Following are the rules and guidelines for use of Manhattan Neighborhood Network’s production facilities. MNN’s goal is to balance the large demand for equipment use we face from Manhattan’s many public access producers with the needs of each producer for adequate time to complete a program for cablecast. These guidelines are subject to change as we evaluate their effectiveness.
Manhattan Neighborhood Network’s production facilities currently provide digital video cameras and accessories for field production, linear, and non-linear editing suites, two three-camera studios, two Express studios, and dubbing/transfer stations. Accessories including tripods, lighting equipment, microphones, and extra batteries can be reserved in conjunction with the cameras for field production.
EDITING SUITES
MNN offers both linear and non-linear editing suites.
LINEAR
Each linear suite has a character generator for titling, fading to black, and inserting jpeg stills. You may choose between one of two source decks, and edit onto a DVCAM master using a Sony PVE 500 edit controller. All decks are equipped to read time code, and all suites have an audio mixer, a cassette deck and a CD player so you can insert audio.
NON-LINEAR
Each non-linear station has a Macintosh computer, an NTSC monitor, and a DV/DVCAM player/record deck. These stations come complete with iMovie, Final Cut Pro as well as support graphics and audio programs.
DUBBING/TRANSFER STATIONS
The dubbing and transferring rooms are available for producers to make copies of their programs or to transfer clips to use for editing or roll-ins. These stations are not intended for personal use.
THE DUBBING STATION
This station currently contains as sources, DV/DVCAM, (S)VHS, and DVD. The record decks consist of 3 VHS/DV combo decks and one DVD-R deck.
THE TRANSFER STATION
This station is used for transferring from one format to another. The source decks include a (S)VHS, DV/DVCAM, DV w/Time code, Hi-8, and an International Standards Converter (PAL/SECAM SVHS). The record decks include, (S)VHS, DV/DVCAM, International Standards Converter (PAL,/SECAM, etc.) and one DVD-R deck.
MNN CONFERENCE ROOM
MNN has a conference room that is primarily used for MNN business, but is also available for producer use. Producers wishing to use this room must have completed the following: Orientation Workshop, at least one training certification, the Producer's Workshop and have an active project. This room is designed for group meetings as it has a large conference table.
**Please note that the conference room may be booked for a maximum of four hours for the purposes of supporting a program. Auditions are not allowed unless proof can be made that it is directly related to the content of a program. Producers wishing to reserve it for purposes other than meetings must obtain permission from the Director of Production.
THE STUDIOS
MNN has two three-camera studios, which require at least 2 crew members in the control room.
Both studios contain the same equipment. They are set up to do live programming and record programs onto DVCAM for future playback. The studios are designed so that a small crew can operate them with talent for a simple production. More complex shoots can incorporate a large crew, including up to three camera operators.
Both studios feature:
STUDIO ONE (OPEN STUDIO)
Studio One is a 40'x40' open studio. It is not an enclosed room, completely sealed off from the rest of the building. It has three walls, and the fourth side is partially open to the main lobby and pantry on the first floor. Being partially open, this studio becomes one of the public spaces in the building. Through the Open Studio, MNN is encouraging the idea of television production as being something that is open, accessible, and not having to occur in a sealed-off room away from the public. We feel this message is the heart of public access television.
Studio One is also equipped with a video projector and screen for large public screenings.
STUDIO TWO (CLOSED STUDIO)
Studio Two is a more conventional studio space. It is a 20x27 enclosed room. Producers who feel they need more privacy, or a more controlled environment in which to produce their program can reserve this space.
EXPRESS STUDIOS
These studios are ideal for individuals and community groups who want to reach a certain constituency quickly and easily without worrying about the complexity of producing a program in one of the main studios.
THE EXPRESS
This studio is designed so that one person can be both on-camera talent and operator but still have the ability to have up to four guests. The studio has two phone lines, (S)VHS/DV roll-in and record decks, a Mac computer with Internet access, a CD player, a CG for titling and graphics, and a video switcher with chroma key capability and audio board.
THE MINI EXPRESS
The mini-express is a quick solution for a simple one or two-person live call-in show. It has similar but simpler equipment than the large Express Studio: one phone line, DV record deck, a Mac computer with Internet access, a CG for titling and graphics, a video switcher (with ChromaKey), and an audio mixer with set microphones for producer use.
FIELD EQUIPMENT
MNN offers a variety of field equipment for on-location shooting to producers who are certified. Currently we offer prosumer cameras and palmcorders (Sony PD-170, PD-150, PDX-10, and TRV-950) as well as professional microphones, tripods, and lights. Checking out the field equipment is free of charge, though producers are held completely responsible for the equipment when it is in their care.