Before producing a TV program on Access 21, you must attend this half-day course to learn the logistics of producing a television program in the studio and/or the field and the specific requirements at CMPAC.  A written test will be administered at the end of the session, which will concentrate on the Rules & Regulations (which you should read before class and bring with you).  Following the successful completion of this workshop, members can begin the process to register their program for the next available programming quarter by submitting a Program Information Sheet.

FREE
1 Session
Saturday  9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

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 shot composition, safety procedures, and rules of the studio.  The course will include the taping of short programs as a practical test, as well as written quizzes.  Following the final session, each student will also be required to serve on 4 volunteer lab sessions for current producers.

FREE
4 sessions
Thursdays  6:30-9:00 PM
or Saturdays  2:00-4:30 PM

Control Room

The next step in studio production. This course teaches the students how to operate the audio board, character generator (graphics), playback/recording, and switcher. As with the Basic Studio course, the course will include the taping of short programs as a practical test, as well as written quizzes. Following the final session, each student will also be required to serve on 4 volunteer lab sessions for current producers.

Prerequisite: Basic Studio
FREE
4 sessions
Thursdays  6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
or Saturdays  2:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Basic Directing

For those students wishing to learn the basics of leading a studio production.  Before taking this course, you should be proficient and comfortable with the other positions of the studio and control room.  The course will concentrate on the logistics of guiding a crew and the “rules of directing”.  The final class will include a practical test of directing a short program along with your fellow students.  Following the last class, you will be required to mentor under certified Directors for 4 volunteer lab sessions.

Prerequisite: Control Room certification + proficiency
$25
3 sessions
Thursdays   6:30-9:00 PM

Podcasting 101

This introductory course will explore the growing industry of podcasts.  What are they?  How can you do one yourself?  Attendees will learn about the required equipment, developing your podcast, and how to publish it.  You will also learn what the requirements are for producing a podcast using the Access 21 Podcast Studio.

FREE
1 Session
Monday  7:00-9:00 PM

Podcast Studio

Learn all the equipment in our Podcast Studio, including the Rodecaster to control and record your audio.  You’ll also learn the robotic cameras and switcher if you would like to include video with your podcast, or to enable you to use your podcast as a TV show as well.  This is a very hands-on class.

Prerequisite: Podcasting 101
$25
3 Sessions
Wednesdays or Fridays  7:00-9:00 PM

Final Cut Pro X Basics

Introduction to non-linear editing using the program Final Cut Pro X.  Students will learn how to capture video and audio into the computer, edit clips together, add transitions and graphics, use special effects, and export their finished product as a digital file.  Instructors will also review effective workflows and file storage.  A majority of the class time will be devoted to hands-on practice.  A practical test is required for completion.  Weekly Labs between classes are highly encouraged.  Once certified, members can have a CMPAC hard drive assigned to them, or bring their own to use on the edit suites.

$60
4 Sessions
Wednesdays  6:30-9:00 PM

Motion Basics

This class is designed to teach students revolutionary real-time motion graphics.  Motion, one of the additional products in the Final Cut Pro Suite, is an industry-leading program intended to add more punch and pizzazz to the graphic elements of your program.  The class will include lots of hands-on practice time.

Prerequisite: Final Cut Pro X Basics
$45
3 Sessions
Mondays  7:00-9:00 PM

DSLR Camera

Learn the ins and outs of a typical DSLR camera, including lenses, iris, ISO, f-stops, and formats.  Using our own DSLR camera as an example, the instructor will walk you through some typical features.  You will also examine some current pricing and peripherals you may want to consider.  Great for those who have purchased, or who are thinking of purchasing, a DSLR camera but aren’t sure how to operate it.

$25
3 Sessions
Wednesdays 7:00-9:00 PM

Field Production

The introductory course for members wishing to shoot outside of the studio. Students will learn the basics of field camera work, lighting, and audio. The course will include on-location shooting projects that address the topics of the class. You must have access to a field camera to participate in this class.

$25
3 Sessions
Fridays  6:30 PM -9:00 PM

Scriptwriting

Scripts are a necessary part of your pre-production planning.  Learn the different styles of scripts for television studio, documentaries, and movies.  Students will write examples of each style, to be reviewed by the instructor and classmates each week.  At the end of the class, students should be familiar with all the styles, know which are best for different types of programs, and be ready to properly plan their own programs.

$25
3 Sessions
Fridays  7:00 – 9:00 PM

Music Production 101

This 4-week course will introduce you to the basics of producing music using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), production hardware, vocabulary, and music theory, the structure of making a song, and how to apply that to music production. If you are new to music production or just want to network with other music producers, then this course is for you!

$60
4 Sessions
Mondays  7:00-8:30 PM

Saturday Seminars

CMPAC will periodically offer seminars on various subjects to expand the knowledge of our members and producers.  Sample topics include: Set Construction, On-Air Talent, Green Screen, and Advanced Lighting.  Ideas for new topics are always welcome.  The seminars are either held as two 90-minute seminars, or as a full 3-hour workshop, depending on the topic and time required.  A snack break is included as a chance to mix and mingle and get re-energized.  Seminars do not include tests and do not result in certification.

$10 ($5 early-bird registration)
Saturday  2:00 PM - 5:00 PM