Multi-Camera Shoot

Are you wanting to do a field shoot with more than one camera? Then SPNN's switcher class is for you. This class will show you how to use our field switcher and two cameras to make a production you can be proud of. The class is Une 27 at 6:30PM. Cost is $20.

Marjorie McNeely Conservatory

Learn more about the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in Como Park with an interview with Ed Sanders and Tina Dombrowski, horticuluturlist.

Central Touring Theater

Learn more about the Central Touring Theater.

Learn more about graphics on FCE

have you always wanted to make your title snappier? Maria Tototzintle gives you a tutorial for making your titles stand out.

June MOTM

Paul Romero is June's member of the month. Check out his interview.

Member of the Month for June

June's member of the month is no stranger to television or film. From an early age he wanted to direct the train on "Silver Spoons"and spent hours pushing his brother around in a stroller pretending he was a camera. When he got his first job on with the Disney Jungle Cruise, he spent his off time with his fellow cast making short films. Video has always been in Paul Romero's blood. He produced his own film "Life in General" in 2004 and is currently working on his new film "Plan E.T." He hopes to have a trailer out later this summer. "Life in General" is currently airing on SPNN, please check the SPNN website for air dates. Also watch "All Things Access" for the segment on Paul Wednesdays at 7PM on Channel 15 in June.

Successful Series Makers

If you’ve ever thought about producing a regular series, whether you are an SPNN member or not join us on June 14th to learn more about creating a Successful Series. The program will begin at 6:30PM.

Join us for a panel discussion with 5 accomplished Cable Access television producers
Our panel will share tips on
*series vision
*set design
*crew and talent management
*distribution and marketing
*directing and producing tips

while balancing a busy home and work life.

Construction around SPNN

The East Building at 375 Jackson will have its facade replaced over the next five months. Construction at the building will close access to the east building to two dooes, the east and north entries (under the skyway and facing the parking lot).

We don't anticipate the construction will interrupt our business, and the building will maintain access to the parking lot during construction.

An Animated Film Debut

Wargoon Flishe, an animated feature by John Akre of Minneapolis TV Network, will be showing along with Trevor Adams' "President 1 Hour Photo," this Sunday (May 20) at Bedlam Theater. The show starts at 7 p.m. and costs $5.

Bedlam Theatre is located at 1501 S. 6th St., in the West Bank of Minneapolis. It is located just behind the Cedar Riverside LRT station.

For more info, visit
http://www.sloppyfilms.com/wargoon/index.html

As always, there will be a drawing and prizes for those who stay until the finish!

Producer Night

Mark your calendars for this Monday night, May 21 for the Producer Night. Anyone is welcome to bring samples of their work and share with everyone. Members of the public are also welcome to attend. There will be food and beverages. This is a great networking opportunity.

Holman Field

Ed Sanders, training cooordinator for SPNN, visited St. Paul's Holeman Field and found out some very interesting information. Watch to find out what.

St. Paul Cathedral

Kevin Kalla did an interview with Father Joeseph, rector of the Cathedral of St. Paul. They have a celebration coming up for their centienial on June 1,2, and 3.
You can watch the interview below.

How to Make A DVD on the Dub Rack

If you are confused about how to make a DVD on the SPNN Dub Rack, watch this piece by staff member Maria Tototzintle.

Member of the Month and Year

This month's member profile is on Surafel Matiyas, also SPNN's producer of the year. Watch to find out more about Surafel.

New SPNN Board Member

Here is new board member Gordon Leverett with staff member Maria Tototzintle.

Gordon has was born and raised in St. Paul's Rondo neighborhood. He has a pasion for video, community and bringing the under represented into the forfront. He was elected as SPNN's newest board member at the annual meeting on Tuesday, May 8, 2007.

SPNN Producer of the Year

This year's Producer of the Year came up through the Connections program in SPNN's Youth Department. He has spent the last three years organizing fellow Ethiopians, to help produce his program, "Ethiopian Entertainment TV." (EETV)

Surafel is a conscientious member and is anxious to learn new things. He puts a lot of effort into his show and it comes through.

Surafel Matiyas is this year's Producer of the Year. Congratulations, Surafel!
pictured here with friend at SPNN's annual meeting

EETV airs Sundays at 4:30PM on Channel 15. Find out more information on Surafel by watching this month's MOTM on "All Things Access."

Volunteer of the Year

Heinz Iwen is SPNN's 2007 Volunteer of the Year. Heinz has been involved with SPNN for over ten years and has worked on a vairiety of programs, sports, ethnic, entertainment.

His passion is video and he likes to help others create it. Heinz started in video by literaly being plucked from the stands of his kids baseball game to run a camera. He has stayed active eversince.

Heinz put in more than twice as many hours as the next volunteer. Congratulations Heinz, you earned our appreciation.

Class Dates Change

Due to our annual meeting being held on the second Tuesday, May 8th, we have had to move our iMovie class and camera class. The iMovie class is May 15th and the Camera class is May 22. Both are at 6:30PM.

Access will also be closed on Tuesday, May 8th to prepare for the annual meeting and so that all the Access Staff can attend the meeting.

Tripod/ Camera Safety

Just last week we had a member have the camera fall of the Tripod. The cost to fix the camera is just under $1000. The member is responsible for the cost of the repair. I figured this was a good time to remind everyone about camera safety when using a tripod.

1. First Set Up the Tripod. Before putting the camera on the tripod, test each of the three legs to make sure they are securely tightened. Push down on the top of the tripod to make sure none of the legs "sink".

2. Securely put the tripod plate onto the camera. Make sure it doesn't wiggle or slide out. Then place the camera on the plate. Again testing to make sure that the camera is secure.

3. when using a tripod it is important to remember that the legs stick out further than the camera. While people walking by may see the camera, they may miss the leg sticking out and trip on it, bringing the whole camera crashing down. Never turn your back or walk away from a camera on a tripod.

4. If possible when setting up the tripod, try to find a spot that is out of the way of regular traffic. If that is not possible, try to only have one leg sticking out and put something in front of the leg so people see it. Always stand by your tripod.

If you notice one of the tripod legs slipping please mention it when you bring the camera back. We can use an Allen wrench to tighten the leg. This will prevent someone else from having the same problem.

By following these tips hopefully you can avoid the same fate. You are responsible for the care of the camera while it is in your possession.