Frequently Asked Questions about Classes

Q: What class should I take?
The training courses that you take at Access Tucson will be based on your project goals. There are essentially 2 training paths that you can follow to produce a program--studio or field. Do you want to create your program in a studio environment, or do you want to go on location, shooting film style and edit a program?

If you are not sure about which path to take, sign-up for the Introduction to Access Production class. This class covers all the options in detail so that you may make the right decision for your production experience.
Q:What is the studio production path?
Studio based productions cover everything from simple talk show formats to complex productions that benefit from the controlled environment of a sound stage. If you want a live program, of course you will produce from the studio.

Advantages:
  • No production crew is required--you are the host and the technician.
  • Live production capability.
  • Live and live-to-tape programs have studio time reserved for a 6 month season.
Disadvantages:
  • Limited production elements.
  • Limited set-up and strike time.
Studio Production Options:
Anchor Desk
This format requires very little technical training, but is limited in terms of the program additions such as audio or video sources, numerous on-camera participants or complex production elements for audio or sets. The Anchor Desk class is required to use the Anchor Desk.

The Anchor Desk allows for 4 people to be on-camera talent with one switchable video source. The additional video source may be from one of the studio cameras, a graphics camera at the anchor desk or computer content from the web, PowerPoint or a CD. In addition to the single video source, you may choose a black, grey or chroma-key background. Chroma-key, or blue screen is an effect that allows you to use a video tape, a graphics camera or computer content in the background, just like the weather segment on the news, but you pick the image. This effect allows you to make your program unique in its visual content.

For live or live-to-tape Anchor Desk programs there is a very short turnaround between programs; 5 minutes for 25 minute programs and 10 minutes for shows that are 50 minutes in length. You must be able to be ready in that 5 or 10 minute turnaround time for the start of your live program. You must also check-in and sign for your live program at least 15 minutes prior to the start of your show. This facility is available for longer, taped productions as well.

Advantages:
  • No production crew is required--you are the host and the technician.
  • Live production capability.
  • Live and live-to-tape programs have studio time reserved for a 6 month season.
Disadvantages:
  • Limited production elements.
  • Limited set-up and strike time.
Studio Camera Operator
If you would like to explore a more advanced studio production environment or would like to be a crew member for one of the many programs created in the studios, you may want to take the Basic Studio Camera Operation class.
Studio Graphics
There is also training for the Compix software used in the control room for titles and credits, given by the Studio Graphics class.
Studio Production
Comprehensive training for all the studio production facilities. If you would like to take advantage of all the studio resources for your production, or be a volunteer crew member with training for all the elements of a studio production, the Studio Production class for you.
Q: What is the field production path?
This path allows the producer to create a project shooting on-location. Projects produced in this format utilize single camera techniques in shooting with the project completed in editing.

Advantages:
  • Productions shot on location.
  • Less crew for production.
  • Editing for maximum control of the finished program.
Disadvantages:
  • More time in production and editing.
  • Less control over the production environment.
  • Scheduling, transporting and setting up equipment for each location.
Field Production Options:
Digital Field Production
The Digital Field Production class covers all the aspects of shooting and editing for on-location production.
Q: Do you have any editing classes?
Editing is covered in the Digital Field Production class. By taking this course you are not only certified for the non-linear editing facilities, but for the checkout camera and accessories such as lights and microphones.

Other Editing Options:
Final Cut Express
This is the program used in the Digital Field Production class. It is also offered as a 3 night Final Cut Express class. The class cost is the same as the complete Digital Field Production class.
Final Cut Pro
A Final Cut Express certification or waiver is required to take this class. Using the basics of the FCE training, the Final Cut Pro class covers the additional features of Final Cut Pro and advanced editing techniques.
Linear Editing
Access Tucson does support linear editing for VHS, S-VHS and DVCPro tape formats. The Linear Editing class is offered for tape-to-tape editing on projects that only require simple cuts-only editing. There is one edit suite for the VHS or S-VHS tape format and one for the DVCPro digital tape format.
Q: Can I sign up for other classes when I sign up for Orientation?
You must first complete the Orientation class to register for other classes. You may, however, sign-up immediately after Orientation for other classes at the front desk.
Q: After I take your production classes, can I get a job in television?
The purpose and mission of Access Tucson is to provide the resources and training for members of our community to communicate and create utilizing electronic media. Access Tucson is not a vocational training center. You may learn valuable skills that you use in another capacity, but this is not our primary mission.