Studio Track

Learn the ins and outs of studio production from MNN’s highly-trained producers. The Studio Track is for those interested in filming in our 40x40 foot open studio, or our 20x27 foot closed studio. Both spaces are capable of full 3-camera production. Over the years, the studios have been the sites of numerous live acts, including entire bands, dancing, and performances with studio audiences.

 

To complete the Studio Track:

1. Orientation
2. Digital 3-Camera Studio
   includes
   Digital Studio Lab
   Digital Studio Internship
3. Producer's Workshop
4. 2 Volunteer Crew sessions
5. Digital Control Room
6. 2 Volunteer Control Room sessions

Optional:

Advanced Studio Classes

 

 

Intro. Studio Workshops

Digital 3-Camera Studio

Level: Beginner

Prereq: Orientation

Length: Four 3-hour sessions (3 classes and 1 lab), and 1 internship

Start at the heart of MNN: our open studio. In this introductory class to 3-camera studios, students will gain a thorough understanding of studio operations. Students will learn how to set up productions, set up microphones, operate studio cameras and pedestals, and communicate with on-stage talent and control room personnel.

To advance to Digital Control Room, you must complete 2 additional volunteer crew internships. See the vlog.

Digital Control Room

Level: Beginner

Prereq: Orientation, Digital 3-Camera Studio

Length: Five 4-hour sessions, 1 lab

Learn the basics of video and audio production in a control room environment, and how a multi-camera live production is "edited" in real-time. Building on the knowledge gained in the Digital 3-Camera Studio, this class is integral in helping you create large productions and participate as technicians on studio shoots. Topics include video switcher operation, operation of videotape devices, audio mixing, and integrating graphics and text. After completing this class and 2 volunteer crew internships (in addition to the 3 internships during and after Digital 3-Camera Studio), you will be certified to reserve the studios for productions.

Producer's Workshop

Level: Intermediate

Prereq: Orientation, 1 introductory workshop

Length: 1 session

Producer's Workshops are generally offered twice a month for producers who have received their first workshop certification. Here, producers will discuss ideas for programming and will formulate those ideas into concrete plans. They will learn the necessary steps required to reserve equipment and how to sign up for a project. Producers will also review Production Policies and Programming Policies.

 

Advanced Studio Workshops

We are now offering classes in advanced studio production for students who have had extensive experience with the 3-camera studios and are ready to further their knowledge. Learn how to create shows that involve different aspects of producing studio television. All courses are project-based. Students will be able to develop and organize show concepts and learn to turn their ideas into professional productions.

Aspects of Audio

Level: Advanced

Prereq: Digital 3-Camera Studio, Digital Control Room, at least 1 aired program, active member for at least 6 months

Length: 2 sessions

This course focuses on recording a live music performance. You will learn how microphones work, how to identify various common musical instruments, proper microphone set-up, setting a mix, technical trouble-shooting, and studio management. Limited to 4.

Chroma Key Shooting

Level: Advanced

Prereq: Digital 3-Camera Studio, Digital Control Room, at least 1 aired program, active member for at least 6 months

Length: 2 sessions

Learn the fundamentals of Chroma Key: juxtaposing in-studio talent with a non-studio computer-generated background. Topics include talent placement, videoswitcher set-up, effects execution, technical trouble-shooting, lighting considerations, and studio management. Limited to 4.

Complex Shooting

Level: Advanced

Prereq: Digital 3-Camera Studio, Digital Control Room, at least 1 aired program, active member for at least 6 months, project proposal

Length: 2 sessions

Get ready for the ultimate workshop in show management and development. You will learn the fundamentals of multi-stage, multi-performance, and multi-talent shooting. Develop show ideas and get first-hand experience with large-scale stage, studio, and audience setup. Limited to 4.

 

 

Express Studio Track

The Express Studio Track is for producers who want to create live or pre-recorded shows without the need of production crew. This hands-on experience in a one-person studio allows you to simultaneously play the role of technician and talent.

To complete the Express Studio Track:

1. Orientation
2. Express Studio (certification for both Express and Mini-Express studios)
   or
   Mini-Express Studio (certification only for Mini-Express studio)
3. Producer’s Workshop

Intro. Workshops

Express Studio

Level: Beginner / Intermediate

Prereq: Orientation

Length: Two 3-hour sessions

This class is also available in Spanish. Esta clase se puede tomar en Español.

This is the perfect class to begin producing shows at MNN. The Express Studio is a small one-person studio where no crew is needed to create a live or taped show. Students will learn to set sound levels, integrate computer images, and operate all studio controls. Students will also do a live or taped segment for air. Upon completion of one class and one lab, producers will be certified to use the Express Studios. 

Mini Express Studio

Level: Beginner

Prereq: Orientation

Length: 1 session

This class is also available in Spanish. Esta clase se puede tomar en Español.

Not that technically savvy? Don't want to worry much about remotes and controls? Want the ability to do a simple show by sitting in front of a camera? Then the Mini Express Studio is for you. Learn the very basics of the Mini Express equipment and focus on your content without trying to figure out daunting equipment.

Producer's Workshop

Level: Intermediate

Prereq: Orientation, 1 introductory workshop

Length: 1 session

Producer's Workshops are generally offered twice a month for producers who have received their first workshop certification. Here, producers will discuss ideas for programming and will formulate those ideas into concrete plans. They will learn the necessary steps required to reserve equipment and how to sign up for a project. Producers will also review Production Policies and Programming Policies.

Field Track

The Field Track is for students who want to get out and record the sights and sounds of the city. The camera workshops cover the basics of camera use and recording on location, and includes an outside lab and project. Producers can opt to continue with Final Cut Pro, in which they’ll learn to turn the raw footage they produce in the camera workshop into a complete final project.

To complete the Field Track:

1. Orientation
2. Beginning Camcorder
3. Producer's Workshop
4. Final Cut Pro (Beginning)
5. LiveType
6. Soundtrack Pro
7. PD-150 Workshop
   

Field Production Workshops

Beginning Field Workshop

Level: Beginner

Prereq: Orientation

Length: 3 sessions, 1 lab

This class teaches the basics of audio and video using a consumer level simple 3-chip camera, the Sony TRV 950.  This is a good class for beginners, technophobes, or anyone else who doesn't feel ready for the advanced features of the prosumer PD-170.  This a project based class that is taught in conjunction with Beginner's Final Cut Pro.

Producer's Workshop

Level: Intermediate

Prereq: Orientation, 1 introductory workshop

Length: 1 session

Producer's Workshops are generally offered twice a month for producers who have received their first workshop certification. Here, producers will discuss ideas for programming and will formulate those ideas into concrete plans. They will learn the necessary steps required to reserve equipment and how to sign up for a project. Producers will also review Production Policies and Programming Policies.

Wireless Field Microphones

Level: Intermediate

Prereq: Orientation, Palmcorder TRV-950 or Advanced Camcorder PD-150

Length: 1 session

This seminar shows you how to use wireless field equipment for both studio and on-location filming.

 

 

Advanced Field/Edit Workshops

Advanced Camcorder: PD-150 Upgrade

Level: Advanced

Prereq: Orientation, 3 completed TRV projects or test out

The PD-150 Upgrade class is recommended for producers who are ready to advance to the next level of field production. You will learn the functions of the PD-150, 170, and PDX-10 cameras. Other topics include basic composition skills, interview techniques, and recording good audio. You should be able to demonstrate extensive knowledge of the TRV cameras and must have completed at least 3 programs filmed with the TRV camera.

Livetype

Level: Advanced

Prereq: Orientation, Final Cut Pro

Add dynamic words to the screen with Livetype. This class teaches you to create written graphics, which will give your show a professional look and style. Recommended for students who have experience with Final Cut Pro.

 

 Soundtrack-Pro Editing Seminar

Level: Advanced

Prereq: Orientation, Final Cut Pro

In this class you will learn to use the audio editing application that is the sisterr program to Final Cut Pro.  The program allows you to compose your own soundtrack to go along with your edited video.  This class runs for three sessions and each session is 3 hours long. 

 

 

Special Seminars

Mac Basics

Level: Beginner

Prereq: Orientation

Overcome your technophobia! If you have little or no experience with Mac systems, but still want to create a show, this Mac Basics seminar will give you the knowledge to tackle more advanced computer classes. Producers who haven't worked with Macs recently can also get up to date with the latest in Mac programs.

Videoblogging

Level: Intermediate

Prereq: Orientation, Mac Basics (recommended)

These days, you can't browse two minutes without bumping into a video blog. Hitch a ride on the bandwagon with this workshop, where you'll learn all about posting your MNN show on the web. Share your shows online by developing your own website where you'll upload videos, photos, and text.

Compix

Level: Intermediate

Prereq: Orientation, Digital 3-Camera Studio, Digital Control Room, Express Studio

Length: One 2-hour session

This class introduces students to MNN's Compix Character Generator that is in our studios and editing rooms. Students will learn how to add credits, subtitles, and simple graphics to their shows.

Animation

Level: Beginner

Prereq: Orientation

Length: One 3-hour session

This one-day, 3-hour seminar teaches the basic history and theory of animation. In this class, you will learn about the innovators and artists in the field of animation. You will also learn about the different types of animation and the elements that go into creating an animated picture.

Photoshop

Level: Intermediate

Prereq: Orientation

Length: One 3-hour session

Learn basic graphic design in this one-day seminar. Enhance, distort, and edit your photos and other graphics with the popular Adobe Photoshop program.

Studio 3-Point Lighting

Level: Intermediate

Prereq: Orientation, Digital 3-Camera Studio

Length: One 3-hour session

In this one-day seminar you will learn basic lighting technique. Using three-point lighting theory, with a fill, key, and back light, you will be able to create that "glow" for all your studio productions.