Classes

NewTV Classes

 

NewTV features over 20 classes each quarter, and also host several additional workshops throughout the year focusing on a range of topics.

To use NewTV's equipment, you must first be a member in good standing and have attended our monthly Orientation session.  You can then choose to take any class in four of our production tracks: Studio Production, Field Production, Post Production, or other media related workshops.  You may also take any of our other computer-based or furthering education classes.

 

NewTV Classes

 

Animation Workshop Series

Storyboarding (Two Classes)

Instructor: Michael Sivak of Clambake Animation
This two-class workshop will explore the basic concepts of storyboarding and allow participants to create and review storyboards of their own. Concepts addressed will include: tools, methods and techniques, visual storytelling and narrative structure, shot composition, “acting,” and character development, among others.
Monday, February 20 & 27 • 7-9pm
Cost: $35 or $140 for all four workshops
 

Intro to Flash Animation (Three Classes)

Instructor: Jennifer Kanis of Clambake Animation
Introduction to Adobe Flash Animation provides you with the basic knowledge of animating in Flash. In this three-day course through hands-on projects in the classroom, you will experience different forms and techniques of Flash animation, including: basic principles of animation, animating in symbols, setting up an animated character and logo animation.
March 6, 7, & 8 • 7-9pm
Cost: $45 or $140 for all four workshops
 

Intro to After Effects (Three Classes)

Instructor: Nathan Smith of Clambake Animation
Adobe After Effects is an industry standard for creating, editing and compositing visual effects and video. In this three day course you will be introduced to the basics of After Effects as well as exploring the wide range of possibilities this program has to offer. After completion you will be able to produce your own videos for use on the web, television, and film.
Tuesday, March 13, 20, & 27 • 7-9pm
Cost: $45 or $140 for all four workshops
 

Pitch Workshop (One Class)

Instructor: Carl Adams of Clambake Animation
Do you want to develop an animated show? Or do you already have a great idea for the next animated show?  This workshop will focus on the pitching process for animated TV shows.  With 15 years of pitching experience and a number of award-winning shows under his belt Clambake principal Carl Adams will teach you how to effectively pitch your idea.  The workshop will be a collaborative session discussing your ideas and how to get them out there.  Also covered during the evening will be tips on developing and presenting your idea, contacting networks and building contacts.
Saturday, March 31 • 12pm
Cost: $30 or $140 for all four workshops
 

 

Studio Production

Basic Studio Production (Three Classes)

Instructor: Andrew Eldridge
Learn the technical and conceptual aspects of producing your own studio programs.  Includes hands-on instruction on cameras, tripods, set design, lighting, sound and much more.
Tuesday, May 1, 8 & 15 • 7-9pm
 

Studio Director (One Classes)

Instructor: Andrew Eldridge & Michael Crossen-Sills
Learn how to master the board and run the show with this one night course.  Studio Director will go over the terminology and give you techniques on how to properly manage a studio shoot.
Thursday, May 17 • 7-9pm
 

Mock Show (One Class)

Instructor: Andrew Eldridge & Michael Crossen-Sills
If you are looking for time to hone your technical skills, this is the class for you.  Mock Show will allow members to be a part of a show that will not be broadcast therefore allowing them to better their abilities on a no-pressure studio shoot.
More Classes Coming Soon!
 

On Air Talent & Interview Techniques (One Class)

Instructor: Jenn Adams
Attention aspiring broadcast journalists and on-screen anchors - Learn how to conduct yourself on-camera and during interviews with Newton News' own Jenn Adams.
Tuesday, April 24 • 7-9pm
 

 

Field Production

Understanding HD (One Class)

Instructor: Andrew Eldridge
Learn about high definition technology and how it applies to NewTV.  Course includes an in-depth look at HD cameras, formats, workflows, compression, distribution and more.  Course is highly recommended, but not required for NewTV's HD camera use.
More Classes Coming Soon!
 

Basic Field Production (One Class)

Instructor: Michael Crossen-Sills
A hands-on workshop introducing you to the Sony NXCam, a tapeless HD camera and the Sony PD-170.  Learn the basic operations of these cameras and how to use them for your next production.
Tuesday, February 28 • 7-9pm
Wednesday, March 21 • 7-9pm
Tuesday, April 10 • 7-9pm
Tuesday, May 22 • 7-9pm
 

Camera Support (One Class)

Instructor: Michael Crossen-Sills
Stability for a camera is necessary for getting the best-looking shots.  Learn about all the camera support equipment at NewTV, from the tripods and monopods to the brand new jib.
Wednesday, February 22 • 7-9pm
Wednesday, April 18 • 7-9pm
 

Advanced Field Production (Two Classes)

Instructor: Michael Crossen-Sills
Course includes an in-depth look at effective field lighting techniques, sound and camera concepts.  Become a confident field producer and put your skills to the test.
Thursday, February 16 & 23 • 7-9pm
Monday, April 23 & 30 • 7-9pm

 

 

Post Production

Basic Final Cut Pro (Three Classes)

Instructor: Michael Crossen-Sills
Learn the basics of FCP on the Mac; includes how to insert and overwrite edit, use transitions and effects, audio mix, create graphics and much more.
Monday, March 5, 12, & 19 • 6:30-9pm
Monday, May 14, 21 & 28 • 6:30-9pm
 

Advanced Final Cut Pro (One Class)

Instructor: Michael Crossen-Sills
Dive in and explore the advanced functions of FCP.  Polish your edits, learn about keyframing, add motion, fix and sweeten your audio, multiclip edit and color correct.
Saturday, May 19 • 12-4pm

 

Alternative Editing Programs (One Class)

Instructor: Jeff Seideman
The course will be an interactive discussion and demonstration that will start with a brief explanation of non-linear editing systems and basic video edits.  Then, the instructor will go in depth with Adobe Premiere Elements workspace and features including transitions, special effects, text and graphics.  Lastly, you will learn how to export your project for air on NewTV and other outlets.
Wednesday, May 2 • 7-9pm
 

 

Other Workshops

Screenwriting 101 (One Class)

Instructor: TBD
Struggling to put the pen to the paper and write out that great story?  Screenwriting 101 is a two day course designed to help aspiring writers hone these often overlooked aspects of the screenwriting craft and provide guidelines as to how they can best exhibit their finished work.
Tuesday and Wednesday, May 29 & 30 • 7-9pm
 

Film Composition (One Class)

Ever asked yourself, while watching something; what makes a good shot?  This one-day course teaches you proper composition when filming and details the various shots used during a shoot.
Wednesday, May 23 • 7-9pm

 

Pre-Production Planning (One Class)

Instructor: TBA
A shoots success can always be judged on how well you prepare for it. Pre-production will teach you about all the things you should be preparing for before you actually shoot anything, from set decoration to crew list.
Saturday, April 28 • 12-3pm

 

Social Media and You (One Class)

Instructor: Melanie Graham of the Newton Patch
The internet opens up a world of resources for you to better promote yourself and your projects. This course introduces you to some of the wide variety of options, like Facebook and Twitter, and how to best use them.
Wednesday, May 16 • 7-9pm

 

Alternatives: Camera (One Class)

Instructor: TBA
This course goes over various other cameras that are more than capable of filming quality content for NewTV.  Come learn about the DSLRs, Handycams and all the features.  Learn where they are on each and how to use them to produce your shows.
Wednesday, May 9 • 7-9pm

 

As We Age: Balance & Falls (One Class)

Instructor: Threesa L. Jacobs of Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Older adults are at greater risk of falling when they lose strength and flexibility or develop balance, vision or hearing problems. Taking multiple medications, inactivity, blood pressure problems and the fear of falling all add to the chance of falling.
Tuesday, February 14 • 10am