Intro to Studio Production
- Ages: 18+
- Total Hours: 9 (3 x 3-hour sessions)
Get hands-on training in television studio production in this free 3-session class for Open Signal members.
Open Signal’s state-of-the art television studios are unique venues for free speech and creative expression. In this free 3-session class for Open Signal members, you’ll get hands-on, practical training in TV production skills. Each session focuses on one aspect of our industry-standard HD sound stages. Once you’ve completed the class AND volunteered on at least one studio production, you’ll be studio certified — meaning you will be able to reserve blocks of time in our studios to produce your own content.
Session 1: Studio Lighting and Cameras, Microphones
Our instructors will show you how to use floor lights, the light board (including cyclorama lights), as well as how to properly light your talent and a green screen. This workshop will also show you the basics of television cameras in both of our studios, including robotic camera operation and tips on safe operation of camera pedestals. Learn about the different microphones and how they work, as well as correct microphone placement.
Session 2: Studio Audio and Mixers, Technical Direction
Learn about both studio audio mixers, sound checking basics, safety tips on running cables and other helpful information to capture clear and crisp audio. Spend time understanding how signals go in and out of the switcher in both studio control rooms and how different methods used by Technical Directors change the mood of a production. Learn the language of direction (including hand signals for when cameras are rolling), how to add graphics using Xpressions and other control room skills.
Session 3: Review and Production Practice
Put your new skills to use running a show in the studio. Work on a crew to complete a 30- to 45-minute show with our Studio Productions Coordinator & Trainer.
Certification:
Completing this 3-session class AND volunteering on at least one studio production will certify you to reserve time in our studios.
You will also be able to operate our onsite equipment — including the broadcast studio cameras, Ross Carbonite Switcher, teleprompter, and XPression graphics system.
Additionally, you will have access to our audio mixer, light boards (including floor lights), spotlights, C-stands, and the studio Epson Projector and speakers.
By reserving time in our studios you agree to upload your content to our cable access channels.
Location
Open Signal, Portland Community Media Center
2766 NE Martin Luther King Jr BlvdPortland, OR 97212 Get Directions
Policies
Policies
For More Information
Interested in getting involved and utilizing one of our many resources? Start by completing this form and we will connect you with a staff member to get you started: Inquiry Form.
For questions about your registration, please contact our Community Media Advocacy Manager, KatMeow García, via phone at (503) 288 1515 x411 or via email at katmeow [at] opensignalpdx.org.
Community Membership
Join our community! Open Signal's membership program includes absolutely everyone.
This program will not only strengthen our community and deepen your experience as a community member, but it will also help diversify our funding streams, ensuring that our resources will be around to serve Portland for decades to come.
To sign up, make a contribution of at least $5 online.
Open Signal is a Safer Space
Open Signal is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for the community. Open Signal is a Safer Space for people of color, immigrants, gender non-conforming, low/no income groups, houseless, people with disabilities, linguistically diverse and other marginalized communities who have experienced systemic racism, sexism, classism and/or oppression. We encourage the creation and sharing of content that expresses a wide variety of cultural, social, political and spiritual perspectives. Treating all people with respect and kindness is expected - even if you don’t agree with all perspectives.
We require all members of our community to agree to our Safer Space Community Guidelinessafety policies and to be accountable for the impact of their actions on others who use the space. Physical and verbal abuse will not be tolerated. All threats will be taken seriously, and will result in removal from the facility.
If you have a safety concern to report, please talk to any member of our front desk staff, or complete our online form at bit.ly/opensignalsafetyconcern.
Accommodation Requests
At Open Signal, we work hard to keep our space accessible, inclusive and collaborative. We have a no-tolerance policy for discrimination, harassment and violence.
To request an accommodation please complete this form or contact an Open Signal staff member for assistance: info [at] opensignalpdx.org or (503) 288-1515.
While some accommodation needs may not be within our means to meet at this time, we do our absolute best to accommodate individual needs for equitable access to our facilities whenever possible.