Since 1988, DCTV has provided training in all aspects of production. In 2008-09, DCTV upgraded all training programs to more effectively meet the needs of members. One of the most popular courses in FY 2010 is Producing: a unique course that focuses on production terms, techniques, scriptwriting, scheduling crew and talent, shot composition and interviewing.
DCTV is the only nonprofit media outlet in the District that provides training, certification in video production and telecast opportunities to the community.
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DCTV empowers citizen voices by utilizing new media technologies to facilitate forums of expression. From citizen journalist and bloggers to documentary filmmakers, DCTV provides curriculum, training and resources to educate media makers. DCTV offers adult Training Courses and Career Development Internships for College Students.
DCTV's training curriculum is designed to emulate the actual production practices in this field and specifically at DCTV. All students work together on the SAME CLASS PROJECTS. It is imperative that all students understand the necessary commitment involved, including work outside of class time. Please consult your schedules before registering for class. 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 attend all classes, participate in class productions and pass all tests in order to become certified.
2012 Training Schedule of Courses (all courses are evenings 7PM-9PM):
| COURSE | SESSION DATE |
|---|---|
|
DCTV 101 prior to attending.) |
MONDAY May 14th WEDNESDAY July 18th MONDAY July 23rd THURSDAY September 20th TUESDAY October 9th WEDNESDAY December 5th |
|
PRODUCING course before registering for other technical courses.) |
MONDAYS May 21st - July 16th WEDNESDAYS August 8th - September 26th MONDAYS October 15th - December 3rd |
| BASIC EDITING (FINAL CUT PRO 7) |
WEDNESDAYS May 23rd - June 20th MONDAYS August 6th - September 10th THURSDAYS October 18th - November 15th |
| FIELD TECHNICIAN |
MONDAYS May 21st - June 2th WEDNESDAYS August 8th - September 5th MONDAYS October 15th - November 12th |
| STUDIO TECHNICIAN |
THURSDAYS June 7th - July 5th TUESDAYS August 14th - September 11th WEDNESDAYS October 17th - November 14th |
DCTV 101 Orientation
It is important that all individuals seeking access to any DCTV facilities (channel time, equipment use) appreciate the history of public access television and DCTV. Understanding DCTV’s policies, procedures and culture are essential for a successful and mutually beneficial relationship between the community and DCTV. Attendees who successfully complete the DCTV Orientation will be allowed to request channel time for completed programs, and attending courses. Before attending, participants must register with DCTV as member. Out-of-town members who cannot make the orientation must pass an online test on important information contained in our Producer's Policy Manual.
Mandatory session (one evening)
Prerequisite: DCTV Membership
Fee: Free
Producing
Producing is the organized creative vision that drives the production process. So before you can create a television program, you must first understand production terms, techniques, scriptwriting, scheduling crew and talent, shot composition, interviewing, the difference between field and studio production, edit preparation, and all the necessary paperwork involved. Students who successfully complete Producing will be allowed to reserve field production equipment and DCTV studios, with the help of DCTV certified technicians.
Course Outline - 8 weeks: 5 classes, 1 field production, 1 studio production, 2 edit sessions
Certification: In order to become certified as a DCTV Producer, student must produce a class project, consisting of field and studios segments and pass a written test.
Prerequisite: DCTV 101
Fee: Residents: $100 | Non-Residents of DC: $120
Studio Technician
Students receive hands on training of all studio and control room positions and equipment (audio, switcher, character generator, teleprompter, floor director, studio cameras, lighting and set design). After rotating through all areas, students must demonstrate proficiency in each area during a class project and mock productions.
Course Outline - 5 weeks: 5 classes, Saturday studio shoot, 1 lab session on a DCTV or volunteer show
Certification: In order to become certified as a Studio Tech., student must successfully crew student productions and pass a written test.
Prerequisite: Producing
Fee: Residents: $60 | Non-Residents of DC: $80
Field Technician
Students receive hands on training of field production techniques (camera, audio, lighting), and will shoot a field project with a student producer from the Field and Studio Producing class. Student will have the opportunity to see how their footage was edited when they attend final critique class.
Course Outline - 5 weeks: 4 classes, production of 1 field project
Certification: In order to become certified as a Field Tech., student must shoot field project and pass written test.
Prerequisite: Producing
Fee: Residents: $60 | Non-Residents of DC: $80
Basic Final Cut Pro Editing
Learn the basics of non-linear editing by understanding editing theory and learning practical applications. Students will capture footage working from edit decision lists, apply transitions and music, create text and put projects on tape. Students will use pre-shot footage, and will also edit student projects that will air on DCTV.
Course Outline - 6 weeks: 5 classes, 2 project edit sessions
Certification: In order to become certified as an Editor, student must edit class project and pass a written test.
Prerequisite: Producing
Fee: Residents: $115 | Non-Residents of DC : $135
Advanced Training
Zone 2 consists of advanced training workshops and field trips for certified producers and technicians.
For current Zone 2 Training workshops, 
CAREER DEVELOPMENT INTERNSHIPS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
Interning at DCTV gives students the opportunity to further develop professional and practical skills in various areas like production, editing, graphic design and information technology. DCTV’s internship program provides students with work experience that complements their education, while developing the skills needed to pursue employment in the media industry. To download the application, CLICK HERE.
