What's on TV

So it's summer and the networks are on summer break running reruns and reality TV. It's hot and humid and not a particularly inviting day to be outside. You're trying to figure out what to do tonight, I'm here to say that there IS something on TV. Our local producers aren't taking the summer off, they continue to produce great programming for the St. Paul community.

Tonight on Channel 15 we have a new episodes of Our World in Depth, Baby Blue Arts, Words of Peace, and Libertarian Viewpoint.

The evening kicks off at 5PM with a new episode of Our World in Depth, "True Cost of Coal" pt. 2. If you missed part one you can catch it at their website http://ourworldindepth.org/.

Baby Blue Arts visits with the Cedar Avenue Big Band, http://www.cedaravenuebigband.com/. You can see this episode at 7:30. If you would like to check out prior shows from Baby Blue Arts visit their website http://www.babybluearts.com/.

James Slinger is featured on "Libertarian Viewpoint" tonight at 9:30.

Also on the docket for tonight is Kinpride, Vet's Visit on TV, and Cooking with the Teacher.

You can check out the complete schedule at our website, http://www.spnn.org/channels/channels.htm.

Fresh Filmmakers 2011

If you are a filmmaker working on a short narrative there is a grant you may want to apply for. IFP Fresh Filmmakers 2011 will facilitate the production of one short narrative film (ten minutes or less) directed by a filmmaker who has been making films for no more than five years.

The winning filmmaker will receive a $1000 stipend, mentorship by some of MN's most accomplished filmmakers, professional services from casting through distribution, and high-end camera and equipment rental.

For more details on how to apply visit the IFP website www.ifpmn.org/fresh-filmmakers-production-grant-2011.

Fresh Filmmakers is a program of IFP Media Arts and is sponsored by ETS Pictures and the Twin Cities-based production company.

Deadline is Monday, Sept. 12, 2011.

Why Community Television

People are saying that with YouTube and other online video services, the need for community television is fading. I disagree. YouTube helps us get a wider audience for our videos, but many of our efforts have a local focus and need a local outlet.

"Hyper-local" is the new goal in newspapers, radio and TV, with many media outlets revamping their coverage to make sure they cover their local communities. Many are asking their audience to contribute to the story, such as Minnesota Public Radio, which calls it Public Insight Journalism.

Well, that's what community access television has been providing to the public for years. We give the community access to the tools so they can tell their own story. And we don't sit and judge whether the result is "newsworthy" or fits somebody else's ideas of what's important. We allow the community to represent itself.

An article in the Pioneer Press Monday talked about the perils facing community access television. I think the article was incomplete. What you didn't read about in the story is the youth programs in many access centers that teach young people media literacy, communications and story-telling skills in addition to production skills. You didn't read about the classes, workshops and other hands-on expertise offered to increase the production value of the programs our members make. Those are things YouTube and other media can't offer.

And as long as the Digital Divide remains and people go without access to high-speed Internet, cable television remains the most economical, widespread and convenient way for people to watch television that informs, empowers and connects them to their communities.

Talent Workshop

June 4 at 2PM

Bill Cooper has been involved in the film & television business for over 20 years primarily as an actor and spokesperson. On Saturday, June 4th Cooper will lead a workshop giving great advice on how to improve your on camera presence. Whether you are a talk show host interviewing guests or an on air spokesperson/ talent that needs to deliver a message to viewers this workshop could offer you some solid tips on how to improve your on camera delivery. This three hour workshop will be very interactive and include a chance to show a clip of your on air skills in order to receive feedback from Bill on ways to improve it. This class is limited to 20 students, so please make sure to reserve your spot. In addition to Cooper's career as an actor, he is also an acting coach plus has extensive experience producing, casting and directing through his production company Basset Creek Productions.

Cost of the class for members is $35 and $50 for non SPNN members.

Using iMovie 09 for voice overs

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Ed Sanders walks us through how to add a voice over and music in iMovie 09.

Alzheimer's Association of MN and ND

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Sherine Crooms talks with Mary Birchard of the Alzheimer's Association of Minnesota and North Dakota about educations, support and advocacy.

Application Deadline for MN Film and Video Grant Program

The Jerome Foundation makes grants to not-for-profit arts organizations and artists in Minnesota and New York City to support the creation, development, and production of new works by emerging artists. Jerome Foundation supports emerging professional artists who are the principal creators of new work, and:

• who take risks and embrace challenges;
• whose developing voices reveal significant potential;
• who are rigorous in their approach to creation and production;
• who have some evidence of professional achievement but not a substantial record of accomplishment; and
• who are not recognized as established artists by other artists, curators, producers, critics, and arts administrators

July 15th is the Application Deadline for the 2011 Minnesota Film and Video Grant Program. The Minnesota Film and Video Grant Program places emphasis on projects in their early stages of production. The program does not fund retroactively, so completed projects or projects near completion do not qualify for support.

There will be two upcoming informational workshops, Tuesday May 24 and Friday June 17. Please visit the website for more information. http://www.jeromefdn.org/default.aspx

ACM National Conference

The National Conference for the Alliance for Community Media will be held in Tuscon AZ this year. The dates are July 27-30.

There will be a Citizen Journalism and Social Media track. These are some of the workshops being offered: Effective Uses of Social Media for CMC’s and Community

Organizations, Citizen Journalists or Community Reporters? A Discussion of Career

"Options" in a Volunteer World and Creating Hyper Local Community Reporting in Diverse

Communities.

For more details on the conference visit the ACM website http://www.allcommunitymedia.org.