Frank Fontana, HGTV host, writer, and design extraordinaire shooting at CTVN

“Down and Dirty with Frank Fontana”, a DIY  home and work redux online television series, sponsored by Craftsman and Kenmore, is remodeling our studio! To make it ” a real grown up studio”, as Frank Fontana put it, the crew will soundproof the space, create a window into our editing bay, replace our old clunky wooden doors with fancy glass sliding doors, install a lighting track and add ultra-adaptable shelving.

A former CTVN instructor, Collin Seaman, works with Frank Fontana and the crew and introduced them to CTVN and their mission.  This awesome opportunity is taking our IndieGoGo Campaign to redo our studio to new heights!

Our IndieGoGo campaign has been going for two months raising funds to procure the equipment—the live HD mixer, the new lights, and microphones—-to make our studio current.   With your help, not only will we have a classy rehabbed studio courtesy of the Down and Dirty Frank Fontana crew, but the  technology  necessary to enable to students produce higher quality films and make youth media more accessible.

Join us for the live studio shoot of the show on Thursday, May 31 at 6:30 at The Craftmen Experience. RSVP and for more details check the facebook invite.

We have 5 days left before the completion of the IndieGoGo Campaign. Every donation we receive counts and makes a difference in our students’ lives. Now’s your chance. Check out the Campaign here.

“The blog spawned out of a flip camera assignment where kids would borrow a flip camera for a week and interview friends, family, neighbors, etc. about issues we were discussing in class. They could then use the flip camera for their own projects as well. They would then write about their experiences on the blog. These students don’t receive much homework at all from their other classes and I thought this would be a great way to introduce some low stakes and engaging homework for them. They came back with amazing interviews from all parts of the city and have all improved their interview techniques in general.”

A few of the videos focus on violence, especially in their communities. Brittnee Spencer shared “from the interview (she) learned that a lot of the youth have thoughts and opinions about violence that needs to be brought to the public eye.” See and hear some of the responses she was given, and also learn about other issues her classmates have interviewed others on at 3pcrealstarmckinley.blogspot.com.

These students are continuing to add new stuff all the time! Keep checking back to hear more!!

Another interesting discussion was developed on the idea of role models. The students talked about not only film role models but also those that are present in their everyday lives. Students shared how they were drawn towards Tyler Perry’s work. He makes films that are easily relatable which generate a lot of meaning for these students. Another film icon was Spike Lee. Lastly, one of the four students, Shannon, talked with us about a program called YAP. This is a mentors program which has provided him with an individual he can spend time with. Shannon talked about how he was able to call this individual to hang out, play sports, or even just go out to eat.

Thank you to these students for being so open in sharing their lives with us. We look forward to hearing more about their future endeavors!

We had the opportunity to sit down with one of the current Hard Cover interns, Brittany Douglas, to discuss the impacts this campaign will provide the individuals who are involved with Hard Cover. And here’s what she had to say…….

Brittany Douglas

Question: What does being a Hard Cover Intern mean? What does it entail?

Brittany: To me being a Hard Cover Intern means all the hard work I put in my years as a Apprentice has actually paid off. That I worked so hard that I became rewarded with more responsibility.

Q: How did you get involved with CTVN?

B: I got involved with CTVN through ASM my freshman year of high school and I’m a senior now, I been an Intern since my junior year.
Q: Why was the IndieGoGo campaign created?

B: The IndieGoGo campaign was created to help raise money for what we hope to become our new and improved Hard Cover green room.

Q: How will this campaign improve Hard Cover?

B: It’s going to improve Hard Cover because it will give the teens a better learning experience on video production.

Q: Why is this campaign important to you?

B: The campaign is important to me because I want the kids to learn what I had a hard time learning with such a lack of equipment in a better and easier way. Believe me your contribution will be greatly appreciated.

Please join us in enhancing the future of Hard Cover! Check it out at IndieGoGo Hard Cover Campaign.

The students at Truman Middle College explore the ways media influences everyday decisions. Jen asked the class to reflect on examples of media influencing public sentiment in recent history as far back as World War II. The students came up with all kinds of ideas including: cigarette campaigns, the war on terror, music videos, and international events. One of the students said “This war started as a war on terror and now it’s called the invasion of Iraq.” This statement stimulated a lot of discussion about how the media holds power to influence change in many ways. Another student made the comment, “In music videos, people are paid to wear clothes so the youth want to wear the same clothes.” This is a great example of the pressure put on teenagers to conform to media values.

The students made many relevant and intriguing points on how the media has a profound influence. The students at Truman Middle College made themselves more media literate in how this influences affects the things people do, perceive as cool or negative, and even the things people decide to buy.

Also check out our IndieGoGo Campaign to help upgrade our Hard Cover production studio.

Torriano Johnson

After sitting sitting down with Torriano Johnson we learned about the power of inspiration. He started working with ASM in the Summer of 2008 when he was informed of the incentive of being paid. Not long after he started the program, he found a mentor in his video instructor. Torriano’s instructor showed him not only the technical aspects of film, but shared a new outlook on many aspects of life. Torriano grew up around violence which he wanted to escape, therefore CTVN became his safe place. Through his hard work and dedication Torriano received 2nd Place for his documentary “Trauma”. Learn more about Torriano by clicking here to view his documentary “Trauma”. Torriano is now attending Depaul University for Computer Information Technology.

Marlena Jordan-Childress

Marlena Jordan-Childress

“When I was growing up it was my dream to be on TV, after working for CTVN it became my dream to be the face and hard work behind the media. CTVN opened my eyes to the stereotypical images in the media and the negative emotional and psychological effects these images have on youth every day. My time as a producer for Hard Cover taught me that my voice mattered and that if I wanted to see a change in the media that I would have to be that change. CTVN gave me not only the skill set, but also confidence in my abilities to positively impact media. I am currently a senior at the University of Minnesota double majoring in Advertising and Studies in Cinema and Media Culture. After graduating in May I plan to not only take what I’ve learned in college, but my also my experiences from CTVN into the professional world as I work to be the change I wish to see.”

Teal Williams

Teal Williams in action.

“My name is Teal Williams and I am 19 years old. I started at CTVN in February of 2008 as an apprentice and completed my final internship in August of 2010. CTVN has broken a lot of my old tendencies… Shyness being one and my ability to take on a leadership role as well as supplying me with a flexible set of skills. Before coming here I was the little kid who thought TV was magical despite watching hundreds of “Making of” features and specials. Being here has truly opened my eyes to all the hard work that goes into getting that final product on the TV screen. The skills and knowledge I’ve gained from CTVN have also assisted me in my current job field. I’m the Database Manager for Eazypower Corporation and one day my bosses and I were in a meeting and we were discussing a possible video shoot. Once they knew that I have done video work before, they had me at work filming a tour of our showroom and working on a series of “How to” videos pertaining to specific tools we offer. CTVN has been and always will be a great turning point for me and a major impact in my life. So many fun memories there and it has honestly become a second home to me.”

This picture is taken from our current Hard Cover Studio.

This week we are launching our first IndieGoGo campaign to upgrade our onsite Hard Cover news production studio. Indie GoGo is a crowdfunding site used to raise a little bit of money from a lot of people to fund innovative, creative projects. There will be access to this campaign for the next 8 weeks. Join us in reaching our goal of $2,500 that will allow us to install a green screen; plus we will be able to purchase a video mixer, compact light kit, microphones, cables, and pipes. This new and improved Hard Cover Studio will expand the students’ opportunities and talents by allowing them to fully execute their creative visions with up-to-date technology and resources. The new studio will also empower youth and apprentices to play an even greater role in participating in the media landscape, through expanded efficiency that allows them to turn out segments faster and more regularly.

As a THANK YOU for your support, we will be giving out DVDs, T-Shirts, and photos of our youth. You will also receive recognition on our Facebook page and YouTube Channels, and on our Hard Cover broadcasts.  To learn more about our campaign, head over to http://www.indiegogo.com/Hard-Cover-Studio.