This past April, we launched Ink TV, a regular video series on YouTube, in response to the pandemic and the initial shutdown of schools. This program has been a tool to transport the 916 Ink programming experience – all of the whimsy and delight of our creative “Imaginarium” space, the enthusiasm and talent of guest artists, the intrigue of Sparks and Prompts to promote children’s imaginations – directly into children’s homes. Through Ink TV, we are reaching new audiences and engaging with our existing audiences in new ways!
Geared towards 3rd to 6th graders, Ink TV episodes incorporate Prompts from our Wordslingers, interviews with special guests, and other activities to inspire and spark creativity within our audience.
With our second season of Ink TV, we thought it was a good time to sit down with host Jay Oatis and talk about the show – and what’s to come.
Jay, how do you feel about this current season?
I'm so excited to share Season 2 with our viewers! Ink TV started on Access Sacramento back in April and it was Allison [Stelly, Director of Development] and me on a live Zoom call. Now it's evolved into this shinier, quicker format. I'm really looking forward to sharing all our hard work with our Inkers.
What are you most excited about as far as this season and future seasons?
The guests and the Prompts. I've filmed some episodes with our Wordslingers sharing Sparks and Prompts with the viewers. I've also filmed episodes with local Sacramento artists and performers. I was so grateful for everyone's willingness to collaborate and to create something special for our students.
What are the goals of Ink TV?
The goal is to get Sacramento area youth who aren't in our workshops to write and to get to know 916 Ink better. I would love every elementary school teacher in the world to use Ink TV to teach a writing lesson! How cool would that be? The episodes can serve as a lesson on their own, or as an introduction to a larger concept that's already being discussed in class.
Why does the 916 Ink method translate well into a YouTube series format?
What's brilliant about the 916 Ink method (based on the Amherst Writers and Artists method) is the simplicity of it. All you need is a piece of paper and a pen or pencil. The rest is up to you. In the workshop, we always give students specific Prompts to write about, but always remind them they should write what needs to be written. If the Prompt is writing from an alien's point of view and a given student doesn't connect to the Prompt, that's fine -- they can write about something completely different. My hope with Ink TV is that students will be inspired to write, even if it has nothing to do with that week's episode. I want students to find their voice, especially during a time of such uncertainty. Expressing yourself is so empowering, healing, and uplifting.
Finally, where do you hope Ink TV goes in the next year?
I would love to incorporate more crafting into some of the segments. As a student, I was a visual learner, and sometimes making something with your hands can activate your imagination. Play is so important! In Episode 3, our Wordslinger Nena talked all about creating a story using LEGOs. Creating a scene using LEGOs and then writing about that scene is an excellent way to create new worlds. I'm hoping we can include more crafting paired with writing. I also can't wait to collaborate with a whole other group of guests, who I know will bring viewers something new and energizing to think about and write about. I'm thrilled that I get to develop Ink TV, creating a whole library of free videos as a resource for students and educators.
A new Ink TV episode premieres every Friday at 12:00 pm, through December. To subscribe, visit www.youtube.com/916ink!
