TRAINING OVERVIEW

Because of the nature of television production, the emphasis of our classes is on hands-on experience. This includes in-class work, labs, and volunteer sessions outside of class. Attendance at all sessions is REQUIRED to pass the course. Courses may include practical and/or written tests.


Course Catalog Links

Orientation | Basic Studio | Workshop Cancellations | Class Size | Testing Out | Labs | Fees | Dress | Certification | Volunteering | Training Policies | Attendance | Producer | Control Room | Cut Editing | Final Cut Pro Basics | Basic Directing | Saturday Seminars



Course Descriptions:

Orientation – The starting session for everyone interested in becoming a member, using the facility, and/or taking the other courses. The orientation includes a tour of the facilities, a review of the basic rules and regulations, and discussion of "what is public access?" After attendance at the orientation, you may register at the main office and begin taking the other courses.
Day: 2nd Tuesday of the month
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Length: 1 session
Prerequisite: None
Labs: None


Basic Studio – Introductory course for working in the studio. This course covers the operation of the studio cameras, basic lighting, set design, and floor directing. Students will also learn the basics of framing a shot and be given a brief overview of the positions in the control room. The course will include the taping of short programs as a practical test as well as a written test. Following the final session, each student will also be required to serve on 4 volunteer lab sessions for current producers.
Day: Thursdays
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Length: 4 weeks
Prerequisite: Orientation and registration
Labs: 4 volunteer studio sessions


Workshop Cancellations – If inclement weather or insufficient enrollment necessitates canceling a course, we will notify registrants by phone. The course dates may be altered if sessions are affected by weather. In case of overall cancellation, the registrants will be moved to the next available course date unless they choose otherwise.


Class Size – To ensure quality training and a good teacher/pupil ratio, class size is kept relatively small. When the maximum number of registrants has been reached, the course will be closed. If demand warrants, CMPAC may add additional classes in future quarters.


Testing Out – For those who have prior experience in television production, you may "test out" of courses by taking the required written and practical tests. You must schedule testing out with the Operations Manager, and pay a non-refundable fee of $20. If you do not pass the tests, you will be required to take the appropriate course for certification.


Labs – Several courses require the completion of lab sessions. In the studio classes, these take the form of required crewing on other producers’ programs. CMPAC can help you find programs to perform your labs on, but producers will also be able to contact you directly through our volunteer list. You should also take the initiative to complete your labs.


Fees – Many of our classes are free to our members, however some courses do require a small fee. All fees are non-refundable.


Dress – We keep the facility cool to help maintain the equipment. Make sure to dress warmly! For the studio classes in particular, make sure to wear footwear which will be comfortable while standing for long periods.


Certification
No one may use the facility or operate the equipment until they have passed the appropriate course. Following successful completion of each course, you will receive a certificate in the mail. Your certification will also be noted in our files. Please consider also adding yourself to the Volunteer List.


Volunteering
Access 21 exists because of its volunteers. Our producers depend on you! It is also the surest way for you to gain valuable experience in the areas in which you are certified. Television Production is a hands-on field, and your skill level and knowledge can increase only by doing. To be added to the list, or to change information, fill out one of the yellow Volunteer Forms available in the Administration offices and outside the Studio Coordinator’s office.


Training Policies

Registering for Classes
For most classes you can register during office business hours, over the phone, or in person, up to 2 business days prior to the start of the course or class. At that time, your prior record will be accessed to verify that you qualify for the specific course and that any volunteer labs have been completed. For classes requiring fees, registration must be done in person during regular business hours (weekdays 8:30 –5:00).


Attendance
If you will need to miss a workshop session, contact the office well in advance about scheduling a make-up class. It may not always be possible to schedule make-up time, which may affect your ability to complete the course. Emergency situations will be handled by the Operations Manager. Without prior notice, if you do not attend a class, any fees are forfeited and an additional penalty fee may be charged before you can register again for any classes.


Producer – Before producing a program on Access 21 one must attend this one-day course to learn the logistics of producing a television program in the studio and the field, the specific requirements at CMPAC, and the various ways to effectively communicate your message to the viewers. A written test will be administered at the end of the session. Following the successful completion of this session, one can register their program during the next sign-up week, upon completion of all other required courses.
Day: Saturday
Time: TBA
Length: 1 session
Prerequisite: Orientation and registration
Labs: None


Control Room - The next step in studio production. This course teaches the students how to operate the audio board, character generator (graphics), video tape recorders, and switcher. The course will include the taping of short programs as a practical test as well as a written test. Following the final session, each student will also be required to serve on 4 volunteer lab sessions for current producers.
Day: Thursdays
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Length: 4 weeks
Prerequisite: Completion of Course #1
Labs: 4 volunteer studio sessions


Cut Editing - Introduction to the basics of editing. The students will learn the "rules of editing," the operation of the edit controller, and the basics of the character generator (graphics). A majority of class time will be devoted to hands-on practice. A written test and practical test is required for completion. The class is offered in the afternoons or evenings on Mondays, but is also offered as a 1-day session on an occasional Saturday.
Day: Mondays (or Saturday 1-day)
Time: TBA
Length: 2 weeks
Prerequisite: Orientation and registration
Labs: None


Final Cut Pro Basics - Introduction to non-linear editing using the program Final Cut Pro. Students will learn how to capture video and audio into the computer, edit clips together, add transitions and graphics, and record their finished product onto tape and DVD. A majority of class time will be devoted to hands-on practice. A written test and practical test is required for completion. Members have a choice of morning, afternoon or evening sessions. Once certified, members can have a CMPAC hard drive assigned to them, or bring their own in to use.
Day: Tuesdays
Time: TBA
Length: 6 weeks
Prerequisite: Orientation and registration
Labs: None
Fee: $90.00 non-refundable


Basic Directing - For those students wishing to learn the basics of leading a studio production. Before taking this course, one should be comfortable with the studio switchers. The course will concentrate on the interpretation of the producer’s vision and script, the logistics of guiding the crew, and the "rules of directing." The final class will include a written test and a practical test of directing a short program along with students in the Basic Studio and Control Room classes.
Day: Thursdays
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Length: 2 weeks
Prerequisite: Course #4
Labs: None
Fee: $25.00 non-refundable


Saturday Seminars - Once a quarter, CMPAC will offer seminars on various subjects to expand the knowledge of our members and producers. Sample topics include: Tips for Talent, Set Design, Field Production, Motion Graphics, Podcasts, Promoting Your Program, Green Screen, and Lighting Tricks. Typically, two topics will be covered during one session. Ideas for topics are always welcome. These seminars do not include a test and do not result in certification.
Day: Saturdays
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Length: 1 session
Prerequisite: TBA, if any
Labs: None
Fee: $10.00 non-refundable


Course Catalog Links

Orientation | Basic Studio | Workshop Cancellations | Class Size | Testing Out | Labs | Fees | Dress | Certification | Volunteering | Training Policies | Attendance | Producer | Control Room | Cut Editing | Final Cut Pro Basics | Basic Directing | Saturday Seminars