Introductory Courses

The first and required step toward volunteering or producing at MCM and gaining access to MCM’s broadcast quality professional equipment, is to take Introduction to Video Basics.  This class offers an overview of services and opportunities for community members and prospective volunteers. You’ll learn about our policies and your options for getting involved. In addition, you’ll explore the basics of video production. This class prepares students for all class options offered at MCM.

Studio Production Courses

Studio classes teach students the elements of producing in the studio and trains you on all studio and control room equipment.

Studio Director is offered as a 12 week class.  Find out how to call the shots, frame camera shots and build a program in real-time during various types of studio productions.

Studio Producer class teaches students to produce programming using Montgomery Community Media’s two studios.

Studio Technician is 12 week class that teaches students all Studio Basics and Studio Control Room course positions.

Field Production Courses

Field (remote videotaping) classes teach students the essentials of producing programming in the field. It’s flexible and skills learned will help you in Studio classes.  Classes are scheduled to run concurrently so students are working on various components of productions at the same time. Attendance is mandatory for all scheduled class shoots and edits sessions – you must participate in class productions and pass all tests in order to become certified.
Field Camera class teaches students lights, cameras and microphones for remote shooting.

Field Editor is a 5 week class that teaches students the basic operating techniques of Final Cut Pro 7.

Field Producer class teaches students to produce a 4 minute short-form video, directing field technicians and field editors.

Workshops offer training on specialized media topics and equipment.

• Photoshop for Producers – TBD
• Studio Lighting – TBD
• “Smart” Video Workshop  TBD

Video Journalism

Video Journalism is a form of broadcast journalism where the individual is the reporter, camera operator and editor. These individuals have the ability to get into their neighborhoods and communities to get the stories that matter to them. These reporters are vital to getting the word out in Montgomery County.

Backpack Journalism class teaches the basics of Backpack Journalism and is open to Montgomery County High School students (Grades 9-12). Students will learn story composition, shooting and editing. Students will be able to use their segments and MCM’s Backpack Beat TV program and be a part of other programs that air on The Montgomery Channel and Access 19.

Citizen Journalism class teach students to report, film, produce, and edit their own feature news stories that will air on The Montgomery Channel and Access19.