Free MTN Orientation This is the first step whether you have a finished program you want to play on our channels, want to use MTN's equipment to make a show, or just want to take classes to learn about video production. At the orientation you will learn about public access television, the importance of free speech and the mission of MTN. You'lll also tour MTN's facilities--from our three production studios to our Final Cut Pro and iMovie suites to our equipment checkout desk. You'll learn about MTN's programming policies and what you need to do to get your show played on our channels. You can also sign up for an optional consultation with an MTN staff person to help guide you to your ideal production track. This orientation is required before you can sign up for a class or turn in a show. 1 hour. Free.
You must become a member to use our video equipment. Membership is half price when you sign up for your first class.
Make sure you write down the class dates. Sign up soon - class size is limited. MTN reserves the right to cancel classes due to insufficient registration. We cannot register you for a class until you have paid. Classes are filled on a first come-first served basis. We will contact you if class is filled or cancelled.
Class Refund Policy: You will get a full refund if you cancel one week prior to the first class. MTN reserves the right to determine the amount, if any, of refund or credit after the first class.
DIY Studio (Prerequisite: Free MTN Orientation)
You can be both the director and the star with MTN's Do It Yourself Studio, also known as Studio C. The controls are at your fingertips, so you don't need a crew to create a studio talk show. In this class you will learn how to set up the equipment, learn the basics of switching and adding titles, and record your very own DIY talk show. Please watch the "Welcome to Studio C" video before the class meets to get an idea of what the class will cover. 1 session. 2 hours. $25. Certifications: Studio C. Instructors: John Akre and Mahi Palanisami (MP)
June 14, Mon, 6:30 - 8:30 pm (MP)
Aug 17, Tues, 6:30 - 8:30 pm (MP)
Sept 21, Tues, 6:30 - 8:30 pm (MP)
Oct 18, Mon, 6:30 - 8:30 pm (MP)
Nov 15, Mon, 6:30 - 8:30 pm (MP)
Dec 1, Wed, 6:30 - 8:30 pm (MP)
Below is a somewhat dated and somewhat hokey video about using Studio C.
Studio Workshop: Basic (Prerequisite: Free MTN Orientation)
This class teaches you the fastest way to produce a program with a small crew, using our two fully equipped studios, Studio A and Studio B. You will learn about lighting, camera & tripod operation, and recording good audio. You will also learn the ins and outs of the control room, including how to operate the switcher, add graphics using our Gen CG titler, and create an interesting background using blue screen (chroma key) effects. Bring some ideas of your own for a short segment. 2 sessions. 6 hours. $55. Certifications: Studios A and B. Instructor: Doug Cain
June 8 & 17, Tues and Thurs, 6:30-9:30 pm
July 22 & 27, Thurs and Tues, 6:30-9:30 pm
Aug 10 & 19, Tues and Thurs, 6:30-9:30 pm
Sept. 13 & 16, Mon and Thurs, 6:30-9:30 pm
Day classes - can be arranged for groups of three or more
Video Production Workshop: Basic (Prerequisite: Free MTN Orientation)
Ideal for the beginner, this class will teach you everything you need to know in order to get started creating documentaries, short films, music videos, tv shows and video blogs using our Sony PDX-10 cameras and iMovie software. You?ll learn the aesthetics of video production, including how to compose your shots to create compelling images. You?ll also learn basic camera operation, including the use of manual focus, and how to record great audio using lavaliere and handheld microphones. You?ll also make your way through all the vital steps of video production to execute a 1-minute project of your choosing. We'll talk about how to plan your project from the initial conception of your idea to choosing a final format. If you've ever wanted to learn the basics of video production, editing, online video posting and dvd creation, this class is for you. 4 sessions. 12 hours. $80. Certifications: Sony PDX-10 and iMovie. Instructors: Mahi Palanisami (MP), Beth Peloff (BP)
August 11, 12, 18, 19, 6:30-9:30 PM (MP)
September 15, 16, 22, 23, 6:30-9:30 PM (MP)
Oct 5, 6, 12, 13, 6:30-9:30 PM (MP)
Nov 1, 3, 8, 10, 6:30-9:30 PM (MP)
Nov 29, 30, Dec 6,7, 6:30-9:30 PM (MP)
Video Production Workshop: Pro (Prerequisites: Free MTN Orientation and Video Production Workshop: Basic or a consultation with an MTN instructor that will include a Basic Camera certification at a cost of $40)
Learn to produce professional-looking videos using our pro level equipment. In this class you will learn how to use the Sony PD-170 camera and Final Cut Pro editing software. You will learn how to take more control over what you shoot though the use of manual camera controls such as white balance, iris and manual audio. You will also learn how to use our wireless microphones to give you more flexibility in recording audio. In editing, you will learn the basics of Final Cut Pro: how to capture and cut your footage, as well as add music, transitions and titles. We will also talk about how to get organized before shooting so you can bring to fruition the idea you have in your head. There will be lots of hands-on practice and by the end of the class you will complete a short video project. 4 sessions. 12 hours. $140. Certifications: Sony PD-170 and Final Cut Pro. Instructors: Beth Peloff (BP), Peter Kirschmann (PK)
August 24, 26, 31, Sept 2, 6:30-9:30 PM (PK)
September 20, 21, 27, 28, 6:30-9:30 PM (PK)
October 18, 20, 25 and 27, 6:30-9:30 PM (PK)
November 15. 17. 22. 24, 6:30-9:30 PM (PK)
December 1, 2, 8, 9, 6:30-9:30 PM (PK)
Producer's Happy Hour Producer's Happy Hour is a combination of a party/class/TV show. Join Chris Cloud and Kevin Albertson, producers of Mpls.tv, to discuss production planning and show promotion. Mpls.tv defines itself as "a Minneapolis collective of creative individuals dedicated to giving the community entertaining and insightful video content five days a week."
Producer?s Happy Hour is a quarterly gathering, an opportunity to learn, connect and share your skills with the greater MTN Community. Please come!
Free!
Friday, October 22 at 7 p.m.
Studio Lighting and Audio for Musical Performance with TC Musique Ever wanted to know how to do a professional lighting and audio setup for a live band? Come learn from the crew of TC Muzique, Minneapolis' longest running live local music TV show. On the first night you will learn some basic lighing and audio recording theory and TC Muzique crew members will show you how to set up lights and microphones for recording a small acoustic group. The second night of the class you will work with the crew to do the set- up and recording of a full band for an episode of TC Muzique that will be cablecast live from Studio A. $25
Nov 11 & 18, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Enhance Your Show: Professional Lighting Techniques (Prerequisites: Free MTN Orientation and Video Production Workshop: Basic or consultation with an MTN staff member)
Have you ever wondered why mainstream television shows often look better than what you can do with your camera? The answer, in many cases, is lighting. Creative use of lighting can help bring out your subject, make the image snappier and create a specific mood. In this workshop, we will discuss some basic lighting theory and then demonstrate the use of our 3-point light kit and the more portable soft light. 1 session. 3 hours. $25. Instructors: John Akre (JA), Mahi Palanisami (MP) and Art Roy (AR)
July 27, Tues, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. (JA, AR, and MP)
Enhance your show - Sony DSR-250 camera (Prerequisites: Free MTN Orientation, Video Production Workshop: Basic or consultation with an MTN staff member, and Video Production Workshop: Pro)
The Sony 250 is an ENG-style (Electronic News Gathering) camera that includes many professional features. Learn how to use our most advanced field camera in this class. 1 session. 2 hours. $50. Certification: Sony DSR-250. Instructor: John Akre
Enhance Your Show: Advanced Final Cut Pro (Prerequisites: Free MTN Orientation, Video Production Workshop: Basic or consultation with an MTN staff member, and Video Production Workshop: Pro)
Take your editing to the next level by learning keyframing, compositing, and the use of filters in Final Cut Pro. You will learn how to use Final Cut?s Video Scopes to analyze your video and the Color Correction Tools to enhance or modify the look of it. And let?s not forget the lesser known programs in the Final Cut Studio. You will learn to use Motion to add more movement to your video, Live Type to add animated titles and DVD Studio Pro to create complex DVDs with multiple menus. 2 sessions. 6 hours. $100. Certification: Final Cut Laptops. Instructors: John Akre (JA) or Beth Peloff (BP)
July 13 and 14, 6:30-9:30 PM (BP and JA)
Web Video 2.0: YouTube to iTunes
(Prerequisites: Free MTN Orientation, Video Production Workshop: Basic or consultation with an MTN staff member, and Video Production Workshop: Pro)
Post video to the web like a pro. In this class you will learn about issues involved with deploying and viewing video on the web. We'll give you a basic understanding of various video formats and techniques for compression, streaming, and upload. At the end of this class you'll be able to upload and watch your videos on all your favorite sites... including your own. $25. Instructors: John Akre
Get access to our three digital camera package with Sony 2000 camera linked to a Videonics switcher in a compact unit. Cover events with your crew and this portable studio in a box. Prerequisites: Basic Studio Production and Advanced Camera certification.
Instructor: Art Roy.
Fee: $50.
Sessions may be arranged through Doug, extension 329.
Visit our Production page to find out about our equipment policies and our hours.
