Getting Started
After becoming a member, you will begin with an Orientation class. This class will cover the options that are available for training and how to cablecast your program.
If you have a completed program, on a cablecast format (DVD-R) you may simply schedule a Cablecast Appointment at the front desk and the Program Coordinator will go over the times available for your program to be shown. You may even call-in at the appointment time and schedule your program over the phone.
If you would like to produce new programming, you will need to attend one or more of the production courses offered.
Production Paths
The options available to you as an Access Tucson video producer can be broken down into three main categories: No Tech, Low Tech, and High Tech. These production paths define what will be appropriate for your production, the classes required, and the skills you as the producer will learn.
No Tech
The producer does not need to learn everything about camcorders, editing, lighting, etc. Instead, you may chose to concentrate more on organizing productions, writing scripts, promoting the program and possibly being the on-camera talent or host of the program. The Introduction to Access Production class will take you though a detailed examination of the options for being a producer. In this class you will learn about the roles and responsibilities of the video producer, from pre-production planning to organizing the production crew and program promotion.
Low Tech
If you would like to produce a simple talk show without having to organize a large crew of volunteers, the Access Tucson Anchor Desk could be the answer. The Anchor Desk provides producers with the chance to create a talk show from our specially designed production desk. No production crew is needed for this format and you may produce a live or live-to-tape program.
After taking the Intro to Access Production, you can sign up for the Anchor Desk training. In this one evening class, you will learn how to organize and direct your own program from the Anchor Desk.
High Tech
If you want a hands-on education in the tools of video production, the two main production classes offered by Access Tucson are the Digital Field Production and Studio Production classes. Digital Field Production provides instruction for the camcorders, field production accessories and editing facilities for "on location" productions. Studio Production provides training for studio cameras, lighting, audio, and switching and directing for performances, live shows or productions that are better suited for a controlled sound stage.
After completing either or both of these two-week trainings, you can continue your education with advanced video production classes, such as our remote production classes or the advanced editing course.
Volunteering
If you are simply looking to volunteer on a production, Access Tucson offers training for Studio Camera Operation. This single evening class will provide you with the basic skills to be a studio crew member. This class is also the first step to qualify for being a crew member for programming that utilizes the Access Tucson Production Truck.
Following the High Tech path will provide you with additional skills and the most opportunities for volunteering.
Starting a Project
After you complete training, the first step in starting your project is to set up an appointment to meet with a Facilitator. The appointment can be made in person at the front desk or by calling Access Tucson. Facilitation Appointments are how Access Tucson provides equipment scheduling and consultation service on a first come, first served basis. This ensures that facilities and resources are available in a fair and equal manner.
In your first meeting, the Facilitator will help you to plan your project and to determine what Access Tucson equipment and facilities you will need. You will complete and sign a project agreement indicating that you are responsible for all facility use and scheduling of the project and that your project will be cablecast by the determined date. You may also have time in your first appointment to begin scheduling some of the equipment to start your project.
To ensure fairness and availability, facilitation appointments are 30 minutes long. You may schedule facilities time up to 4 months in advance. If you don't finish everything, make another facilitation appointment to complete your scheduling. You are also encouraged to use facilitation appointments for ongoing feedback and consultation about your project.
After your first Facilitation Appointment to open your project, you may conduct future appointments for that project over the phone. Just call in at the time of your scheduled appointment.
If you aren't able to come for your facilitation appointment be sure to call to cancel and reschedule. If you will be late for your appointment please call to let us know.