The Groton Channel features content produced by Groton residents about topics of interest to a local and regional audience. If you have an idea for a show or simply want to make sure a local or school event is available to town residents, please contact us and we'll work with you to try and get it on-air.
If your production needs access to video production equipment, we have a wide variety of resources available ranging from a modern production studio to small portable equipment suitable for on-site videography such as sports events, school shows, etc. The Groton Channel does require that anyone using our professional production equipment attend our training courses in order to assure that the equipment is used properly, however a number of already-trained volunteers may be available to help.
Questions? Call or email us!
If your production needs access to video production equipment, we have a wide variety of resources available ranging from a modern production studio to small portable equipment suitable for on-site videography such as sports events, school shows, etc. The Groton Channel does require that anyone using our professional production equipment attend our training courses in order to assure that the equipment is used properly, however a number of already-trained volunteers may be available to help.
Questions? Call or email us!
Training Workshops
Basic Video Production
($45) (One-on-One training on your schedule: $100)
Week 1 (2 hrs.):
The first class is an introduction to many basic concepts. We will cover a number of topics including: How PEG Access Works, Basic Camera Composition, Studio Production Roles, Tape Formats, and Basic Camera Commands. We will finish the class by recording a mock talk show.
Week 2 (2 hrs.):
In the second class we will discuss the camera tools available to capture the best possible image. Specifically, we will cover white balance, iris, shutter, ND filters, and gain. We will also talk about the advantages and disadvantages of using a camera’s automatic settings.
Week 3 (2 hrs.):
Audio is an absolutely critical part of any production and can make the difference between a polished show and a poorly produced amateur video. In the third class, we will go over various types and uses of microphones, as well as how to best use our cameras and mixers to get the optimal results. In this class we will also go over the many types of connectors used in video production and the fine art of cable-coiling!
Week 4 (2 hrs.):
In the final week we will focus on field production. We cover everything from how to prepare to what shots to get to bring back to the edit suite. We will also discuss techniques for better handheld camera work (although tripods are always encouraged) and basic rules for covering a multi-angle scene or interview. At the conclusion of the class, participants who wish to become certified in the use of our equipment may take the multiple choice test which covers the whole course.
The first class is an introduction to many basic concepts. We will cover a number of topics including: How PEG Access Works, Basic Camera Composition, Studio Production Roles, Tape Formats, and Basic Camera Commands. We will finish the class by recording a mock talk show.
Week 2 (2 hrs.):
In the second class we will discuss the camera tools available to capture the best possible image. Specifically, we will cover white balance, iris, shutter, ND filters, and gain. We will also talk about the advantages and disadvantages of using a camera’s automatic settings.
Week 3 (2 hrs.):
Audio is an absolutely critical part of any production and can make the difference between a polished show and a poorly produced amateur video. In the third class, we will go over various types and uses of microphones, as well as how to best use our cameras and mixers to get the optimal results. In this class we will also go over the many types of connectors used in video production and the fine art of cable-coiling!
Week 4 (2 hrs.):
In the final week we will focus on field production. We cover everything from how to prepare to what shots to get to bring back to the edit suite. We will also discuss techniques for better handheld camera work (although tripods are always encouraged) and basic rules for covering a multi-angle scene or interview. At the conclusion of the class, participants who wish to become certified in the use of our equipment may take the multiple choice test which covers the whole course.
Introduction to Digital Video Editing
($25) (One-on-One training on Your Schedule: $50)
Limit: 8
Two Sessions
Each Class is about 1 ½ hrs.
Computers have made it possible to edit video digitally and there are many powerful editing programs that can do far more than cut and dissolve between shots. In this course we will go over the basic concepts behind digital editing. We will also give a demonstration of many of the capabilities of our edit suites, which use the Final Cut Pro X editing software.
Limit: 8
Two Sessions
Each Class is about 1 ½ hrs.
Computers have made it possible to edit video digitally and there are many powerful editing programs that can do far more than cut and dissolve between shots. In this course we will go over the basic concepts behind digital editing. We will also give a demonstration of many of the capabilities of our edit suites, which use the Final Cut Pro X editing software.
Introduction to Technical Directing
($20)
Limit: 4
1 Session. 2 Hours.
(6:30-8:30)
Come to the Groton Channel Studio and learn about the behind the scenes job of Technical Director! We’ll familiarize you with our studio switcher and go over the basics of how all the elements that make up a live TV show are put together. Cameras, Graphics, Video Clips, Transitions, and even “Virtual Sets” all can be a part a show you could make right here in Groton!
Limit: 4
1 Session. 2 Hours.
(6:30-8:30)
Come to the Groton Channel Studio and learn about the behind the scenes job of Technical Director! We’ll familiarize you with our studio switcher and go over the basics of how all the elements that make up a live TV show are put together. Cameras, Graphics, Video Clips, Transitions, and even “Virtual Sets” all can be a part a show you could make right here in Groton!
Advanced Camera
($25)
Limit: 6
1 session. 2 hours
(6:30-8:30)
We will look at many of the advanced features of all our cameras including the 4K, 4/3” chip, Panasonic DVX200! You will learn about Zebra Stripes, Waveform Monitors, Polarizer Filters, Recording Formats, Depth of Field, and basically every control there is on the camera.
You can also bring in your own camera and ask us questions about it!!
Limit: 6
1 session. 2 hours
(6:30-8:30)
We will look at many of the advanced features of all our cameras including the 4K, 4/3” chip, Panasonic DVX200! You will learn about Zebra Stripes, Waveform Monitors, Polarizer Filters, Recording Formats, Depth of Field, and basically every control there is on the camera.
You can also bring in your own camera and ask us questions about it!!
Shooting the Interview (Next Class: 5/15/19!)
($25)
Limit: 8
1 Session 2 ½ hours
(6:00-8:30)
In this workshop, we will review 3-point lighting, discuss camera position, movement, backgrounds, and composition for a basic, one on one interview. We will also talk about preparation, formulation of questions, and look into many interviewing techniques that can help you get the most out of your shoot!
Limit: 8
1 Session 2 ½ hours
(6:00-8:30)
In this workshop, we will review 3-point lighting, discuss camera position, movement, backgrounds, and composition for a basic, one on one interview. We will also talk about preparation, formulation of questions, and look into many interviewing techniques that can help you get the most out of your shoot!
Producing Local News
(Free!)
Limit: 6
1 session. 3 hours.
(5:30-8:30)
Learn how to make your very own Groton Channel “Newsflash”. Go from idea to finished product as we put together interviews, B-Roll, and voiceovers to create news packages that help keep the community informed on what’s going on in town. Whether you’re interested in journalism or video production, there will be something for everyone. All ages welcome.
Limit: 6
1 session. 3 hours.
(5:30-8:30)
Learn how to make your very own Groton Channel “Newsflash”. Go from idea to finished product as we put together interviews, B-Roll, and voiceovers to create news packages that help keep the community informed on what’s going on in town. Whether you’re interested in journalism or video production, there will be something for everyone. All ages welcome.
To sign up for any of our classes, give us a call, (978) 448-3796, or email us, info@thegrotonchannel.org!