How To Get Involved at Open Signal
January 30, 2023
Are you a media maker who’s interested in joining our community of creatives, activists and dreamers? We offer several paths to get involved, and are here to help you find the one that works best for you.
Membership (start here!)
Your journey at Open Signal starts with membership. Our membership program includes everyone. Membership deepens your experience as a community member and ensures that our resources are around to serve Portland for decades to come. Sign up at our front desk or online, and contact the front desk for your New Producer Orientation by calling (503) 288 - 1515 or emailing info [at] opensignalpdx.org.
As a member you’re invited to our monthly meetups, Signal Share. These meetups are an opportunity to connect and build community knowledge — through skill shares, artist talks and more! Bring your ideas, conversation and skills to the table. Find dates on our calendar.
Production Cohorts
Twice a year we open up applications for folks to get dedicated production support on their projects. Work one-on-one with an Open Signal facilitator to create a production schedule, train on video production equipment and check out equipment to move your story through to the final cut. Applications open in November and May. Join us at Open Signal to learn about the Summer '23 Production Cohort on Wednesday, April 19th! Register here. More information about the cohort can be found here.
Intro to Studio Production
Learn television production skills and get certified to reserve time in our studios through our free Intro to Studio Production classes. Each session of this four-part class focuses on one aspect of our industry-standard HD sound stages. You’ll put those skills to use creating a show in the last session, and will be certified to book time to produce your own content once you’ve volunteered on one community production. Find upcoming workshops here.
If you are previously studio-certified (before 2020) and would like to reserve time in the studio or start volunteering, get in touch with our front desk to come in for a studio refresher. Call (503) 288 - 1515 or email info [at] opensignalpdx.org to schedule your refresher.
Open Playground
Each Friday from 4pm to 8pm, we are activating our studios to collaborate on a community-led production. Have you completed your studio certification, and want to join a crew and get valuable behind-the-scenes experience? Or, have an idea for a short video and want to work with a crew of volunteers to film? Get in touch with Vo, Studio Productions Coordinator & Trainer, by emailing vo [at] opensignalpdx.org.
Cable Broadcast
Whether you want a platform for your citizen journalism, art project or any other video work, we want to amplify your voice on our channels! Submit your content for broadcast as a regularly scheduled series (we open up series applications twice a year), or as a one-off program. Learn more here. Questions? Contact distribution [at] opensignalpdx.org.
Our channels stream online – 7 days a week, 24 hours a day: watch now.
Studio Rentals
Rent Open Signal's facility for your next media production! Rentals include access to our 2,000-square foot soundstage and support from a Studio Productions Coordinator & Trainer. Learn more here.
Production Services
Hire our team to document your event for online or TV broadcast. Your dollars support our important nonprofit community services. Learn more here. For a quote on your project, please contact production@opensignalpdx.org.
Test Outs
We offer test outs on our Panasonic AG-UX 180 kits, Multi Camera Unit and editing laptops to anyone wanting to make content for cable broadcast (including graduates from our production cohorts and series producers). Call the front desk at (503) 288-1515 to find out more.
At Open Signal we are dedicated to supporting those who have been excluded in mainstream media: those who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC); English-language learners; people with disabilities; low-income; and/or nonprofit organizations.
Want more information or help determining which path is best for you? Talk to the front desk by calling (503) 288-1515 or reach out to info@opensignalpdx.org.