other professional and college sports. This experience has given Caroline the opportunity to help produce broadcasts that reach a wider audience.

What Can You Do with a Film Degree?

Caroline, a 2023 graduate of KU’s Film and Media Studies program, started out with a focus on cinematography. However, thanks to the wide range of topics covered in her courses, she was introduced to the art of sound editing. She quickly realized how important audio work is to the storytelling process.

“I’ve always loved music and how it relates to storytelling. Audio is very important, and I don’t think people really realize how important it is. Dialogue and music — how that all comes together — is vital to every story we tell,” she shares.

By focusing on sound editing, Caroline was able to work on a variety of projects and develop her skills in a field that is lesser-known among film majors. Her career path has already given her the chance to cover two Super Bowl games for the Kansas City Chiefs, an opportunity many professionals only dream of. She even traveled with the Tico team to Frankfurt, Germany, for a Chiefs game.

The KU Film and Media Classes that Expanded her Horizons

A pivotal moment in Caroline’s journey at KU was shaped by two foundational video production courses: FMS 275 (Basic Video Production) and FMS 375 (Intermediate Video Production). These courses equipped her with a wide range of production skills and expanded her understanding of media work, revealing the wide array of opportunities in the field.

“I came into KU thinking I’d focus only on cinematography, but these courses taught me about lighting, sound and camera work. I learned how each element of production plays a role in telling a compelling story,” she explains.

The classes helped her realize that filmmaking isn’t just about mastering one skill, but understanding how all the pieces fit together. This holistic approach not only expanded her knowledge of production but also led her to pursue sound editing, a path she hadn’t initially considered but grew passionate about.

What Does a Production Assistant Do?

Caroline’s journey into sports media began with a summer internship at Tico Sports in 2022. What started as an introductory video editing role quickly expanded into a full-year opportunity. Through her connection with Tico, she was given the chance to produce KU football and basketball radio broadcasts, despite having no prior experience in radio production.

“I said, ‘I have no idea how to produce a radio show,’ and they said, ‘Well, we’ll teach you,’” she recalls. This internship not only provided hands-on experience but also allowed her to witness the resurgence of KU football, which she describes as one of her most rewarding experiences to date.

“It was really cool to be a part of the rebirth of our football program,” she shares. “We would go to the very top of the football stadium, set up equipment on a pull-out table, and watch the game while doing production work. It was such a great experience.”

Caroline’s role as a production assistant expanded beyond KU sports and led her to work on Spanish-language radio broadcasts for the Chiefs-Eagles Super Bowl. This was her second time covering the Super Bowl with Tico, where she also helps produce broadcasts for the Kansas City Royals, KC Current, and KU Athletics.

At high-profile events, the work involves everything from adjusting audio levels to balancing crowd noise, all aimed at creating an immersive experience for the audience. This career path highlights a blend of technical and creative expertise, along with a dedication to making a meaningful impact in an industry that continues to evolve and grow.

Advice for KU Students Considering Film, Media or Production Careers

Looking back on her time at KU, Caroline shares great advice for students hoping to break into media and sports broadcasting. She emphasizes the importance of being open to learning a variety of skills, as a broad knowledge base is essential in this field.

“It all works together. I think it’s important to hone your skills to the best of your ability in every field and every aspect that you can because ultimately, it’s just going to come full circle,” she says. “I think to focus solely on one area very intently could be a disservice to your future self, because there’s so much to learn, especially in the film world. You can’t have good camera work without incorporating framing and lighting. You can’t have one piece without incorporating all these other pieces.”

Caroline encourages students to take full advantage of the opportunities at KU and beyond, emphasizing the importance of exploring different areas within media. Through her own experiences, she’s learned that adaptability is essential for success, and broadening your skill set makes you a stronger professional.

Curious about where a role like this could take you? Explore how KU’s Film & Media program helps students get on set and into the industry.