What to know before attending your first video editing classes at MNN

Wondering what you need to know before attending your first video editing classes at MNN? Here’s a roundup of 8 essential answers you may want to know to feel prepared for your video production classes.

#1 What is MNN?

The Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN) is a public access broadcaster for the borough of Manhattan. MNN has television studios, production equipment, and editing facilities available for Manhattan residents and non-profit community organizations. Participants in our low cost media education courses have free access to HD cameras, HD studios, and our four channels — Community, Culture, Spirit and Lifestyle. In order to use MNN equipment and facilities, you must be trained and certified as a MNN Certified Producer.

#2 Who can take video production classes at MNN?

Manhattan residents who attend Orientation at one of our two locations:

• 537 West 59th St
• El Barrio Firehouse at 175 East 104th Street.

So, you’re going to encounter all different kinds of people in your first class. The two things you’ll share in common are having completed orientation and an interest in video editing and production.

Those who have previous experience with Final Cut Pro or a prosumer or professional camera can attempt to test out of classes by demonstrating their familiarity with the equipment to MNN instructors. This means the other people in your class are learning something new, or relatively unfamiliar, too.

#3 When can I start production?

After attending Orientation at either location, you can take classes to gain certification. After completing a Certified Producer track and video production experience, you’ll be a full-fledged producer ready to start making your own show!

In fact, once you’re certified, you must create a show in order to move on to other classes.

Download TV Producer's Toolkit

#4 What’s the difference between a show and a series?

A single show is a program that airs in the empty slots on the channel’s schedule. MNN will air a 28-minute show three times and a 58-minute show two times. Since there is no deadline for submitting a single show, this is a great way to get your video aired faster, without the commitment of multiple shows.

A series is a program with a regularly scheduled time over 13-weeks. You can apply for a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly slot.

#5 How long does it take to get a public access show together?

Once you start a project with our facilities and/or equipment, you have three months to complete a show. A good public access show usually can be shot in a weekend and edited in two or three days.

#6 What kind of shows does MNN broadcast?

All kinds. You can take any political stance or preach any religious idea. MNN is a platform to broadcast your voice to the world.

Still, we encourage you to have fun while taking responsibility for the world around you. Sure you can play a ukelele and sing expletives for 28 minutes. Still we hope you’ll take advantage of this opportunity to show us the fascinating subjects, characters, and voices that are often left out of mainstream media.

What you cannot do is: advertise or sell products or services; use copyrighted material; show animals or humans being injured or killed; slander anyone; or show hardcore pornography. Any shows with adult content or language must be aired after 11:00 P.M.

#7 Is the show mine if I use MNN video editing equipment and air it on MNN?

MNN is a community-based TV station. We believe in creating TV by the people, for the people! You give us the right to air your program, but all ownership rights belong to you.

#8 What else can I do to learn more about video editing and production?

MNN workshops are a great way to meet other people interested in making TV! The workshops can range from two to six sessions a month and cover studio, editing, and field equipment.

Our Mediamaker Meetup is a lecture series and networking event for Certified Producers. Share video production advice and learn from fellow certified community producers as well as prominent professional media makers.

There’s a lot to learn at MNN. Get excited. Your adventure in video editing classes and media production is just beginning.

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