[SLL] anyone SCANtv certified?

[Ken Meyer]

I have recently been through all of the SCAN certification sessions (some
free; some a modest cost) except for the linear and non-linear editing ones,
for which they charge a relatively high price and which are probably learned
with a higher ROI elsewhere, even if the "I" is even higher at the
"elsewhere" than at SCAN.

In any event, "Certification" should not be confused with "competence"; and
a two hour session is not going to make one an expert in any of the aspects
of producing a TV program -- these certification sessions should probably
all be more accurately called "orientations".  They do familiarize one with
what equipment is available and the procedures in effect at the facility,
but perhaps the most valuable aspect of attending the sessions, other than
getting checked-off in the permissions database, is the opportunity to make
contact with other individuals who often have substantial skills, since
creating a TV show is very much a team effort .

The scope of the operation at SCAN and the requirements for producing a show
are set-out in their policy manual, found here:

	http://www.scantv.org/Policy.htm

The "curriculum" and current schedule for certification sessions is found
here:

	http://www.scantv.org/Classes.htm

In order to produce a program on SCAN TV, the minimum "certification"
requirements are the Orientation and Production Planning sessions, and then
presentation of the proposal to SCAN staff at a Production Planning meeting.
I believe that "foreign tapes" are legitimate fodder for a show, given that
copyright permissions are clearly available.  It is not necessary that a
program be produced at the SCAN facility, or using SCAN equipment in the
field.

If the intent is merely to submit a tape for broadcast, the certs in studio
and camera use are obviously unnecessary.  However, it would seem desirable
that any broadcast in Seattle should include some local content, featuring
activities and contacts in this area and giving local context, as approved
by the major content provider, of course.  Note that SCAN is
anachronistically still broadcasting from VHS or SVHS tapes exclusively, due
to the fact that they are approaching the very lean end of a funding cycle.
Upgrades to a digital environment are in the works pending a new infusion of
funds via the Comcast franchise process.

You may think that this cable channel 77 in Seattle (29 in South Seattle) is
viewed only by some lunatic fringe (and some, but not nearly all, of the
programs are pretty "far out"), but I can tell you that I am quite amazed at
the number and demographics of people who tell me that they have seen me
testifying during SCAN programs recorded at King County and Seattle hearings
on the Comcast franchise renewal process.

I am willing to be the "certified producer" to legitimize initial
negotiations for broadcast of these programs, regardless of who might occupy
the position for the actual production process.  And I know the Exec
Director, Ann Suter, fairly well.  Note that SCAN provides additional
assistance to non-profits, though they may well demand an official
501(c)(whatever) designation, rather than simply penurious anarchy, to
validate that status.

I also currently have access to pretty good editing and media conversion
facilities.  I would suggest that Shaun send up a copy of the show(s) on
whatever media is convenient, but preferably at the highest quality
available (DV tape?) so that we could get a look at them and perhaps make an
informal pitch to SCAN for the feasibility of showing it OTO (one time only,
which is not strictly the case, since multiple broadcasts can be scheduled
at periodic intervals; and in addition, they frequently select tapes to fill
holes in the schedule).

Ken Meyer


-----Original Message-----

From: linux-list-bounces at ssc.com [mailto:linux-list-bounces at ssc.com]On
Behalf Of Andrew Sweger
Sent: Thursday, May 05, 2005 4:45 PM
To: Adam Monsen
Cc: Shaun Savage; linux-list at ssc.com

Subject: Re: [SLL] anyone SCANtv certified?

On Thu, 5 May 2005, Adam Monsen wrote:

> SCAN http://www.scantv.org/ is a public access channel. Shaun Savage
> produces a Linux TV show ( http://www.tvlinux.org/ ). He was at
> Linuxfest asking if anyone is SCAN-certified and can get shows aired
> on SCANtv. Anyone certified? If someone is or is willing to get
> certified, we can get this cool show on the air.

Weird! Talk about a blast from the past. I was "certified" about seven
years ago. I wonder how long my "certificate" lasts. I was investigating
making a TV show about open source software. I think that was when I got
my first domain name, opensoft.org. The show never made it off the ground.
But I did a bunch of volunteer production work (camera, sound, edit, and
some directing).

Hey Shaun, I'm not seeing any details on the tvlinux.org webpage. I'm
curious, is this just shot LOT? Do you already have it cut on tape and
just need to put it in the queue? I'm sure I'm not considered "qualified"
anymore at the station, but I doubt it would take much work to get back
on. I don't know what their current policy is on bringing in "import"
material like this. Catch me off-list if you want to discuss it more.

Thanks, Adam!

--
Andrew B. Sweger -- The great thing about multitasking is that several
                                things can go wrong at once.