PCT Workshops

Want to start working on amazing, award-winning programs like The Bruce Latimer Show and Coast Life? Pacific Coast Tv is offering workshops to get you trained for real television production. Check out what workshops we offer and view our production calendar for dates and times of classes.

PLEASE NOTE: You must be a member of Pacific Coast Television to sign up for classes. Membership is $20 a year and includes access to the PCT Media Lab, ability to check out studio equipment, and volunteer opportunities on PCT Programs. For more information on becoming a member, view our membership page.

Studio Workshops

Camera and Floor Manager- workshop covers the essentials of powering up and preparing our studio cameras for operation, and provides volunteers with basic skills of camera work, including shot structure, composition and movement, terminology, and working with the director. Floor Manager is the essential link between studio talent and the Director. Workshop will cover instruction on communicating with talent using hand and arm signals to provide time and camera cues, and give other needed info to the Director. Cost: $20

Lighting – This workshop teaches the fundamentals of three-point lighting and how to safely and correctly move and adjust lighting instruments, and the operation of the lighting dimmer system. Cost $20

Control Room Workshops

Video Tape Operator or VTO - For a production, this role does more than just press "Play" and "Record". Instruction for this position includes steps necessary to prepare video machines for recording, and to verify that a good recording of the program is made. Video playback, or "roll-in", is also covered, which includes the use of patch bays and digital disk recorders (DDRs). Cost $20

Character Generator or CG - is the computer used to add titles, credits, and graphics to the production. The CG Operator is taught how to enter the information, operate the video interface, and make changes in the presentation of the material, such as scrolling or crawls. While typing is a beneficial skill, it is not a prerequisite. Cost $20

Audio - the Audio Technician is first taught the fundamentals of capturing sounds using microphones, and operating the audio mixer. Use of line audio sources such as cassette tapes and CDs is also covered. Students are introduced to the use of the equalizer. Proper care of audio equipment and cables is emphasized. Cost $20

Advanced Workshops **Pre-requisites required

Technical Director** - The Technical Director is the Director's right hand assistant during a production, but also performs an important supervisory function during the pre and post production meetings.

The TD is taught how to turn on and prepare all the control room equipment and to oversee the work of all other members of the production crew. During the production, the TD operates the studio switcher to create transitions between cameras; such as cuts, wipes, and dissolves. The TD also assists the Director in keeping track of what other crew members are doing. After the production, the TD again supervises the crew as they turn off the equipment and break down the set.

** Pre-requisites: Video Tape Operator, Character Generator, Camera, Floor, Lighting, Audio workshops

Cost $20

Director** - The Director is the captain of the production team, providing instructions to all crew members about what to do at what time. Students in a directing workshop learn about the philosophy behind directing, including teamwork and leadership fundamentals, then are taught the practical aspects of directing, including composition, staging, giving commands and instruction to the crew, and making effective use of transitions.

Working as a Director involves keeping track of many elements of a show simultaneously and communicating effectively with both crew and audience.

**Pre-requisite: Technical Director workshop.

Cost $20

Remote Video Productions** -

Many productions, or portions of them, are taped on location. The Remote Workshop trains volunteers to operate PCT's camcorder equipment to record events, interviews, or other material for a show so that it can be edited together into a "package". The remote workshop covers camcorder use, remote lighting and audio considerations in a remote setting. It is very useful to understand the basics of audio, camera work, lighting and videotape operation.