You Tube Works

Putting your vido on a free video hosting site does work. SPNN has all of our tech tips and member profiles on You Tube.

The tech tip on the Altman light kit has been watched 19 times and been rated by one person with a five star rating.

A tech tip with Community Producer Steve Brunsberg on how to use a light meter was viewed 123 times and received a five star rating.

Sherine's shooting tips has been viewed 147 times.

David and I did a piece on how to use the audio board and compressor in the studio that has received 630 views, one comment (very positive) and 2 people rated it giving it 4.5 stars.

The piece David and I did on how to use the waveform and vecotorscope has received 206 views and one five star rating.

Ed's piece on the PD 170 has received 636 views, one comment (positive), and five people rated it giving it an overall 4.5 stars.

139 people have seen the tour of SPNN.

In relation to numbers of views You Tube's most popular videos get, this is just a drop in the bucket. But if taken in the context that video from SPNN has helped this many people with technical questons, I think it is positive.

Lots of Video Hosting Sites

Here at SPNN we utilize two different free video hosting sites, You Tube and Google Video. Those are just the tip of the iceberg though.

Internet Video Magazine has a list and a review of each of the currently available services. http://www.internetvideomag.com/ProductReviews/Services/FreeVideoHosting102.htm

Check out this site to find out what video hosting site is best for you.

SPNN will be having a how to use You Tube workshop for free on April 24. Members of SPNN are welcome to attend and get your video on the web.

Membership Dues Increase

Over the past two years, SPNN has increased the number of workshops,
networking opportunities for producers, and added Sunday hours to
increase the ability for members to take advantage of our facilities. In
order to continue to offer these services, SPNN will be increasing
membership rates for the first time since 1998. The new rates, listed
below, go into affect May 1, 2007.

$20 Limited Income
$25 Student and Senior
$35 St Paul Resident
$60 MN Resident
$110 Non-Profit Organization and Non-MN Resident

Limited Income, Student, and Senior members will continue to get 50%
price reductions on classes. In order to receive the limited income
membership, an individual needs to be enrolled with one of the following
State or Federal programs: TANF, MFIP, WIC, General Assistance, Medical
Assistance, MinnesotaCare, SSI, Food Stamps, or Section 8.

After May 1, to qualify for a limited income membership you will need to
show your EBT card, Minnesota Health Care Programs card, or Section 8
document, together with a picture ID to the access desk when renewing
your membership. A student must show proof of age or a school ID. To
find out when your membership expires, please call the Access Desk at 651-
298-8908 or email me at schumacher@spnn.org.

If you have any questions contact me via email or phone.

FCC's Order on Local Cable Franchising

On March 5, 2007 the FCC's report and Order finds that local franchising authorities have acted unreasonably and delayed competitive entry. It claims to preempt local franchising authority (LFA) and change the normal franchise process with respect to new applicants.

The LFA would have 90 days to act if "the applicant has existing authority to access public rights-of-way or 180 days if the applicant does not.

The LFA cannot refuse a franchise based on "unreasonable build out mandates". The FCC laid out several examples of what would be unreasonable, but no examples of what would be acceptable.

In regards to Franchise Fee, revenue from non cable services, including Internet access, cannot be taken into account in determining the 5% cap. Any in kind services would count against the 5% cap. In kind services might include, fiber for INets, cable from the cable company to the access facility, etc. PEG operating grants would also count against the 5% cap.

According to Miller Van Eaton, "if the Commission were to apply all the conditions summarized above to the existing operators, the renewal process, already heavily biased against local communities would be further encumbered with short time limits, restrictions on build-out requirements, threats to PEG and I-Net support and in-kind benefits."

This is just a quick summary of the latest FCC ruling. It is what I gleamed from reading the six page document our lawyers drafted for us.

Job opening for White Bear Access Center

Visual Storyteller Wanted!

Production Services Department seeks experienced photographer/editor/graphics producer. Qualifications: Minimum 2 years professional production experience. Non-linear editing (Final Cut Pro), field/studio camera operation, experience with production software (Adobe Photoshop, After Effects). Looking for a team player with a knack for visual storytelling. Work with in-house producers, government and community clients.
Salary up to $33,000, DOE, FT, benefits. No phone calls.
Resume & demo reel by 03/23 to:

Director of Production Services
2460 E. County Rd. F, Suite B
White Bear Lake, MN 55110

SPNN to carry Saints Games

SPNN will carry 29 St. Paul Saints games this Spring and Summer. The games that will be covered are listed below. Most of the games will be carried live, but some will be tape delayed as well.

SPNN is very excited about this parternship. CTN in Coon Rapids will be taping all the St. Paul Saints games. Some will be carried on Fox Sports, but these 29 games will only be seen on access centers around the Metro area. In St. Paul you will be able to watch it on Channel 19.

TUE 15-May 7:05PM vs. Sioux City
WED 16-May 7:05PM vs. Sioux City
FRI 18-May 7:05PM vs. St. Joseph
SUN 20-May 1:05PM vs. St. Joseph
FRI 25-May 7:05PM vs. Sioux Falls
FRI 8-Jun 7:05PM vs. Sioux Falls
MON 11-Jun 7:05PM vs. Lincoln
TUE 12-Jun 7:05PM vs. Lincoln
WED 13-Jun 7:05PM vs. Lincoln
FRI 22-Jun 7:05PM vs. St. Joseph
TUE 26-Jun 1:05PM vs. Pensacola
WED 27-Jun 7:05PM vs. Pensacola
THU 28-Jun 7:05PM vs. Pensacola
FRI 6-Jul 7:05PM vs. Lincoln
SUN 8-Jul 1:05PM vs. Lincoln
WED 18-Jul 7:05PM vs. Sioux City
THU 19-Jul 7:05PM vs. Sioux City
FRI 20-Jul 7:05PM vs. Sioux City
FRI 27-Jul 7:05PM vs. Sioux City
TUE 31-Jul 7:05PM vs. St. Joseph
WED 1-Aug 1:05PM vs. St. Joseph
MON 6-Aug 7:05PM vs. El Paso
TUE 7-Aug 7:05PM vs. El Paso
WED 8-Aug 7:05PM vs. El Paso
FRI 10-Aug 7:05PM vs. Fort Worth
THU 16-Aug 7:05PM vs. Sioux Falls
FRI 17-Aug 7:05PM vs. Sioux Falls
MON 20-Aug 7:05PM vs. Lincoln
TUE 21-Aug 7:05PM vs. Lincoln

MN State Legislation

Qwest introduced draft language on a bill to allow them to by-pass local franchising, and will release the full language next week. At a hearing today, John Stanoch of Qwest told the committee that Qwest supported the idea of "parallel obliigations to support PEG." The bill is a version of Washington State language and
subverts PEG.

Another hearing on the full language will happen next Friday AM. The committee's legislative staff has asked Mike Wassenaar of SPNN to help with language to ensure PEG is not harmed.

We will keep you updated.

Looking for possible board members

There is one three-year term up for election amongst the membership at the meeting. The deadline for applications will be May 1. Please let me know if you are interested in running for the board. You must be a member of SPNN.

New State Senate Bill

A new bill is being introduced into the State Senate dealing with Franchising. Rep. Sheldon Johnson is introducing the bill. There will be a hearing on Friday. Mike Wassenaar of SPNN will be testifying.

March ATA

The new All Things Access is now on SPNN. You can watch it Wednesday nights at 7Pm on Channel 15. This month's show will focus on memorable interviews with members. Featured this month are James Adiamk, Reggie Moore, A-yia Thoj, and Gordon Leverett.

We also have an update from you the Youth Dept. using Sock Puppets.

If you don't get cable you can watch it here.

MOTM- Bernie Piorek

Bernie is an audio expert and long time member of SPNN.

MOTM- Reggie Moore

Reggie Moore has been producing at SPNN for over five years. He has two different shows that he works on, Fabulus Underground and Max Showcase. Max Showcase was designed for the younger viewer.

Take a look at the man behind the production.

MOTM- Helen Broderick

Helen Broderick has worked in theater and video for many years. She has recently started working with two SPNN programs, "Active Generations" and "City Passport". She also volunteers on SPNN programs. Maria Tototzintle talked with Helen, find out what Helen had to say.

Limited Income Memberships

We are making some changes to the way we accept limited income memberships.

SPNN wants to make sure that everyone has access to create video to communicate with the St. Paul community. For this reason we have set up the limited income membership. It allows individuals that have limited resources to join SPNN. To get a limited income membership, an individual needs to be involved with one of the following: TANF, MFIP, WIC, General Assistance, Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, SSI, Food Stamps, or Section 8.

To receive the limited income membership just show your EBT card, Minnesota Health Care Programs card, or Section 8 document, together with a picture ID to the access desk.

Limited Income memberships are $15 for a one year membership.

Altman Light Kit

SPNN has two Altman Swing Pack Ligtht kits. This is a how to for those kits.

YouTube

There are lots of free video hosting sites out there. We at SPNN utilize two of them Google Video and YouTube. Ed Sanders took a look at how to put your video on YouTube and did a step by step instruction.

Watch the video for Ed's tips.

Another look inside

This is why we don't do extension. Member B came to a staff member and asked for an extension for her/his hard drive. The staff member granted Member B the extension for two weeks. The expiration date on the drive was changed to reflect the new date. After those two weeks were up, Member B came to me and asked if she/he could have an extension. I explained that we didn't do extension and member B said that another staff member had told her she could have a two week extension. I told member B that I would honor what the other staff member had offered. Member B neglected to tell me that those two weeks had already passed. Member B received a one month extension. This is an example of a member taking advantage of there being more than one staff and that we don't always talk about each circumstance.

The lesson I learned that even when we are sympathetic and grant an extension, some members will still try to take advantage of our compassion even more. When we do things like this, we typically have to do some juggling to make sure everyone still gets the equipment they were promised.

ATA-Full Video

If you missed an episode or All Things Access you can now catch it on the internet. We are in the process of loading all of our previous episodes onto Google video, so you can watch them at your covience. If you want you can still catch the TV version Wednesday nights at 7.

Don't worry you can still view all the tech tips and member of the months' at YouTube.

The following episodes are now available at Google Video.

Episode 205 click beleow.


Episode 201


Episdoe 102


Episode 104


Episode 108

Turning in a Program to SPNN

If you would like to submit a program to SPNN you must first be a member. There are several other steps you need to take. Those steps are described in the video below. You can also visit our website at www.spnn.org to find out more information.

Video Compression

I've had lots of requests on compression and uploading to the web. No matter what video share service you are using or if you are putting it on your own website, you will need to compress the video.

In this piece Sarah Rudek gives us the basics and shows some examples.

MOTM-Gordon Leverett

One of our past members of the month was Gordon Leverett. He works on a program called the Maximus Report which airs on SPNN channel 15 on Thursday nights at 8PM.

Check out the segment access staff, Sherine Crooms, put together.

ATA 201

Did you miss the October episode of All Things Access. Well here is your chance to watch it. This episosde includes, The Vantage Point, MOTM Carlos Garcia Velasco, tech tip- White balancing in the studio, and an interview on the Wabash Caves.

Why Do They Do That?

This is to give people insight as to why we make the decisions we make, using real examples.

A member was working on his/her hard drive. It was set to expire the next day. Member A came to me and asked if the drive could be extended. Understanding that life sometimes gets in the way and we don't get things done when we should, but also knowing that member A had the drive for 71 days(or ten weeks)and that there was ample notification that the drive was set to expire and taking in the needs for the member who needs the drive next, I gave an extension of two days. Normally we don't give any extensions, but in this case since the drive wasn't going to be used right away, staff would have time to reformat the drive, and taking in special circumstances, assuring that the extension would be a one time deal the extension was granted.

After granting the extension, member A asked why we didn't allow members to pay an additional fee to allow members to keep the drive (and by extension other equipment for additional time). Now keep in mind that once the drive expires, the member can reserve another drive to start immediately if there is one available. There are two reasons why this would not be acceptable.

1. It would be unethical to allow this behavior. Allowing members to buy their way to additional use flies in the face of our mission. If members are allowed to buy more time, then it puts people who don't have the funds at a disadvantage over those who do. It begins to feel like we can be bribed to give preferences to members who can afford to pay for them.

2. It doesn't take into account the poor member who has the drive or gear after Member A. If we allow members to start buying additional days then we have a more difficult job of juggling competing needs of members.

Call for Films

Next Generation Awareness Foundation, Inc. Seeks Notable Films, Documentaries and Participants for Consideration for its 2007 Programs

THE EXCITING FOLLOW-UP TO THIS YEAR'S OSCAR-WINNING PREMIERES
THESE PROGRAMS WILL BE ANOTHER SET OF HISTORIC EVENTS:
Historians, Celebrities and Notable Guests
TV/Newspaper/Magazine/Radio Reviews, Interviews and Appearances

Visit www.UrbanFilmSeries.com for Details, Instructions & Info on Prior Years
__________________________________________

INSTRUCTIONS


Artists, Directors and Filmmakers: Please submit press packets with your submissions, alternatively, you may submit a 1-page biographical description of your submission and your vitae. Include a self-addressed and stamped return package. Film and video entries must be on DVD (if DVD avialable) and/or (standard) 1/2' VHS video (NTSC) ~ DVD Copies Must Be Available for Screenings, unless otherwise agreed upon. Shorts, Features, Documentaries and Children's films are encouraged. Please include a money order or cashier's check for the $20 processing fee with your entry; $35 if submitting for multiple programs; an additional $10 late fee will apply for packages postmarked after respective deadlines. Must be made out to "Next Generation Awareness Foundation".

Send all submissions to:
Project Coordinator
{Name of Program For Which You Are Submitting
2007 Programs If For All Programs}
Next Generation Awareness Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 6885
Alexandria, Virginia 22306

Phone: 202-409-7240

Email: UrbanFilmSeries@ hotmail.com (if with attachments)
Info@ UrbanFilmSeries.com (if without attachments)

The Following should Follow INSTRUCTIONS at UrbanFilmSeries.com
Vendors
City or Partnership Proposals
Sponsors
Press
Volunteers


http://www.urbanfilmseries.com