What began as a humble video production class quickly blossomed into a successful small business for a group of Stillwater High School students. ¶ Through their company, Cutaway Productions, they've made scores of promotional and training videos for many local businesses and community groups. ¶ Not only are they learning new skills, they're getting paid.

"Our client base is growing and we're beginning to fund ourselves," said their producer and teacher, Debbie Drew. The Cutaway team has earned as little as $200 for a job and as much as $3,000. The money is used to pay for video equipment, Drew said.

Among the businesses that have hired them to make videos are: USA Karate, Camp St. Croix and Acapulco Restaurant.

One of their videos -- called Technology Today -- is regularly used by Apple Computer as a demonstration video at educational workshops.

As word has spread about the talented and cheap student-run production company, their customer base is expanding.

Recently, some coaches hired the kids to make "rules videos" explaining the rules of their particular sport.

One unusual request came from a teacher, who wanted to hire the Cutaway team to create a video showcasing his house. He plans to use it as a real estate tool to help him sell it, Drew said.

The kids also have been asked to film a few weddings.

"We shoot anything and everything," said Kirsten Peterson, 18, a senior at Stillwater Area High School, a team member.

One of her favorite projects was making a public service announcement about hunger for a food drive sponsored by WCCO-TV. It aired a couple of years ago on the station.

"It was cool to see all of our stuff appear on actual TV that people watch," Peterson said.

She has learned the technical ins and outs of shooting and editing videos, and also much about business etiquette, something Peterson says Drew is a stickler about.

"She wants us to treat it like a business," Peterson said. "She treats it like a job."