cable access filmmaking?

D

dstevens

Well-known member
I was talking to a manager at a local cable access station where I volunteer about a feature film I'm planning to do.

I got the usual 'You have no idea how much work that is' sermon (he was preaching to the converted, however). I'm taking all the classes I can (they are geared toward tv production of course, but they offer final cut pro, camera use in the field, etc).

But he also suggested they have 'production contract' where you do a production under their aegis, and you get access to a lot of their equipment, you have a pool of volunteers who have had some training, advice, etc.

Of course, you've all probably seen cable access shows, that's not exactly the quality I'd like in a feature. Plus, they usually do tv shows of local interest, not dramatic features. I haven't even talked to them about any more details that what I've given here.

Just wondering if anyone has gone this route? Anyone ever looked into it?
 
I am looking into producing 2 shows using my equipment and my resources. The only I would need to do is drop the edited show off the cable networks office with a check that pays for the air time. I want to get this rolling in early 2006.

One idea would be to pay for X amount of airtime. Then create a show that would be like IFC (independent film channel?) and showa variety of shorts or whatever you want in your timeslot.
 
Local access is a great place to start. You get to practice your craft, and you get free airtime. Nobody makes a masterpiece the first time around, so why not use this opportunity to improve your skills. If they let you use their equipment and facilities, that's even better. You'll also find out if it really is all that much work (as the station manager said), then you can decide if you want to pursue it further.
 
Sumfun said:
Local access is a great place to start. You get to practice your craft, and you get free airtime. Nobody makes a masterpiece the first time around, so why not use this opportunity to improve your skills. If they let you use their equipment and facilities, that's even better. You'll also find out if it really is all that much work (as the station manager said), then you can decide if you want to pursue it further.
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Yeah, that' s my main motivation. In exchange for volunteering around the station, I get all the classes for free. They have final cut pro, prosumer cameras, etc so just for the training alone it's great.

My feeling is always if you are investing a lot in something, you have a say in the final outcome. And that's completely fair.

So for training and practice, it's a no-brainer, I'm in that station every chance I get. But when it comes to my own projects, I try to be careful who I involve myself with, and that everyone understands what their responsibilities and rights are.

I've had people come on my sets to hold the mike boom, and announce the next scene will be a master shot. No friend, that decision has already been made by me, the director. If you don't like my decision, you need to get out of here.
 
Where is this public access station?

I cut my teeth doing public access too -- lots of interesting characters roll through those places.
 
Cambridge, Massachusetts - Cambridge Community Television (CCTV)

I know what you mean. Cambridge is the epicenter of east coast avant-garde liberalism, and the film deals with several social topics (specifically domestic abuse among immigrant communities), so I could see why they would be interested.
 
dstevens said:
I was talking to a manager at a local cable access station where I volunteer about a feature film I'm planning to do.

I got the usual 'You have no idea how much work that is' sermon (he was preaching to the converted, however). I'm taking all the classes I can (they are geared toward tv production of course, but they offer final cut pro, camera use in the field, etc).

But he also suggested they have 'production contract' where you do a production under their aegis, and you get access to a lot of their equipment, you have a pool of volunteers who have had some training, advice, etc.

Of course, you've all probably seen cable access shows, that's not exactly the quality I'd like in a feature. Plus, they usually do tv shows of local interest, not dramatic features. I haven't even talked to them about any more details that what I've given here.

Just wondering if anyone has gone this route? Anyone ever looked into it?
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i was going to do this as well before my friends at the time decided they didn't want me to be a part of their ideas because i gave too much input on their ideas... we were going to use the cable access channel's cameras and equipment and go off and shoot our movie. the company is run by 2 guys and they said they didn't care what we did as long as we didn't break the equipment and we had to give them credit on the film. then my friends stepped in and kicked me out of the group. my advice is if you can get the cable company to let you use their stuff go for it. hire other people to help out don't work with friends. i repeat do NOT work with friends.... it almost always turns out bad.

i'm off my soap box now
 
Shaun Patrick said:
You need to trademark that phrase right away 'cause it's awesome.
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I am proud of that! Cambridge is the only town I've been to where you meet people who quote Kierkegaard, but have never heard of Stephen King.

Honestly. Not just haven't read Stephen King, have never heard the name.
 
ravinesedge said:
hire other people to help out don't work with friends. i repeat do NOT work with friends.... it almost always turns out bad.

i'm off my soap box now
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That's not a bad saying. I've done a few projects with friends who just thought it would be cool to play around with video. They generally are not willing to do the work to make the project, or are more interested in looking cool than actually doing the work.

I've networked with other film/video/acting artists, which has been great, because we started the relationship on the understanding we were all serious about what we were doing.
 
dstevens said:
That's not a bad saying. I've done a few projects with friends who just thought it would be cool to play around with video. They generally are not willing to do the work to make the project, or are more interested in looking cool than actually doing the work.

I've networked with other film/video/acting artists, which has been great, because we started the relationship on the understanding we were all serious about what we were doing.
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yeah that's the way to go... i don't think i'll ever work with friends again if its something for a contest... if it's for fun yeah i MAY work with them but probably not. i've been let down too many times...
 
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