Step 1 - Introduction To Video Basics

This is the first step toward learning about volunteering and getting involved at MCM. Find out about the exciting world of television and broadband media at this overview of MCM services and opportunities for community members and prospective volunteers. Explore the basics of video production. Learn basic lessons in terminology and theory behind video production. This workshop prepares students for all specialized workshops offered at MCM.

Step 2 - Sign up for classes

Want to get started faster? Take field classes! It is recommended that all students take field classes before they begin studio classes.

Field Classes
Field (remote videotaping) classes teach students the essentials of producing programming in the field. It's flexible and skills learned will help you in Studio classes.

Studio Classes
Studio classes teach students the elements of producing in the studio and trains you on all studio and control room equipment.

Step 3 - Get Certified

Once you take a class and pass the exam, you become certified to use MCM's equipment and studios. You are now ready to produce your own show or volunteer on a show.

MCM staff will continue to be available with ongoing technical help and further training from the beginning of your project to the completed program. When your show is completed, MCM will provide you free air time for airing your show.

*MCM also offers equivalency exams to individuals who have a background in television production and would like to bypass the classes.*

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updated 3/21/2010

Access to equipment and facilities

To use any of MCM's production equipment and facilities to produce a program, you must be a Montgomery County resident, attend an Introduction To Video Basics class, and complete a class for the specific equipment you wish to use.

Class Registration

To register for a class, visit us at our Rockville office between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 pm or contact us by phone at 301-424-1730, extension 351.

For information about classes and workshops call 301-424-1730, extension 351. Dates and class prices are subject to change, and to cancellation. Prices listed do not include the cost of membership dues.

To request an information packet call 301-424-1730, ext. 351.

Payment Method

Payment must be made in full at the time of registration. Checks (payable to Montgomery Community Television), MasterCard, VISA and money orders are accepted.

Refunds

All requests must be made in writing to Larry Merewitz lmerewitz@mymcmedia.org and Shannon Romano sromano@mymcmedia.org. Your letter should include your full name and the class you are withdrawing from. Full refunds will be given if cancellations are made 72 hours prior to the first class. If cancellation is made anytime within 72 hours preceding the first class, no refunds will be made.

Introduction to Video Basics
This is the first and required step toward volunteering or producing at MCM and gaining access to MCM's broadcast quality professional equipment. The class offers an overview of services and opportunities for community members and prospective volunteers. You’ll learn about the history of PEG Access and MCM, our policies and your options for getting involved. In addition, you'll explore the basics of video production. This workshop prepares students for all specialized workshops offered at MCM.
Prerequisite: None
Price: $10

Road to Production
This introductory class offers a sneak peek at what it takes to produce a show in a professional environment. Instructors will touch on topics including top notch producing and script writing, as well as the technical aspects of both field and studio productions.
Prerequisite: Introduction To Video Basics
Price: $25

Equivalency Exams
If you have previous technical or producer experience, you may opt out of the certification workshops and take an equivalency exam. Intro to Video Basics, Field Producer, Field Technician, Final Cut Pro Editor, Studio Basics and Control Room each have equivalency exams. Contact the Training Unit for more information.
Prerequisite: Introduction To Video Basics
Price: $40

Field Courses

Field Camera
Lights, cameras and microphones are the equipment used during a typical single-camera remote production. Students will learn how to operate professional digital video cameras, setup field lighting and mix perfect audio in the field.
Prerequisite: Intro to Video Basics
Price: $75
4 week course

Field Editor
Get basic techniques about operating Final Cut Pro HD – industry standard computer-based editing software. Editors will cut together a four minute program with the Field Producer class.
Prerequisite: Intro to Video Basics
Price: $75
4 week course

Field Producer
In this hands-on class, students learn the fundamentals of remote productions in a documentary style, from concept to production to editing.
Prerequisite: Intro to Video Basics
Price: $125
9 week course

Studio Courses

Studio Basics
Get the basics on studio camera, teleprompter and floor direction. Successful completion of the course leads to a certification as a Studio Technician at Montgomery Community Media, when combined with the successful completion of the Studio Control Room course (see below). An optional lighting lab is available to students that want to learn how to  hang, aim and focus studio lighting.
Prerequisite: Intro to Video Basics.
Price: $75
6 week course

Studio Control Room
Production Switcher, Video Tape Operator, Studio Audio and Character Generator operator are the four techical positions taught during this course. Successful completion of the course leads to a certification as a Studio Technician at Montgomery Community Media, when combined with the successful completion of the Studio Basics course (see above). Students may opt to take the lighting lab for certification in hanging and aiming lights.
Prerequisite: Intro to Video Basics.
Price: $75
6 week course

Studio Director
Find out how to call the shots, frame camera shots and build a program in real-time during various types of studio productions. This is the final class of certification for studio technicians. Students can receive certification as director and assistant director during this class.
Prerequisite: Studio Basics and Studio Control Room
Price: $75
6 week course

Studio Producer
Learn how to prepare scripts, understand set and light plots and produce in Montgomery Community Media’s two studios.
Prerequisite: Intro to Video Basics.
Price: $125
6 week course

Studio Technician
Students will rotate through all Studio Basics and Studio Control Room course positions (see above for details), using the same training format as those courses use. Successful completion of this course will earn the student a certification as a Studio Technician at Montgomery Community Media. Students may opt to take the lighting lab for certification in hanging and aiming lights.
Prerequisite: Intro to Video Basics.
Price: $125
12 week course

Studio Director (12 weeks)
This class is designed to teach students how to direct a variety of studio-based programs. Students will direct practice programs during the first 6 weeks, then for-broadcast programs the last 6 weeks. This course follows the same format as the 6-week Studio Director course (see above), but is 12 weeks long, giving students more practice time with a greater number of studio show styles. Students must have successfully completed the Studio Basics and Studio Control Room courses or the 12 week Studio Technician course.
Prerequisite: Studio Control Room and Studio Basics or Studio Technician
Price: $100
12 week course

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Workshops

Inscriber Character Generator
Montgomery Community Media is offering a workshop on the studio Character Generator. The workshop will give an overview of the basic functions of the Inscriber CG, starting from an empty template and showing you how to make a basic set of lower 3rds for a studio production. Prerequisite: Studio CG
Price: $20

Jib Workshop
This is the first of two classes for training on the Jib. This one day class focuses on using the controls and most importantly the safety. Certification in this class will allow the use of the Jib in one position controlling the camera operation. An additional class will be available to learn the use of the Jib with total control of the camera and Jib movement, with the pre-requisite of Jib 1 plus hours worked on the Jib.
Prerequisite: Studio Basics
Price: $20

Jumpbacks and Soundtrack
This is a one day, 3 hour workshop demonstrating Digital Juice Jumpbacks and Soundtrack in the editing process. This class will show you how to enhance your programs by using Digital Juice when creating opens and other elements of your programs.
Prerequisite: Final Cut Pro certified
Price: $20

Video to Web
This two day, 2 hour class will cover the best processes for getting your multimedia content on the web,and methods (e.g., media formats, codecs, data (bit) rates, frame rates, key frames, resolution, aspect ratios, etc.) currently practiced in the industry
Prerequisite: none
Price: $30

Introduction to Motion/LiveType
Learn the basics for creating new graphics projects in both Motion and LiveType.
Prerequisite: Intro to Video Basics
Price: $20

Photoshop for Producers
This two day class teaches Producers how to format photos for use as stills in field and studio productions, but is also open to all certified MCM members. Bring your own pictures on a thumb drive or a CD to use as material for the class. You do not need any previous experience with Photoshop to succeed.
Prerequisite: none
Price: $20

Mobile Production Vehicle
Take your studio training to the next level! Learn setup, strike and operation of cameras and the MPV’s  control room. There is a strong emphasis on safety and teamwork. This class culminates with an actual production. Certification will be given to Access users that attend all classes and participate in all aspects of the training.
Prerequisite: Studio Control Room and Studio Basic
Price:$60
Two sessions

Studio Lighting
Students learn how to safely hang and focus lights and program the control board in this three-hour workshop.
Prerequisite: Intro to Video Basics
Price: $20

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updated 4/14/2011

What class should I take?

To get started at Montgomery Community Media, you must first attend the Introduction To Video Basics class. It is designed to give community members a better understanding of Montgomery Community Media services. It is also the first step to any of the training paths for producers and technicians.

How much are classes?

It varies depending on the class.  It can range from $20 - $125.

When are the classes held and how many sessions?

It varies depending on the class. Montgomery Community Media has both weekday and weekend classes. The weekday classes are in the evening and there are morning and afternoon classes on Saturday.

I already have a background in television production. Do I still need to take the classes?

Not necessarily. You may bypass a class by taking an equivalency exam.

What is the age requirement for taking a class?

classes are open to Montgomery County residents or representatives of non-profit organizations based in Montgomery County, ages thirteen and up. Technical courses are open to anyone over the age of thirteen.

How do I register for a class?

To register for a class, visit our Rockville office between 8:30 - 5:30 PM or contact us by phone at 301-424-1730, ext 351.

What tape formats does MCM use?

DVC Pro, MiniDV

I have a tape I made. How do I show it on MCM?

If you have a tape or DVD of a show or other media you have already created, you can request a time slot and submit your media for air on MCM 19 or MCM 21. Learn more...

Who watches MCM?

MCM can be seen in every household in Montgomery County with cable service.

I’m interested in training for a non-profit organization. What’s the next step?

MCM's Volunteer Services and Training department consults with non-profit organizations to help them train their staff. Learn more...

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updated 11/18/2010