The Studio Production class is only three sessions, but it is packed with information you need to produce your own programs in the big, three-camera studio. Learn how to operate the cameras and audio board, the digital switcher, and light dimmers. It is a great opportunity to meet other new SCATV members who might help you with your future productions. Sign up today! Only $20 for SCATV members.

On April 5, Amy Goodman, host of "Democracy Now!" came to Tufts University to participate in a series of forums called the Activist's Study. She interviewed noted author and environmental activist Bill McKibben, founder of "350.org." SCATV videotaped the event, and you can see it on Friday nights at 8:00pm through April, or on the Web here Activist's Study.

Registration is open for a special four-session workshop with Lynn Weissman, designed for new filmmakers seeking a direct, hands-on learning experience leading to basic understanding of documentary filmmaking techniques. The class will produce a short web video centering on activities and people around Union Square, Somerville. Students will explore the fundamentals of conceptualizing, planning, shooting and editing, and will be ready to undertake further work based on the workshop experience.

The class begins on May 6 at 7:00pm. Call to reserve your spot today at 617-628-8826.

 Now is the time to begin registering for SCATV's Spring Workshops. Classes are geared to all levels of ability, from the basics of studio production, field shooting and Final Cut Editing, to Documentary Filmmaking and Animation. There is also a class on editing with Corel software, and Phtotoshop.
Check out the Workshop Schedule. 

Since 2007 SCAT's youth media program, Next Generation Producers has partnered with the youth group of Somerville Cares About Prevention, a community-based coalition supported by the Somerville Health Department. The teens create video projects that inform their peers about the dangers of underage drinking, drug abuse, and depression. An article about that partnership, written by Wendy Blom, SCAT Executive Director, appears in the latest edition of the national journal, Youth Media Reporter. You can read the article here: Youth Media Reporter.

 SCAT is pleased to announce the “Best of 2009” Programming Awards. The winners are SCAT member-producers who created top-notch programs for Channel 3 that benefited the Somerville community. Awards were given at the SCAT Annual Meeting on January 28 in five programming categories:

Best HotSet Show: “Greater Somerville with Joe Lynch,” produced by Joe Lynch

Best Entertainment Show: “Half-Hour With…,” produced by Bill Trudell

Best Informational Show: “Active Aging,” produced by Mary Ann Dalton of Somerville Cambridge Elder Services.

Best Short Feature: “Animal, Vegetable, Mythical,” produced by Karen Aqua and Ken Fields and their animation class.

Best Youth Program: “In Tune with Rasta,” produced by Anthony Soto

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees!

Watch the Annual Meeting and Award Ceremony on the Web!

Thursday, February 4, 6:30-9; afterparty to follow
SCATV, 90 Union Square, Somerville
6:30pm: doors and prescreening activities; 7:00pm sharp: screening followed by panel discussion;
9pm: afterparty @ the Independent, 75 Union Square
***SEATING IS LIMITED; please come on time***
The event will be cablecast live in Somerville and Cambridge.

Exploring the role of media as it relates to Haiti and the local Haitian community, we will screen excerpts from documentaries like The Agronomist, Secondhand (Pepe) and Belo’s Song of Peace, as well as samples of video work relating to philanthropic causes and excerpts from local Haitian TV shows. The following panel discussion will be led by Charlot Lucien, founder/co-director of the Haitian Artists Assembly of Massachusetts. Panelists are: Hanna Rose Shell, director of “Second Hand Pepe” and M.I.T. Assistant Professor; Patrick Sylvain, writer and educator; and Ronny Dorvil, SCAT producer.

Topics inlcude: Radio is the dominant form of media in Haiti, yet film, video and TV are playing an increasingly important role in the local Haitian community; why is this? What Haitian films and documentaries are reaching and influencing the non-Haitian community? How can Haitian-related film and video support philanthropic causes—especially in the aftermath of the earthquake? Gathering at the Independent to follow.

Co-produced by the Somerville Arts Council and Somerville Community Access Television.

Attention Artists and Graphic Designers!

SCAT is currently seeking a new logo design to replace the logo that we have had since 1985. The logo we are looking for could incorporate images of digital technology, our diverse community, telecommunications, video, cameras, and/or television/computers. It should be in full color and be able to be displayed on the web and in print. We have no set color palette. The logo should be optimistic and forward thinking. It could be only text, spelling out our complete name or the initials SCATV (we are getting away from SCAT), or it could incorporate an image.

The winner will be selected by the SCAT Board of Directors and will receive a $500 award. However, we reserve the right to not choose any of the entries. There is no entry fee. The deadline for submission is February 19, 2010. The winner may be asked to make adjustments to the design before receiving the cash award.

Please respond ASAP if you are interested in submitting for more information. Entrants should contact Wendy Blom, Executive Director at director@access-scat.org.

Save the date: January 28 from 6:00 to 9:00pm for the SCAT Annual Meeting. This year, to celebrate the redesign of the HotSet, we will begin the evening at 6:00 with a live show hosted by Bill Barrell and Jessica Barnhouse, featuring the HotSet producers and any member who wants to join them at the desk. Enjoy a buffet of foods from Union Square restaurants and businesses. 

At 7:00 the Annual Meeting goes live in the studio and on Channel 3. You will hear brief reports from the SCAT Board and staff, comments from Anita Walker, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and remarks from our elected officials. Every series producer will receive a certificate of achievement. The Award Ceremony recognizes the "Best of 2009" programs in five categories, and we thank the SCAT "Volunteer of the Year." 

Everyone in attendance is entered into a raffle for local prizes. This is the big event of the year at SCAT. Don't miss it!

Award Preview:
Volunteer of the Year: Melitta King

Nominees for Best Programs of 2009:

Hot Set Show:
Greater Somerville with Joe Lynch by Joe Lynch;
Bongoman by Nesley Lambert
Latino Vision by Jovenes Latinos

Entertainment:
1/2 Hour With… by Bill Trudell
Tell Me a Story by Tarsha and Denis Stacke
Hips on Fire by Seemore Johnson and Christina Pujol


Informational:
Somerville Art Matters by Julia Fairclough
Active Aging by Mary Ann Dalton
A Nuclear Free World by Maria Valenti

Short Feature:
Banjo Competition by Chuck Interrante
Kisses Don’t Work in the Wrong Story by Peter Griffin
Animal, Vegetable, Mythical by Karen Aqua’s Animation class

Youth:
From War to Peace by Anthony Cimena
Music Is How I Blow My Steam by Samantha Joseph
In Tune with Rasta by Anthony Soto

SCAT offers hands-on internships to Boston area college and graduate school students in communications. Interns learn professional video production skills and develop a resume reel of their own projects that could include documentary, studio shows, event coverage, and promotions. For more information visit the Internships page on this site.