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BNN's goal is to provide you with the training you need to communicate using media technology. MediaMakers create TV programs for cablecast on our channels, and create multimedia projects for distribution on the web. We also provide special media programs for youth.

Students must demonstrate proficiency in each area before going on to the next level of class offered. If you have previous experience in an area, you may take a certification exam in order to place out of a class. Contact Eric Venezia at 617.720.2113 x24 for details.

Workshop registration is on a first come, first served basis. Most classes have a six person minimum and a 10 to 12 person maximum. All workshops require at least one week advance registration. Classes will be cancelled if there are not at least six people enrolled a week before the class is scheduled to begin. If a class is filled, a waiting list will be created.

Fee reduction and deferred payment options on class fees over $30 may be available for low income members, youth, and senior citizens. Contact our Membership Coordinator Eric Venezia for details and an application.

Attending an Orientation Session is a requirement for member-only classes. Only Access Members may take BNN classes unless specifically noted.

Workshop fees are non-refundable. However, we reserve the right to cancel a course if not enough people register for a class and in this case a refund or credit will be issued. Your workshop fee may be applied toward a future class if you must cancel and you alert us at least seven (7) days before the start of the class. We regret no other refunds or credits may be given.

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Most members begin their BNN mediamaking experience by taking Orientation followed by one of two workshops, Studio Production or Digital Field Production. Both workshops are project-based; students produce programs for cablecast as part of the curriculum. Only Access Members may register for the Studio and Digital Field Production Workshops.

Orientation to BNN

A one-session introduction to all the media services offered at BNN, including the benefits, and the responsibilities of membership. This is a prerequisite for Access membership at BNN. BNNLive producers are encouraged but not required to attend.

Prerequisite: None

Fee: Free

Dates: Tuesday, March 20

Time: 6:00-7:30 pm

Location: Mall of Roxbury

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All classes are open on a first come, first served basis.

Introduction to BNN Rules and Procedures

This class is a prerequisite for the Digital Field Production Workshop and for producing programs cablecast on BNN channels. It covers the rights, responsibilities and liabilities of being a BNN Access Producer, as well as the procedural nuts and bolts of getting access.

Prerequisite: Orientation

Fee: Free

Dates: TBA

Images and Sounds

Learn how the producer's choices of images and sounds influence a viewer's perceptions in this fun and thought-provoking media literacy workshop. This class is included as part of the Studio and Digital Field Production Workshops. It is not necessary to sign up for this class separately if registering for those workshops.

Prerequisite: None

Fee: $10 Access Members; $25 Non-members

Dates: TBA

Digital Field Production Workshop

A comprehensive, ten-session workshop leading to Digital Field Producer certification and access to BNN field production and digital editing equipment. This basic level, hands-on video workshop is designed for the beginning field producer and editor. This class is an ideal introduction to all phases of field and digital video production, including basic camera operations, lighting, sound, preproduction planning, scripting, storyboarding, and editing on Final Cut Express. The workshop includes time for working independently on certification projects.

Prerequisites: Orientation and basic computer experience — contact Membership Coordinator for details

Fee: $80

Dates: TBA

Studio Production Workshop

Students learn how to produce, crew and direct their own TV programs in the Access Studio. This comprehensive thirteen-week course leads to Studio Producer certification. Each student will complete a final certification program. The class includes the use of the cameras, audio equipment, video switcher, lighting and Compix graphics, as well as instruction in producing, directing, hosting, interviewing skills, scriptwriting and media literacy. At the last class, students will screen and discuss their projects with the class, family and friends.

Prerequisite: Orientation

Fee: $60

Dates: TBA

Screening: Sunday, July 23

Producing BNNLive Programs

BNNLive is BNN's news, information and public service channel on Comcast Channel 9. Come and learn about what it takes to produce a BNNLive program, including how to apply for a time slot, how to make programs, costs and rules/guidelines regulating the channel. Students will get a full tour of the studio and control room, a full explanation of how the anchor desk works and each student will get a chance to practice at being a BNNLive host and then critique themselves as we play the videotape afterwards.

Prerequisite: None. This class fulfils the host training requirement for new hosts for existing BNNLive programs.

Fee: $50, to be refunded if a BNNLive program results.

Section A: Friday, Feb. 16, 1:30 - 4:30 pm, CityPlace

Section B: Friday, Mar. 16, 1:30 - 4:30 pm, CityPlace

Section C: Friday, Apr. 20, 1:30 - 4:30pm, CityPlace

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Mobile Production Truck Crew

Learn to use BNN's Mobile Production Truck, a mobile three-camera studio that members can use to cover large indoor and outdoor events. This one-session class will go over all aspects of mobile production, including set-up, alignment, production and breakdown. Students will actually set up and do a mock production that will give them ample hands-on time with all the equipment and lots of opportunities to ask questions. Students who complete the class will be certified as 'Truck Crew' and can operate any truck crew position except switcher or character generator.

Prerequisite: Studio Production

Fee: $25

Dates: TBA

Mobile Production Truck Producer

This two-hour class will make you a Certified Truck Producer. It goes over the truck booking paperwork and production requirements, including specific truck capabilities/limitations, planning cable runs, how to handle location audio, coordinating with other location services, common production problems, and hints on how to make your productions go more smoothly. Students who complete this class can book and produce their own truck productions.

Prerequisites: Truck Crew class, crew experience on at least one truck production, and approval of Studio Manager

Fee: $15

Scheduled upon request. Contact mobile production truck manager Bob Lamm at 617.720.2113 x22.

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Switcher Class

Learn how be a Technical Director (Switcher). This class will explain how the Echolab switchers we use work, including how the buses are arranged, signal flow, special-effects terminology and how to create fades, dissolves, wipes, superimpositions and many other special effects. Special attention will be given on how to use the switcher in typical studio and Mobile Production Truck situations. This class is highly recommended for those who would like to operate the switcher station in the studio or mobile production truck.

Prerequisite: Studio Production or analog editing

Fee: $15

Date: To be determined based on interest

Character Generator Class

Learn how to operate BNN's Compix CG character generators in the BNN analog edit rooms, Access Studio and Mobile Production Truck. Learn how to create opening graphics, subtitles, and credits and mix them in with live and taped programming. Learn how to import graphic files.

Prerequisite: Studio Production or analog editing

Fee: $15

Date: To be determined based on interest

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For a full schedule of our upcoming orientations and training workshops, call the membership coordinator at 617.720.2113 x24 or e-mail: membership@bnntv.org.