Orientation & Certification


Orientation (free & open to the public)
Orientations are scheduled every other month on a Wednesday evening from 6pm to 8pm. Each class will introduce the CMC, its guidelines and procedures and also teach basic skills so new members can be certified to use the equipment and start their productions.

2008 orientations are scheduled for Wednesdays: April 23, June 11, August 20 and October 22 from 6pm to 8pm.

For those interested: you can become a member at orientation and then attend two basic certification classes in Field Production and Basic Editing the following Saturday from 10am to 2pm.

3 Levels of Certification

Level 1 – Basic Certification (free with paid CMC membership)
A CMC member can receive basic certification in Field Production and Editing. Once certified, the member can reserve and use the CMC community edit, field cameras and microphones to produce their program.

Field Production – Learn how to use cameras, lights and microphones to create local television programming about your interests.
CMC members will be instructed on how to use field cameras, lights and microphones to put together basic programming. Each member will be trained and receive hands-on experience on proper camera set up and framing technique as well as basic audio and lighting principals and operations.

Basic Editing Certification – Learn how to take your footage and edit it together to create a story or package an event.
Introduction to Community Edit and Final Cut Pro. Members will learn the benefits of using hard drives and how to set and manage capture scratch files for editing. They will also be trained and receive hands-on experience with logging clips, editing logged clips in the Timeline sequence and using basic text graphics.

2008 basic certification classes are scheduled for Saturdays: April 26, June 16 & 17 (6 to 8pm), August 23 and October 25 from 10am to 2pm.


Level 2 – Advanced Certification
After a CMC member goes through Basic Certification they can obtain advanced certification in different skills after attending an Advanced Certification Workshop. Two Advanced Certification workshops will be available every other month.

Choose a workshop to learn more...



Making the Final Cut! – Advanced Editing Certification - $100
March 24, 25, 26, 27 / September 22, 23, 24, 25, 6pm to 9pm
CMC Members will get more in-depth instruction on using Final Cut Pro editing software. After going through Basic Editing Certification, members can learn advanced techniques to clean up their programs and how to add a creative kick by using various effects and filters. Topics will include: Integrating LiveType, Soundtrack Pro and other forms of media, FCP filters and video generators, cleaning audio in post, proper media management, etc.
"We're up in 5, 4, 3..." – Advanced Studio Certification - $50
May 5, 6, 7, 8, 6pm to 9pm
The studio is where the magic happens! In this workshop members will be certified to control and operate the studio by being trained in all levels of studio positions. Topics will include: camera operation, graphics, audio, floor managing, technical directing and directing, VTR roll ins, keying, green screen, and set design.
Beyond Point and Shoot – Advanced Camera Certification - $50
September 8, 9, 10, 11, 6pm to 9pm
It's time to flip to manual! In this workshop CMC members will be trained on CMC's professional end cameras; the JVC DV-500 and the Cannon HD-A1. Topics will include: white balance, gain, iris, framing technique, zebra stripes, field attachments for switched shoots, etc.
Lighting, Video's Best Kept Secret! – Advanced Lighting Certification - $50
May 19, 20, 21, 22 / November 17, 18, 19, 20, 6pm to 9pm
Lighting is often overlooked in production and greatly enhances a program when done well. Members will learn various methods and techniques that will help brighten up their productions. Topics will include: discussion of lighting styles and types, setup of lights, use of barn doors, black wrap, diffusion, scrims and gels, 3 point lighting, background light, safety procedure, studio lighting, etc.
Hearing is Believing! – Advanced Audio Certification - $50
November 3, 4, 5, 6, 6pm to 8pm
Your video can look great but if it's hard to hear your message may not come across. In this workshop members will learn advanced techniques to make their programs sound better. There will be training and hands-on experience on setting up and using mixers for field and studio productions as well as the different types of microphones to be used. Topics will include: discussion of different kinds and classifications of mics, proper mic set up, proper mic usage, balancing mics in camera, set up and proper balancing of mics in mixer, set up and application of PA, wireless mics, etc.
Making it Happen! – Advanced Script Writing/Pre-production and On-Air Talent Certification - $50
March 3, 4, 5, 6, 6pm to 8:30pm
Planning is essential to a good program and in this workshop members will learn the proper way to plan their program out ahead of time. Learn the best ways to set yourself up for success. Topics will Include: Two-Column scripting, narrative scripting, documentary treatment and scripting breakdown, shot lists, story boards, talent releases, call sheets, pre-production book, on air talent, proper dress, camera presence, camera eye line, addressing the camera, voice over, etc.

Level 3 – CMC Certified Producer
After completion of Basic Certification, at least three (3) Advanced Certification workshops, and completion of three (3) programs for Channel 19, a CMC member is eligible to become a CMC Certified Producer. CMC Certified Producers will have the opportunity to work with staff in developing and producing special programs and projects to benefit the CMC facility and its non-profit partners.


Non Certified CMC Workshops:
Video Photo Slideshow Workshop - June 18, 6-8pm / October 15, 6-8pm:
Do you have piles of old photos sitting in shoe boxes or stacked in shelves? Then its time to get organized! Bring the art and craft of photo albums into the digital age with this non-certified, CMC instructed workshop. In this workshop you will be taught how to scan your pictures into a digital file and then how to import those files into Windows Movie Maker to make a fun and everlasting video slide show of all your favorite pictures.



If you would like more information, please contact Kevin Walla at 410-386-4415 or email kwalla@cmcmd.tv.