John Beaulieu

by Stephanie J. Serrano

John Beaulieu, Chairman of the Cable Committee, brings over 30 years of professional television experience to the town of Litchfield. Beaulieu graduated from Emerson College, where he received a B.S. in Mass Communications with a concentration in television production

Beaulieu’s full time job is working as Television Director at Rockingham Park. He also has a part-time job working as the Technical Director for the Manchester Monarchs “In House” show.

Beaulieu’s work in the television industry has included jobs with the Boston Garden, Channel 5 and Channel 50 out of Derry. His expertise in TV productions includes shooting cameras, coordinating light and audio, and many other areas included in technical directing.

Beaulieu has had the opportunity to work beside television announcers, while sitting in the overhang seats above the ice during various Boston Garden sporting events. However, he admits, the glitz and glamour are small rewards when working in television. Beaulieu shares the other side of his job, stating “You don’t have a normal life when you work in television.” He says that many of his friends involved in television are often traveling and are rarely home.

Beaulieu has held his position as Chairman of the Cable Committee since 1993. He says that he would like to see some of the goals he’s set for the town come to fruition before his term ends in 2004.

Beaulieu’s main goal is to establish a school, government and public access channel for Litchfield. He says that Litchfield’s television studio is a work in progress. Structurally, Litchfield’s television studio is ready to go live. The electrical, cosmetic, racks and wiring are installed and cable ready. The hold up is said to be due to contract agreement and negotiations with Adelphia. Beaulieu is anticipating that a contract will be finalized by spring.

Getting students involved with Litchfield’s television productions is a top priority for Beaulieu. “That’s how I got started in television productions, would like to give others the same opportunity,” says Beaulieu. He’s been working closely with school administrators, in an effort to create a small production studio at the high school.

Beaulieu currently averages 8-20 hours a week, installing and researching equipment, getting money appropriated, and setting up and training people for Litchfield’s television meetings. He’s also been working closely with the budget committee to determine how funding will happen.

“I would like to see us get as many programs on our channels for people to watch,” says Beaulieu. He sees this as a great opportunity to reach out and work with fire, police and other town departments.

Beaulieu’s affair with television productions rarely ceases. When he’s not volunteering for the town, working his full and part time jobs, Beaulieu participates in speaking engagements during college “Career Days.” He shares his experience in television communications with aspiring students.

During the off-season at Rockingham Park, when he’s not simulcasting races, John is responsible for upgrading and installing television equipment, and providing maintenance work.