Keeping an OPEN EYE at Proctors

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Envisioning better communities through technology and training

in support of local goals, aspirations

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Affordable tools, technology, knowledge and training

for highly effective communication

Schenectady, NY – March 20, 2012-- “At Proctors, we believe that if we can teach the communities and schools that surround us to use the tools of communication effectively, we can create better, life-long and late-in-life learners,” says Christine Sheehan, Education Director at the Schenectady-based arts and entertainment complex.

She adds, “By doing so, we create an informed, connected community that can better communicate and defend ideas and opinions, without anger, violence or misunderstanding. Freely communicative communities are healthier and foster economic and cultural developments—making for diverse and sustainable communities.”

Proctors calls its innovative and proactive approach to integrating technology and skill on behalf of continuous learning and communication its OPEN EYE initiative.

The programs comprise Proctors multi-layeredOPEN EYE initiative:MediaWorks, After School Media Immersion, and the Training Institute. Each segment addresses issues critical to different generations of the community and equips members with the tools and knowledge necessary for effective communication

MediaWorks (sponsored by GE). This in-school film program for high school students is designed transform teaching and learning. This Arts-in-Education program designed to integrate media arts with Common Core curriculum to create new pathways for student success.

Proctors is working with Schenectady High School and the Discovery Academy at Albany High School to integrate media arts into Global History and English Language Arts curriculum. A professional filmmaker works with a team of teachers to develop and implement new learning pathways, based on Common Core standards and Project-Based Learning, to increase student engagement, attendance and success.

With support from General Electric, the New York State Council on the Arts, the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, the Department of Labor and Capital Region BOCES, Proctors has endeavored to change how the 21st century classroom works to bolster student achievement and success.

For more information, inquiries on grant funding or reporting, or contact information for those involved, please contact the MediaWorks Program Manager, Joey Hunziker, at jhunziker@proctors.org or 518-382-3884 x197

After School Media(sponsored by GE). This film- making program is offered to middle school youth year-round.

Proctors has teamed up with Open Stage Media* at Proctors -- Schenectady's Public Access Network --  to offer After School Media, an after school program in filmmaking to engage kids grades 6-8 in fun, project-based, team-building activities.

This engaging program is designed to challenge students to think visually, work as a team and develop media skills crucial to expanding their organizational skills and creativity. Topics range from storyboarding and editing to documentary and news journalism. Students will have the opportunity to act in, direct, write and edit original works, and have them shown on Open Stage Media public access channel 17!

The program runs Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-5:30. There are 3 sessions (broken into 10 weeks) from October to the end of the school year (excluding holidays and school breaks).

AFTER SCHOOL IMMERSION:The After School Media Immersionprogram at Proctors is designed for students

• interested in filmmaking, video production, on-camera acting
• who struggle to keep up with tasks
• who could benefit from an afterschool activity
• who have a flair for creativity

Ages: 6th - 8th Grade

ELAand Arts curriculum standards are incorporated into projects.

Contact Joey Hunziker at jhunziker@proctors.orgor 518-382-3884 x197 for more details.

Training Institute:theOPEN EYE Training Institute provides a variety of film production workshops throughout the year Television production workshops offered every month for members of the community. These are offered on the first Thursday and Saturday of every other month, Participants can learn new techniques, or advance their skills in one or more classes.

• Basic Lighting Techniques for Video

This class in the fundamental principles of lighting is designed for those who want to gain a solid overview of the art and craft of lighting. Students will learn the basics of classic three-point lighting, industry standard lighting techniques and get an introduction to the equipment ecosystem. With an emphasis on simple-yet-effective staging scenarios, students will learn how to light a variety of situations.

Instructor: Bob Shenise

Fee: $30

Time: Saturdays, 10-12

Location:Media Lab in Hearst Education Center

Of note:Limited to 10 persons per workshop  March 3, May 5, September 1, November 3

• Studio Training

This 60 minute workshop will focus on getting started using Open Stage Media’s new black box studio to create a forum of expression to be seen on cable television. The workshop will cover all that’s needed to get a show started on Open Stage Media at Proctors. Studio Training workshop highlights include

• Overview of equipment and uses
• learn how to use a production switcher
• learn professional camera features and to adjust to different lighting
• learn everything needed to get a show done in a small studio 

Date:Workshops will be given the first Saturday of every month at Proctors.
Time: Saturdays (first Saturday of March, May, September, November) 

11am-12Noon and weekdays by appointment.
Fee: free to participants, but registration is required.
Instructor: Zebulon Schmidt, Station Manager, Open Stage Media

Of note: More about Open Stage Media at end of document.

• Television Production 101

In this course you will learn how to produce your own television show. The instructor will review all the steps necessary in creating a show using Open Stage Media, public access television.  This course will include concept through creation, including show ideas, production needs, online marketing, and social media outlets like facebook, youtube and other public access stations all across the country.

Instructor: Huldah Thompson

Fee: $20

Time: Saturdays 12-1:15 March 3, May 5, September 1, November 3

Location: Media Lab in Hearst Education Center

Of note: Limited to 6 persons per workshop

• Editing: Final Cut Pro I

This hands-on, Final Cut Pro training course will get you started quickly with the industry standard software for video editing, sorting, organizing and effects.In this course you will learn the basics of how to get started with Final Cut Pro, including how to import your project, sort, organize and create a basic edit to export and burn to DVD.

Instructor: Justin Halstead

Fee: $100 – for four sessions

Time: Thursday 6-7pm. March 1, May 3, September 6, November 1

Location: Media Lab in Hearst Education Center

Of note: Limited to 6 persons per month.

• Editing: Final Cut Pro II

Take digital editing to the next level and learn the workflow of editing professionals with special techniques and shortcuts. This course will address special effects and advanced editing and titling techniques with Apple Final Cut Pro.

Instructor: Jon Burns

Fee: $100 – for four sessions

Time: Thursday 7-8 pm, starting September 6, November 1

Location: Media Lab in Hearst Education Center

Of note: Limited to 6 persons per month

Registration, Payment

Registration for all courses, except for Studio Training above will be processed through Proctors Box Office/TM: (518) 346-6204 or online at proctors.org.

Payment required at the time of registration. Registration is limited and processed on a first come first served basis.

For more informationabout OPEN EYE at Proctors: 

To find out how you can become involved:

Christine Sheehan, Director of Education (518) 382-3884 x 112.

For Summer Adventures, GIANT Screen Films and School Day's inquiries:
Jessica Johndrew Gelarden, Education Program Manager (518) 382-3884 x 150.

For After School Programs and Educator Extravaganza inquiries:
Joey Hunziker, Youth and Community Programs Manager (518) 382-3884 x 197.

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* WHAT IS OPEN STAGE MEDIA

Proctors designation as manager and operator of public, educational and government access cable television by the City of Schenectady in December 2010 spurred the creation of a new broadcast entity, Open Stage Media at Proctors (OSM).

Integral to its mission and dynamic relationship with the city, OSM at Proctors provides Schenectady residents and community organizations with enhanced opportunities to share opinions, ideas and interests through three public access broadcast streams:

• Channel 16: Public Access
• Channel 17: Education
• Channel 18: Government

OSM 16 is a conduit open to the community. OSM 16 is free cable casting designed for local ideas and thoughts on cable television.