Multimedia Training Opportunities

AAJA, in partnership with the AT&T Foundation and their Excelerator program, offered free Multimedia Training Opportunities for AAJA student and professional members in 2008. Training sessions included half day to four-day classes on using mutlimedia equipment, digital and HD cameras, as well as sessions on Mac digital editing, video production as well as Final Cut Pro 6 and Dreamweaver. The classes took place at the Bay Area Video Coalition (BAVC) and CompassPoint Non-profit Services in San Francisco and was also taught by professional consultants. AAJA members were also able to work on their multimedia projects at AAJA National’s digital workstation in the AAJA National Office. AAJA worked with those selected, for the scheduling of classes and training sessions.

Applicants were current 2008 AAJA members and were one of the following: undergraduate or graduate students enrolled full time with at least 12 credit units for the spring 2008 school year or on a summer 2008 internship, or working or freelance professionals. Students who applied were currently taking or planning to take journalism courses and/or pursuing journalism as a career. Applicants do not have to have multimedia experience, but should have basic computer skills. Applicants should also support AAJA’s mission.

Those who were selected must commit to use their multimedia training to complete a digital project or file a story for use on AAJA’s web site or marketing materials.

Classes and Opportunities Offered

1. Digital Video Camera Basics - 4 hours
Learn about lighting, focusing, white balance and exposure and other camera features.

2. HD Camera Basics (Panasonic HVX200 or another camera) - 4 hours
Find out how to use the camcorder and its basic functions.

3. Introduction to Digital Editing - 2 days (Pre-requisite: Basic Mac Skills)
Learn about digital postproduction and non-linear editing systems including Avid Xpress Pro and Final Cut Pro.

4. Basic Video Production - 4 days (Pre-requisite: Basic Mac Skills)
Plan, shoot and edit a group tape and edit your work on Final Cut Pro 5.

5. Final Cut Pro 101 - 3 days (Pre-requisite: Basic Mac Skills, Introduction to Digital Editing)
Learn how to capture video and audio as well as edit and output a final product to videotape.

6. Final Cut Pro 201 - 3 days (Pre-requisite: Final Cut Pro 101)
Gain more knowledge with advanced skills in editing, audio mixing, using video filters, basic motion effects and rendering.

7. Introduction to Dreamweaver 8 - 1 day
Learn to build webpages or entire web sites as well as setting hyperlinks to other sites and placing text and graphics.

8. * Multimedia Projects - AAJA National Office
Use AAJA National’s Panasonic HVX200 digital video camera and Final Cut Pro software in the National Office’s digital workstation to continue work on your multimedia project. (schedule to be determined)

* Abbreviated sessions for some of the above classes will also be available through professional consultants.

Cost

There is no cost for training classes and opportunities. AAJA does not cover the cost of transportation or housing. However, a limited number of fellowships will be available to applicants who demonstrate financial need to help offset part of their travel costs. AAJA members are encouraged to ask their employers and local AAJA chapters for available training stipends.

To apply

AAJA will try to offer a similar program in the future, pending funding.

For more information, contact Albert Lee: 415.346.2051 x107, AlbertL@aaja.org or Nao Vang: 415.346.2051 x102, programs@aaja.org. Contact Nao for student questions and Albert for professional questions.

Funded in part through a grant from the AT&T Foundation’s Excelerator Program