September News from
Denver Open Media
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September 2009
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First Fridays at Denver Open Media
On the first Friday of each month,  DOM holds a free community event
that spotlights local performance groups, musical acts, and nonprofit
organizations. These events are broadcast live on Comcast channel 57 and re-broadcast
on channels 56, 57 and 219. They are also available online.
September 4, 2009 8-10PM
This month we will be featuring the musical stylings of Abe Abraham and The Bluegrass Quartet. Live broadcast begins at 8pm, but doors open at 7pm so feel free to come early, have a beer and take a tour of our studios! Everyone is invited!
Know of a band or a local
non-profit organization that you think should be highlighted during our
next First Friday event? Encourage them to apply here.
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Executive Director Report
Monthly Update from Tony Shawcross
Latest Activity
With completion of the second round of the Open Media Project in July,
this month we are beginning to refocus on internal systems and
operations. As our systems continue to expand, we've been experiencing
significant technical problems affecting both the organization and our
members. We look forward to working with the City to help improve the
situation. This fall we will be developing an Open Media Project
"Install Profile", which will simplify the process of adopting the
model and tools for many more Public Access TV stations. We are
working closely with the Drupal community to leverage the latest
features and best-practices to ensure that this install profile
represents a new standard for the Drupal community, and a new level of
accessibility for users.
Financial Information
Although we have been financially healthy since the receipt of our Knight Foundation grant, the organization has never maintained an operating reserve, which presents some stability concerns especially when dealing with large grants and the occasional fluctuation of the market for our earned-income services. We have a goal of establishing a 3-month operating reserve by the end of the year, and hope to maintain a 6-month operating reserve by 2011. To aid in this, we have added Jeff Villano as a permanent member of our staff, after working with us for several months as a contractor.
Program Development
Our Knight-Funded Open Media Project continues to garner attention and
partnership opportunities for the organization. With interest from the
new Public Access station in San Francisco, BAVC, as well as Free Speech TV and TelVue/Princeton Server Group, we feel confident about
the future of that project. Together with these and 20 other partner
organizations, we completed a $2.2million BTOP stimulus request to
expand and extend the project, and we anticipate awards will be
announced by November. On the production side, the Colorado State Senate has approved funding to film and broadcast Senate meetings in
addition to the House, and though a contract is not yet signed, we are
confident Deproduction will be the contractor chosen to continue
providing these services.
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DOM acknowledges Tanya Ishikawa
In the Loop: Colorado Filmmaking airs every Thursday evening at 11pm, with new episodes being shown every third Thursday of the month.
What is the message of your show?
Last winter, I had the idea to
start producing a show to highlight the achievements and activities
of Colorado filmmakers, including professionals, semi-pros like myself,
amateurs and students. I hope people hear a message of hope and inspiration
to follow their dreams with film and video production, by listening
to the stories of other filmmakers in our community.
What do you do outside of producing videos?
Besides raising my 4 year old son, I am a professional writer. I freelance with various publications
from city newsletters to regional magazines. Due to the changes in the
media landscape, I have also begun providing services in creating and
managing social networks and blogs. Plus, I am really active in the
community: Federal Heights City Council Member, Deproduction Board Vice
President, Adams-Jefferson Green Party Secretary, Senior Hub volunteer,
and a few other volunteer and board positions.
How do you prepare for
your show?
When I came up with the idea for
the show, I gathered a core group of volunteers who really helped me
get it off the ground and a couple shows taped. When planning a show, I first find
a film made by individuals in Colorado, contact them and schedule a studio date
for the interview. I also start scheduling other films, events and people
for other segments of the show. Then, I let my crew know what dates
are set for shoots and get their replies on who can help with what.
The week before the main part of the show is taped, I try to put together
the agenda/script/schedule for the shoot and send it out to the crew.
I also make sure the guests are prepared. Next, I have to run around and
pick up more of the set pieces and some food for the crew and guests.
Finally, I arrive earlier than everyone else so I can be ready to get
them to work. If it sounds like a lot, it is
and isn't. My schedule is flexible but very busy, so I just squeeze
in show prep when I can. Some months, it takes about 4-5 hours to prepare,
and others, it takes a lot more.
Why is your voice important?
Hmmmm, everyone's voice is important.
Though it can make decision-making and planning more complicated and
time-consuming, a diversity of voices is necessary to create results
and policies with fairness and the greatest base of support and understanding.
My voice comes from my personal background, which includes experiences
from intercultural travel, various jobs, city and country life, and
a whole set of unique circumstances.
What is your advice to
aspiring producers?
Aspiring producers should get organized
and have a plan. They should prioritize their production work so they
can have steps to get to their goal and make progress. It helps to find
dedicated people to work with and share the responsibility, and make
sure each person is aware and ready to complete their individual commitments.
Constantly reassessing where you are at with projects is also helpful
so you can determine what changes need to be made to at least accomplish
some concrete results (like one episode or one special program).
Why is public access television
important? Why do you enjoy producing public access content?
Traditional network, cable and
satellite television runs on a model that caters to the wealthiest companies
and individuals, and shows the most "entertaining" (read: mind-numbing)
but not necessarily the most redeeming programming. Public access television
offers the opportunity to almost any group or individual - rich, poor,
marginalized, mainstream, college-educated, high school dropout, etc.
- to have their voices and ideas broadcast to wide audiences. It increases
the chance for viewers, producers and guests alike to participate in
civic engagement and connecting with their community.
Producing public access content
is fun because you can exercise your creativity. It's great on-the-job
training whether you want to go into TV or video production or not.
You gain skills and practice in organization, computer work, teamwork,
leadership/management, and whatever else goes into your particular program.
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Upcoming Classes and Events at DOM:
Your Voice. Your Media
September 2, Wednesday, 5:30-6:30pm
Field Production Workshop
September 2 & 3, Wednesday & Thursday, 6-9pm
First Friday at Denver Open Media
September 4, Friday, 8-10pm
Final Cut Pro Workshop
September 9 & 10, Wednesday & Thursday, 6-9pm
Your Voice. Your Media
September 16, Wednesday, 5:30-6:30pm
Intro to Studio Production
September 19, Saturday, 11am-6pm
Field Production Workshop
September 26, Saturday, 11am-5:30pm
First Friday at Denver Open Media
October 2, Friday, 8-10pm
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Denver Open Media Youth Production Group
Next Training September 2nd, 3:30-6pm
Next LIVE SHOW September 16th, 3:30-6pm
Watch previous SOS shows here.
About SOS: Do
you know a student who dreams of being on TV? How about working behind
the scenes? If so, they should join Denver Open Media's FREE Youth Production Group!
Participants will alternate between learning field, studio and editing
techniques. Students will learn how to produce youth-related content
and will help solicit new youth-related programs. Anyone between the
ages of 12-19 can drop by. Check out our website for more information or email ann@deproduction.org. We are always looking for food donations to help keep our youth fed and alert during trainings/productions, please let us know if you have suggestions or information about youth groups sponsorships.  |
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