Farm, Food & Media StudioAt — Little Bird Productions & Cocina Uccellino
Students will participate in an immersive farm-to-table learning experience that blends culinary arts, cultural studies, and media production. Hosted by Little Bird Productions, this opportunity takes place in real-world settings such as local farms, restaurants, and community kitchens where students explore how food is grown, prepared, and shared. Students will engage directly with farmers, chefs, and home cooks, gaining insight into regenerative agriculture, sustainability, and the diverse cultural traditions that inspire modern gastronomy. As part of the Studio program, students will practice the art of storytelling within their own school labs and creative spaces—capturing interviews, recipes, and histories on film. They will also create content for social media platforms, podcasting, and local features designed to showcase community talent. This dual focus—food and media—equips students with cooking skills, a deeper understanding of food systems, and hands-on experience in digital storytelling while uplifting local voices.
Knowledge and Skills Students May Acquire By the end of the Farm, Food & Media Studio opportunity, students will gain: Culinary & Food Knowledge Understanding of farm-to-table systems, from soil to plate. Awareness of regenerative agriculture and sustainability practices. Hands-on exposure to preparing ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Appreciation for global food cultures and the stories behind each dish. Media & Storytelling Skills Interview techniques for capturing authentic voices. Content creation for social media, podcasting, and short films. Basics of filming, photography, and digital editing. Experience in collaborative storytelling and creative expression. Personal & Professional Growth Stronger communication and teamwork skills. Confidence in public speaking and presenting ideas. Critical thinking about food systems, culture, and community impact. A portfolio of creative work (videos, podcasts, posts) showcasing their new skills. This blend of culinary arts, cultural exploration, and digital media production equips students with transferable skills for school, career pathways, and everyday life—while inspiring them to see food as both nourishment and a story worth sharing.
Culinary Literacy for Media Crew (1-Hour Training Module) 0:00 – 0:10 | Introduction to Culinary Storytelling Why food isn’t just food → it’s culture, family, and story. The role of the media crew: capturing emotion, tradition, and process. Examples: short clips showing powerful food storytelling moments. 0:10 – 0:20 | Mise en Place & Plating Basics Mise en place = “everything in its place.” Why chefs set up ingredients (organization, flow, beauty). What media crew should film: ingredients laid out, chef arranging setup, first cut/first stir. Plating basics → colors, textures, garnishes, final reveal. Capture “before & after” shots (plain plate → final dish). 0:20 – 0:35 | Key Filming Moments in the Kitchen Prep shots: washing, chopping, seasoning. Transformation shots: sizzling pan, rising dough, simmering pot. Interaction shots: chef’s hands, eye contact, smile, storytelling while cooking. Tasting/reaction shots: first bite, community sharing meal. Golden rule: always film “the beginning, the turning point, the finale.” 0:35 – 0:50 | Kitchen Etiquette for Filming Do’s: Stay out of the chef’s workflow. Ask before moving close. Capture natural moments, don’t interrupt. Don’ts: Never place gear on food prep surfaces. Avoid blocking access to sinks/stoves. No leaning over dishes. Practice activity: simulate a cooking demo, have students identify where they would stand and which moments they’d capture. 0:50 – 1:00 | Cultural Research & Respect Quick overview: every dish tells a cultural or family story. Media crew role = be curious, respectful, and highlight the chef’s voice. Activity: each student drafts 2–3 respectful interview prompts (e.g., “What does this dish mean to your family?” / “Who taught you this recipe?”). ✅ By the end, students will know: The basics of mise en place and plating so they can film intentionally. Which moments in the cooking process are visually essential. How to move and act respectfully in a kitchen environment. How to connect their filming to cultural storytelling.
Student safety is a priority during all filming activities. Because locations may vary—farms, restaurants, community kitchens, or homes—safety protocols will be reviewed with students before each visit. Students must maintain distance from active cooking areas, follow site rules, and practice good hygiene (including handwashing). Equipment will be handled responsibly, with cords and tripods secured to prevent tripping hazards. Location-specific safety requirements will be requested in advance and shared with students. All activities will be supervised by CSUSM faculty and Little Bird Productions staff.
o apply, submit a one-page résumé and a short statement (150–200 words) explaining your interest in food, culture, and media storytelling. Email materials to [insert your email] with the subject line: Application – Farm, Food & Media Studio. Applications will be reviewed with CSUSM faculty, and selected students will be contacted for a brief interview (Zoom or in-person). Final placements and orientation details will be provided before the start of the program.
| Hours | Duration |
|---|---|
| 50 | hours per placement |