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Get Trained
Learn How to be a TV Producer and Technician

Access Montgomery's training program teaches you how to make your voice heard through the use of television media. Access Montgomery offers a wide variety of video classes in field and studio production to Montgomery County residents and organizations.

Students are trained to utilize Access Montgomery's equipment to produce their own programs for air on AMTV 19 or AMTV 21 and to volunteer on other productions.


All classes are held at 7548 Standish Place in Rockville, Maryland.

Click to see all currently scheduled classes.

Click a tab below to learn more about Access Montgomery training opportunities:

  • Training Sequence
  • How to Sign Up
  • Class Catalog
  • FAQ's

Step 1 - Introduction To Video Basics

This is the first step toward learning about volunteering and getting involved at AMTV. Find out about the exciting world of television and broadband media at this overview of AMTV services and opportunities for community members and prospective volunteers. Explore the basics of video production. Learn basic lessons in terminology and theory behind video production. This workshop prepares students for all specialized workshops offered at AMTV.

Step 2 - Sign up for classes

Want to get started faster? Take field classes! It is recommended that all students take field classes before they begin studio classes.

Field Classes

Field (remote videotaping) classes teach students the essentials of producing programming in the field. It's flexible and skills learned will help you in Studio classes.

Studio Classes
Studio classes teach students the elements of producing in the studio and trains you on all studio and control room equipment.

Step 3 - Get Certified

Once you take a class and pass the exam, you become certified to use AMTV's equipment and studios. You are now ready to produce your own show or volunteer on a show.

AMTV staff will continue to be available with ongoing technical help and further training from the beginning of your project to the completed program. When your show is completed, AMTV will provide you free air time for airing your show.

*AMTV also offers equivalency exams to individuals who have a background in television production and would like to bypass the classes.*

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Access to equipment and facilities

To use any of AMTV's production equipment and facilities to produce a program, you must be a Montgomery County resident, attend an Introduction To Video Basics class, and complete a class for the specific equipment you wish to use.

Class Registration

To register for a class, visit us at our Rockville office between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 pm or contact us by phone at 301-424-1730, extension 351.

For information about classes and workshops call 301-424-1730, extension 351. Dates and class prices are subject to change, and to cancellation. Prices listed do not include the cost of membership dues.

To request an information packet call 301-424-1730, ext. 351.

Payment Method

Payment must be made in full at the time of registration. Checks (payable to Montgomery Community Television), MasterCard, VISA and money orders are accepted.

Refunds

All requests must be made in writing to the Client Services Department. Your letter should include your full name and the class you are withdrawing from. Full refunds will be given if cancellations are made 72 hours prior to the first class. If cancellation is made anytime within 72 hours proceeding the first class, no refunds will be made.



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Introduction to Video Basics

This is the first and required step toward volunteering or producing at AMTV and gaining access to AMTV's broadcast quality professional equipment. The class offers an overview of services and opportunities for community members and prospective volunteers. You’ll learn about the history of PEG Access and AMTV, our policies and your options for getting involved. In addition, you'll explore the basics of video production. This workshop prepares students for all specialized workshops offered at AMTV.
Prerequisite: None
Price: $10

Equivalency Exams
If you have previous technical or producer experience, you may opt out of the certification workshops and take an equivalency exam. Intro to Video Basics, Field Producer, Field Technician, Final Cut Pro Editor, Studio Basics and Control Room each have equivalency exams. Contact the Training Unit for more information.
Prerequisite: Introduction To Video Basics
Price: $40

Field Courses

Field Camera
Lights, cameras and microphones are the equipment used during a typical single-camera remote production. Students will learn how to operate professional digital video cameras, setup field lighting and mix perfect audio in the field.
Prerequisite: Intro to Video Basics
Price: $75
4 week course

Field Editor
Get basic techniques about operating Final Cut Pro HD – industry standard computer-based editing software. Editors will cut together a four minute program with the Field Producer class.
Prerequisite: Intro to Video Basics
Price: $75
4 week course

Field Producer
In this hands-on class, students learn the fundamentals of remote productions in a documentary style, from concept to production to editing.
Prerequisite: Intro to Video Basics
Price: $125
9 week course

Studio Courses

Studio Basics
Get the basics on studio camera, teleprompter and floor direction. Certification in these areas can be earned in the labs. An optional lighting lab is available to students that want to learn how to  hang, aim and focus studio lighting.
Prerequisite: Intro to Video Basics.
Price: $75
6 week course

Studio Control Room
Production Switcher, Video Tape Operator, Studio Audio and Character Generator operator are the four certifications that can be earned during this course. Students may opt to take the lighting lab for certification in hanging and aiming lights.
Prerequisite: Intro to Video Basics.
Price: $75
6 week course

Studio Director
Find out how to call the shots, frame camera shots and build a program in real-time during various types of studio productions. This is the final class of certification for studio technicians. Students can receive certification as director and assistant director during this class.
Prerequisite: Studio Basics and Studio Control Room
Price: $75
6 week course

Studio Producer
Learn how to prepare scripts, understand set and light plots and produce in Access Montgomery’s two studios.
Prerequisite: Intro to Video Basics.
Price: $125
6 week course


Workshops

Inscriber Character Generator
Access Montgomery is offering a workshop on the studio Character Generator. The workshop will give an overview of the basic functions of the Inscriber CG, starting from an empty template and showing you how to make a basic set of lower 3rds for a studio production. Prerequisite: Studio CG

Price: $20


Jib Workshop
This is the first of two classes for training on the Jib. This one day class focuses on using the controls and most importantly the safety. Certification in this class will allow the use of the Jib in one position controlling the camera operation. An additional class will be available to learn the use of the Jib with total control of the camera and Jib movement, with the pre-requisite of Jib 1 plus hours worked on the Jib.
Prerequisite: Studio Basics
Price: $20

Introduction to Motion/LiveType
Learn the basics for creating new graphics projects in both Motion and LiveType.
Prerequisite: Intro to Video Basics
Price: $20

Mobile Production Vehicle
Take your studio training to the next level! Learn setup, strike and operation of cameras and the MPV’s  control room. There is a strong emphasis on safety and teamwork. This class culminates with an actual production. Certification will be given to Access users that attend all classes and participate in all aspects of the training.
Prerequisite: Studio Control Room and Studio Basic
Price:$60
Two sessions

Studio Lighting
Students learn how to safely hang and focus lights and program the control board in this three-hour workshop.
Prerequisite: Intro to Video Basics
Price: Free


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What class should I take?

To get started at Access Montgomery, you must first attend the Introduction To Video Basics class. It is designed to give community members a better understanding of Access Montgomery services. It is also the first step to any of the training paths for producers and technicians.

How much are classes?

It varies depending on the class.  It can range from $20 - $125.

When are the classes held and how many sessions?

It varies depending on the class. Access Montgomery has both weekday and weekend classes. The weekday classes are in the evening and there are morning and afternoon classes on Saturday.

I already have a background in television production. Do I still need to take the classes?

Not necessarily. You may bypass a class by taking an equivalency exam.

What is the age requirement for taking a class?

classes are open to Montgomery County residents or representatives of non-profit organizations based in Montgomery County, ages thirteen and up. Technical courses are open to anyone over the age of thirteen.

How do I register for a class?

To register for a class, visit our Rockville office between 8:30 - 5:30 PM or contact us by phone at 301-424-1730, ext 351.

What tape formats does AMTV use?

DVC Pro, MiniDV

I have a tape I made. How do I show it on AMTV?

If you have a tape or DVD of a show or other media you have already created, you can request a time slot and submit your media for air on AMTV 19 or AMTV 21. Learn more...

Who watches AMTV?

AMTV can be seen in every household in Montgomery County with cable service.

I’m interested in training for a non-profit organization. What’s the next step?

AMTV's Volunteer Services and Training department consults with non-profit organizations to help them train their staff. Learn more...


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