Get Started

Step 1: Take a Class or Attend an Event

We offer beginner-level classes that help you explore the fundamentals of media making — no previous experience required. Our classes operate on a sliding-scale fee, starting at $45 per session. These classes are open to all and do not require you to attend an Orientation or have an Open Signal membership. 

If you’d like some help finding the best path for your creative goals, you can reserve a one-on-one facilitation appointment where our staff will work with you to identify the classes and resources you need. We also offer public events to explore media-making, storytelling, and creative tools. Learn more about our classes and register here.

Step 2: Start your Membership

Take the next step in your journey by becoming a member. Your donation to become a Member helps sustain Open Signal and gives you access to shared workspaces, member events, and opportunities to stay connected with our vibrant community of media makers. As a member you’re able to submit your independently-produced work for cable broadcast, reaching new audiences and sharing your stories with the world. We offer membership vouchers for those who cannot make a financial contribution at this time, just reach out to your staff by email info [at] opensignalpdx.org or call (503) 288-1515. 

Members are also invited to apply for our Production Cohort. The Cohort is a six-month, hands-on program designed to support beginner-level media makers in moving their projects forward with regular trainings, weekly work sessions, and dedicated support from a facilitator — all leading up to a group screening.

Step 3: Become an Open Signal Producer

When you’re ready to move from learning to creating, attend an Orientation to become an Open Signal producer. As a Producer, you get access to classes that focus on our library of professional production resources: Intro to Studio Production, Field Production with the Panasonic Camcorder, and Editing with Final Cut Pro X. These classes certify you to check out professional equipment at no cost. That means broadcast-quality cameras, lighting kits, audio gear, editing laptops, and full television studios — without the rental fees you’d find at commercial rental houses. 

Becoming an Open Signal Producer means you’re part of a community of creators, storytellers, activists and dreamers. You’ll move your projects forward alongside our staff and fellow media makers using our library of community resources, and we’ll help you share your completed work with the world.

Start a web series, work on that documentary you've always wanted to make, film a music video  — make it happen with the support of Open Signal's resource library and staff. As a producer, you commit to sharing work created with Open Signal resources on our cable channels. 

Studio-certified Producers are also invited to join the crew on Open Playground, our weekly community-led studio productions.

Step 4: Broadcast Your Work on Our Cable Channels

Open Signal broadcasts work made in our community 24 hours a day. Find citizen journalism, independent films and TV shows from local voices — add yours! Submit your content for television broadcast and broadcast it to the world. Watch on your TV screen or stream online. 

Learn more about how to broadcast your content here.