Cookbook Author Holly Herrick Interviewed in Communications TV Studio

Communications major Destinee Chambliss conducted a high quality interview with Charleston-based cookbook author Holly Herrick on April 9.

The interview was recorded in the S.C. State Communications Program's television studio located in Crawford Hall, new home to the growing program.



Herrick is a friend whom I met late last year at a holiday book signing at the Charleston Preservation Society. I was very interested in seeing if she would come to Orangeburg to speak with students. Herrick demonstrates extensive use of social media in informing her followers about book-related activities and her life in general. She's particularly active on Facebook, Pinterest and in blogging.

Holly Herrick (right), Destinee Chambliss and yours truly

Herrick spoke to my Electronic (Digital) Media Production II class. She shared her interesting career path which took her from the Boston area where she grew up (she's a Boston College journalism graduate), to France where she went to a culinary school recommended to her personally by none other then the legendary chef and author Julia Child.

In 2000, she came to Charleston to work at The Post and Courier newspaper as a food writer/critic and travel writer.

Cookbooks would become her life's next chapter.

Since 2009 Herrick has been prolific, publishing seven cookbooks. They range from Charleston and Southern cooking to a series of French cookbooks covering sauces, cream puff and eclairs, and soups and stews.

On campus, a book signing was arranged, publicized and carried out with successful results (left).

After the signing, she and I enjoyed a very nice lunch at S.C. State's faculty/staff dining hall.

I was greatly relieved that this culinary expert seemed to like the food- and the dessert too.

With full stomachs and recharged batteries, we returned to Crawford Hall for my Advanced Television Production II class where I have been teaching and training the students to carry out a "live" TV interview.

Communications major Perrion Manns was comfortable enough to take over the control room controls as Destinee Chambliss and Herrick talked in the adjoining studio.

The interview went very well. Kudos to Chambliss for her preparation. Her question list was abundant and insightful and she conducted the interview in a very friendly and conversational manner. Herrick was at ease and her effervescent personality shined!

The interview ran almost 22 minutes and never dragged thanks to Chambliss and her gracious presence and detailed preparation.

The interview's look was accomplished with the magic of green screen technology (aka chroma key).

We used the Tricaster's virtual sets to give a more professional look to the project.

The complete interview is on YouTube at this link. Check it out!

Students Jerel Palmer, Marquis Barley, and Franklin Haigler also contributed to the production with their fine studio camera work.