Upcoming May Workshops!

PCT offers a variety of workshops each month to get your studio skills up to par!  Each course is priced at $20, a small price for the skills you'll gain.  Training in community media is our forte, and we hope you'll join us for one of this month's classes.  

May 2, 6 - 9pm - Workshop: 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.

May 8, 3:30 - 5pm - HMB Workshop 1

Learn generalist skills including editing, camera operation, and other basic production techniques.

May 8, 6 - 9pm - HMB Workshop 1

Learn generalist skills including editing, camera operation, and other basic production techniques.

May 9, 6 - 8pm - Workshop: Camera & Floor

Camera - 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 through the use of hand and arm signals to provide time and camera cues, and give other needed info to the Director.

May 15, 3:30 - 5pm - HMB Workshop 2

Learn generalist skills including editing, camera operation, and other basic production techniques.

** Pre-requisites: HMB Workshop 1

May 22, 6 - 9pm - HMB Workshop 3

Learn generalist skills including editing, camera operation, and other basic production techniques.

** Pre-requisites: HMB Workshop 1, HMB Workshop 2

May 23, 6 - 9pm - Workshop: Technical Director

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

May 30, 6 - 9pm - Workshop: Director

The Director is the captain of the production team, providing instructions to all crewmembers 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

Call us at 650-355-8000 between 1-9pm to sign up now!

Click here for our full Event Calendar!