Tuesday, July 19, 2011

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.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

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.

Wednesday, June 22, 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.

Monday, May 16, 2011

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.

Monday, May 02, 2011

Using iMovie 09 for voice overs

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

Alzheimer's Association of MN and ND

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

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

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

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

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.

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Facebook Workshop

Bonnie Schumacher talks about the upcoming workshop offered at SPNN on Facebook.

MOTM: Ron Shumpert

Meet April's Member of the Month, Ron Shumpert. A talkative youth puts his skills to work producing his own talk show. Find out more about his show.

photos and iMovie 09

Ed Sanders walks us through how to put photos into your iMovie project.

Bridges to Safety

This powerful coallobortive of organizations is helping vicitims of domestic violence. Find out how you can get legal advice, orders of protection, and help for the emotional pieces.

Wednesday, March 02, 2011

All Things Access 603 March 2011

On this episode of All Things Access we talk with the Executive Director of AccountAbility MN, learn more about Christine Huff, explore ways to utilize motion special effects in iMovie 09 and learn about an upcoming workshop.

MOTM Christine Huff

Christine Huff is new to SPNN and video but she brings a passion for sharing information about natural therapies. Healing Arts 101 will talk about holistic, complementary and integrative (alternative) healing practices, and how they can help you. Sherine Crooms helps us find out more about Christine Huff and her program.

Specil Effects for iMovie 09

Ed Sanders walks us through the process for incorporating backwards motion, slow mo, and cropping in iMovie 09.

Interview with AccountAbility MN

Georiga Ulmer talked with Tracy Fischmann Executive Director of AccountAbility MN. Find out more about this non profit that helps low income people with tax prep and financial stability.

Mac Basics Workshop

Maria Tototzintle will walk through the basics of using Macintosh's Operating System. She will walk through iCal, iPhoto, iTunes, and more.

Wednesday, February 02, 2011

MOTM: Ralph Crowder

Ralph Crowder produces the program "Freedom Radio" that airs on SPNN's channel 15. ;This program airs at 7PM Saturdays and 1PM Sundays.

SPNN Workshop: Copyright Myths

What is a copyright and how does it affect you as a video producer? Kenneth Kunkle of Kunkle Law Office will go over common questions creative people may have concerning copyright issues. Join us for our Copyright Myths class on Saturday, March 5th from 1:00-5:00pm. Kunkle is a Minnesota lawyer and a graduate of Hamline University School of Law. Kunkle has been providing legal services to the Twin Cities business community, and focuses on issues affecting the technology, graphic and fine arts, and entertainment (music, film, and publishing) industries. *$25 for current members, $40 for non-members, $15 fimited income.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities

All Things Access host Baite Dugbe interviews Laura Smidzik of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities organization.

Ken Burns Effect in iMovie9

Ed Sanders demonstrates iMovie 9's Ken Burns Effect.

Thursday, January 06, 2011

International Documentary Challenge

The International Documentary Challenge returns to Hot Docs in 2011!

Now in it’s 6th year, The International Documentary Challenge returns to the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival in Toronto. This year's challenge takes place March 3-7, 2011 with registration now open. Hot Docs dates are April 28 - May 08, 2011.

The Doc Challenge is a timed filmmaking competition where filmmakers have 5 days to make a short non-fiction film (4-7 minutes.) All of the registered participants make their films during the same time period (March 3-7, 2011) and are required send off the film by the deadline.

Filmmakers are assigned a theme (past themes include Dreams/Nightmares, Change) and must choose between 2 assigned documentary genres (such as Character Study, Music, 1st Person, etc.) These two requirements provide a challenge to filmmakers, as it will shape the content and direction their film takes.

The top 12 films, determined by a panel of judges, premiere at Hot Docs where the Winners are announced. Three major awards (with cash prizes) will be presented: The American Documentary/P.O.V. Award, The Documentary Educational Resources (DER) Award and the Best Film Award (presented by the Documentary Channel.) Additionally, viewers may screen the films and vote for an Audience Award winner on the Doc Challenge website. After the premiere, there are additional theatrical screenings in major cities, national television exposure (9 films from 2010 were selected for national broadcast on the Documentary Channel) and a DVD release of the best films.

Check out the Doc Challenge website where you can learn more about the event, view films and hear directly from past participants about their exhilarating experiences:


IMPORTANT DATES:
Registration opens on January 3, 2011
Early Registration Deadline: February 1, 2011 Final Registration Deadline: March 2, 2011 Doc Challenge: March 3-7, 2011

Space is limited - only the first 300 teams to register will be accepted.

Complete details and entry forms can be found at www.docchallenge.org

The Doc Challenge is produced by Doug Whyte and Kat Touschner of KDHX Community Media.

The 2011 Presenting Partners include Hot Docs, The Documentary Channel, American Documentary/P.O.V., Documentary Educational Resources and Typecast Releasing. Supporting partners include the International Documentary Association, the Documentary Organization of Canada, DocuMentors, the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, Dokufest, Docs In Progress and the 48 Hour Film Project.

The International Documentary Challenge.
Real Life. Filmed Real Fast.

Wednesday, January 05, 2011

All Things Access 601:January 2011

On This edition of All Things Access we talked with staff from the Mixed Blood Theatre, met MOTM Mahmud Mascadde, learned more about the Mackie Mixer and gained information about workshops at SPNN.

Member of the Month: Mahamud Mascadde

We learn more about Somali Producer Mahamud Mascadde. His program Somali TV of Minnesota airs on Friday nights at 8PM on SPNN Channel 15 in St. Paul

Mixed Blood Theatre

ATA host Georgia Ulmer talked with Jack Rueler and Aditi Kapil of the Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis.

Workshops

Maria Tototzintle previews the kinds of workshops SPNN offers.