Before reserving field equipment, an editing suite, or a studio, a producer must attend an Orientation Workshop, a Producers Workshop, and be certified in the particular facility she/he wishes to reserve. Certification includes attending all classes, successfully completing all homework or internships and participating in and completing an individual or group project. Currently, training workshops offered include:

Field Production Workshops

• Beginning Camcorder

• PD-150 Workshop 

Editing Workshops

• Final Cut Pro

• LiveType

• Soundtrack Pro 

Three-Camera Studio Workshops

• Studio Camera Workshop

• Studio Control Room Workshop 

Express Studio Workshops

Mini Express Studio

Seminars

• Wireless Audio Seminar (Prerequisite: Field Production Certification)

• Animation

• Photoshop

• Character Generator Seminar (Prerequisite: Studio or Linear Editing Certification)

• Videoblogging Workshop (Prerequisite: Final Cut Pro Certification)

Producers who have been inactive for more than one year or who show inadequate ability to operate the equipment will be asked to take a test, have a consultation with the Production Department, or take a refresher course in order to continue utilizing the facility.

FIELD PRODUCTION WORKSHOPS

BEGINNING FIELD WORKSHOP – This class teaches the basics of audio and video using a consumer level simple 3-chip camera, the Sony TRV-950. This is a good class for beginners, technophobes, or anyone else who doesn’t feel ready for the advanced features of the prosumer PD-170. This is a project-based class that is taught in conjunction with Final Cut Pro.

PD-170 WORKSHOP – The Sony PD-170 is a 3-chip mini DVCAM camcorder that records digital video and audio onto a MiniDV format cassette. In the PD-170 Workshop, producers learn how to safely operate the camera, basic composition skills, interviewing techniques and how to record good audio. They also learn about media literacy through a Public Service Announcement (PSA) exercise.

EDITING WORKSHOPS

FINAL CUT PRO WORKSHOP- Final Cut Pro is a professional non-linear editing program. In this class, students will develop an understanding of non-linear editing including project management, digitizing, the FCP tool palette, and the different edit modes. Producers will work with and edit their own short video projects, therefore appropriate footage, logs and a edit decision list are required for admittance.

LIVETYPE EDITING SEMINAR- The LiveType class teaches you to create written graphics, which allows you to give your show a professional look and style. Recommended for people who have experience with Final Cut Pro.

SOUNDTRACK PRO SEMINAR- In this class you will learn to use the audio editing application that is the sister program to Final Cut Pro. The program allows you to compose your own soundtrack to go along with your edited video. This class runs for three sessions and each session is 3 hours long.

THREE CAMERA STUDIO WORKSHOPS

STUDIO CAMERA- This workshop will enable the producer to work as a camera operator or floor manager. Studio procedures, setup, placement and operation of studio cameras, crew communication and microphone choice and placement are covered in this workshop. Producers will be studio camera certified upon the successful completion of three workshops, a lab class, homework, written and hands-on tests, and two (2) internships on a certified MNN producer’s studio shoot. This class is a prerequisite to the Studio Control Room class.

STUDIO CONTROL ROOM- This workshop covers the basics of video and audio production in a control room environment. Areas covered include basic switching, basic keys and special effects, integrating graphics and videotaped elements, audio mixing basics, robot camera, teleprompter operation, and web-based content integration. With the successful completion of 5 workshops, one lab class, homework and a 28-minute program, producers will be studio control room certified.

EXPRESS STUDIO WORKSHOPS

This is the perfect class to begin producing shows at MNN. The express studios are small studios where no crew is needed to create a live or taped show. Producers will learn to set sound levels, take live calls, integrate computer images and operate all studio controls. Upon the successful completion of one class, one lab, homework and a project in the Express studio, producers will be certified.

MINI EXPRESS STUDIO

The Mini Express is a quick solution for the simple one or two-person live call-in show. It has similar but simpler equipment than the Large Express Studio: one phone line, DV record deck, a Mac computer with Internet access, a CG for titling and graphics, a video switcher (with Chroma Key) and audio mixer with set microphones for producer use.

ANIMATION SEMINAR

This one day, 3-hour seminar teaches the basic history and theory of animation. In this class, you will learn about the innovators and artists in the field of animation. You will also learn about the different types of animation and the elements that go into creating an animated picture.

PHOTOSHOP SEMINAR

Learn basic graphic design in this one day-3-hour seminar. Enhance, distort and edit your photos and other graphics with the popular Adobe Photoshop program.

STUDIO 3-POINT LIGHTING SEMINAR

In this one day, 3-hour seminar you will learn basic lighting technique. Using three-point lighting theory, with a fill, key, and back light, you will be able to create that "glow" for all of your studio productions.

VIDEOBLOGGING SEMINAR

Not only can you air your shows on MNN, you can also post them on the internet. Share your shows with the world by developing your own website where you will be able to upload videos, photos, or text for free. This is a one-day, 3-hour seminar.

CHARACTER GENERATOR SEMINAR
The character generator is a computer program used for creating titles. This program is used in the studios as well as in the linear edit suites and express studio. Producers will learn to create and alter titles, save them to a disk, and edit them onto their programs.

WIRELESS AUDIO SEMINAR
This seminar is designed for field-based producers who wish to use the wireless handheld and lavalier systems available at MNN. We will show you how to handle, take care of and set-up this system for field shoots. Upon completion, producers will be able to check these items out for productions.

*In order to register for one of the these workshops a producer must have completed an Orientation Workshop. To register call (212) 757-2670 x312, leave us your name, message, and a phone number for us to call you back.

PRODUCERS WORKSHOP
Producers Workshops are generally offered two to three times a month. Producers must take this workshop after their first certification or if a producer has been inactive or two years or more. Here, producers will discuss their ideas for producing programming and will formulate their ideas into concrete plans. They will learn the necessary steps required to reserve equipment and how to sign up for a project. Producers will also review the Production department rules and regulations along with the Programming Department’s policies and guidelines.