video production
Youth Media Program Coordinator
Organization:
Grand Rapids Community Media Center VISTA Name:
Sarah Pierantoni
Program Start:
6/2007
Program End:
6/2008
Project Description:
Our Community Media Center is a cooperative of public access, nonprofit media including, GRTV, WYCE, GrandNet, the Grand Rapids Institute for Information Democracy (GRIID), the Mobile Learning Lab for Information Educaiton (MOLLIE) and the Wealthy Theater. We provide individuals and groups with access to the tools training and means of transmission they need to join our mission of “Building community through media”.
Our VISTA member will assist in video and other media productions, primarily with the Mobile Learning Lab for Information Education (MoLLIE). MoLLIE works in large part with youth in the local financially struggling school system to help teachers fulfill curriculum requirements while also teaching the students the skills of video production using digital video cameras and iBook computers for editing.
Project Outcome:
Over the course of Sarah’s Vistaship she has been instrumental in working with our various youth training programs providing a wide variety of skills. She was responsible for helping students make the best videos possible and teaching them to think critically about media and media messages. She took the initiative to outreach to communities we hadn’t worked with in the past including GLBT and the Triangle Foundation, and solidified relationships with them and our organization. She helped plan a film festival and worked on several video installations dealing with issues such as the war and discrimination. In addition, Sarah has helped out in our theater by operating the lighting board for concerts, selling tickets and running concessions. She teaches video production and editing classes to our members and so much more.
Here is a list of projects Sarah was involved in during her VISTA year:
1.Allegan County Community Mental Health: produced, shot and edited a documentary about the stigma of mental illness.
2. G.E.T. Girls Empowering Together: since January worked with a group of High School girls in a leadership mentoring program to mentor, produce, shot and edit a documentary about the program, “Breaking the Surface,” available for viewing at www.archive.org
3. The MOLLIE Club: a weekly video club for students in middle School that provides an opportunity for them to come in and Make videos.
4. MOLLIE (Mobile Learning Lab for Information Education): Went to area schools and non-profits teaching youth how to produce, shoot and edit videos.
5. Real Pride: helped start the planning process for a film and documentary series about LGBT issues.
Impact Quote:
“Sarah had an especially strong bond with [the G.E.T. program participants] and it was great to see their reaction to the documentary we helped them produce. They had a really fancy dinner with a lot of area dignitaries in attendance when the documentary was screened for the first time. Many commented to us afterwards about what a great project this was and committed to funding another program this year.”
- Gretchen Vinnedge, supervisor
Youth Media Lab Assistant
Organization:
Reel Works Teen Filmmaking VISTA Name:
Micheil Yohannes
Program Start:
1/2008
Program End:
1/2009
Project Description:
Our core media arts education program, The Lab, is a free after-school workshop that challenges Brooklyn high school students to produce short documentary videos about their lives. This program incorporates lessons in literacy (story-telling, scripting, editing), self-esteem and tolerance, technology and media literacy within the context of 1:1 mentoring with professional filmmakers.
The Lab Assistant will work with the Lab Coordinator, Directors, and other staff to enhance the capacity of The Lab, Reel Impact, and all other programs of Reel Works Teen Filmmaking. Duties include, but are not limited to
- media arts instruction;
- maintenance of technical equipment and media collection;
- assisting with the recruitment and training of volunteer filmmaker mentors;
- developing and maintaining relationships with schools, community centers, and neighborhoods in Brooklyn served by Reel Works;
- developing a youth advisory board;
- assisting with the distribution/outreach and public relations;
- and performing various administrative duties as needed.
Project Outcome:
In a lab used mainly by young people on a daily basis we run into many technical/equipment malfunctions that oftentimes have no explanation. Reel Works Teen Filmmaking operates on a “shoe-string” budget and would not have been as successful in the past year had it not been for Micheil’s superior troubleshooting skills. Oftentimes, the members of our skeleton staff would attempt to trouble shoot errors while simultaneously running other programs and teaching a class - making for a very hectic and crazy work day. The days we were fortunate enough to work with Micheil were always the most productive. The young people in our program owe a lot of their stress-free success to Micheil.
Youth Technology Instruction
Organization:
Playing to Win (PTW) VISTA Name:
Max Benitez
Program Start:
8/2003
Program End:
8/2004
Project Description:
In the fall of 2003, the Playing2Win organization welcomed the assistance of Mr. Max Benitez as Youth Technology Instructor. As Youth Technology Coordinator/Instructor, Mr. Bentinez’s responsibilities included:
•Assistant Instructor of Media Literacy and Video Editing to the Middle School Youth After-School Program
•Assistant Instructor of iMovie video editing workshop for Playing 2 Win’s adult members
•Assisted with the Development of science/ technology curriculum
•Consulted the P2W’s development team in creating a youth hip hop entrepreneurship program
•Collaborated with Teachers College Columbia University students and faculty in the creation of an online iMovie video editing tutorial for summer technology camp 2004.
•Edited a video promoting a Harlem Renaissance Economic Development Corporation annual event “Art at the Park”
•Represented P2W on the Studio Museum in Harlem Community Advisory Board
•Created Virtual Reality images of Playing 2 Win facilities for the new website
•Created a TV commercial for Harlem Renaissance Economic Development Corporation’s Art at the Park Event
•Developed a series of Public Service Announcements about Playing 2 Win’s offerings
•Provided consultant support for the development team on program concepts and equipment needs
Project Outcome:
Vista Fellows were involved with the following:
• The development of research instruments and conduct of an on-going survey of 100 participants and adult and youth programs to better serve our community.
• The development of volunteer support program for the ongoing support of 10 volunteers and recruitment of 10 others.
• Oversaw teacher support assessments and provided ongoing support for 4 teachers in youth and adult programs.
• Provided technical support for our center to keep the 50 machines and network running smoothly
• Assisted with the development of 5-10 proposals to raise approximately $100,000
• Assisted in the development of our Job Training Program recruitment and development.
Impact Quote:
As the purpose of the AmeriCorps*VISTA program is to provide useful outreach to local communities, our participants echoed their sentiment through visible outreach and service projects. One example I am reminded of was the special PBS viewing of “Every Mother’s Son,” coordinated by Mr. Bentinez. The event called for local law enforcement agents and community members to come together in support of the idea of social change, justice and a forum for communication and healing. This project used the power of media and the passion of human nature to discuss the realities of police brutality in New York City. This event is also an example of a sustainable solution effort and the ability of change.
- Shawna BuShell, Executive Director
CTC Youth Program Building
Organization:
Bruce Wall Ministries/Prep Community Computer Center VISTA Name:
Michelle Walson
Program Start:
8/2002
Program End:
8/2003
Project Outcome:
During the year, Michelle developed curricula for using multimedia with youth. This involved developing curriculum for video production, graphic design and web design among other activities. She has documented this work and made it available online on her Website.
In addition, Michelle developed a curriculum and program for a computer club and youth volunteer program. We had over 20 youth participants in the computer club, and we had about 5 youth volunteer in our youth volunteer program. Michelle has documented this curriculum and made it available on her Website.
After her year as a VISTA, Michelle plans to go to grad school to study filmmaking.
Community Engagement
Organization:
Lowell Telecommunications Corporation VISTA Name:
Kourtney Hamilton
Program Start:
11/2001
Program End:
11/2002
Project Description:
As an Americorps*VISTA member, Kourtney
- learned how to produce a television show, from shooting in a studio to editing on a computer. She developed web design skills via the Lowell Community Technology Consortium web site;
- assisted in planning a medium-size conference (“Media, Technology, and Social Change: Broadening the Base; Building the Movement” held at UMass Boston);
- compiled a “Tech Access” guide, a resource booklet containing contact and class information about the 19 community technology centers of the Lowell Community Technology Consortium; and
- made contacts in the Lowell non-profit community and helped promote the Lowell Commuity Technology Consortium and Lowell Telecommunications Corporation
Project Outcome:
Although Kourtney has not followed her workplan very closely but filled in many additional tasks that are of interest and helpful to her center. Most of the tasks listed above were not origianlly outlined in the workplan, but went along with the general theme of her job. When members of the community are looking for technology access and education, they can easily refer to her guide. It can be updated and reprinted as necessary.
IT Support and Consulting
Organization:
U Mass Boston/College of Public & Community Service VISTA Name:
James Fishwick
Program Start:
8/2002
Program End:
8/2004
Project Description:
James Fishwick’s VISTA assignment began with a focus on development support for the Greater Boston Broadband Network, support for the growth of the College’s technology use by faculty and staff and in programs related to the Community Media and Technology program, and CTC VISTA project web site support. Over the course of his last six months, James continued to do very impressive work in all three areas and concluded his term of service by becoming the project’s VISTA Leader for a second year of service and attending VISTA Leader training at the end of August.
Project Outcome:
James took on major responsibility for CBC coordination, project web site development, and the monthly pilot cable and web cast “First Tuesday” program, undertaking the latter while serving as the Assistant Producer.Overall project coordination involved assisting with monthly meeting arrangements and follow through with subcommittee needs and support. Web site development included not only design and technical maintenance but content development as well. As Assistant Producer for “First Tuesday,” James undertook a wide range of tasks insuring smooth program production, including serving as live-time chat coordinator and on-camera contributor, set design, plant, and web cast coordination, and post-production assistance.
With regard to the College, James continued to provide a good range of support to individual faculty and programs and helped give visible, tangible testimony of the value of the Community Media and Technology program. In addition to special help to five faculty/programs, James assisted the CPCS IT Task Force, a committee dedicated to a thorough review of the current IT landscape at UMass and its effect on the college. The task force makes recommendations to the college on how to move on various IT issues, especially the establishment and subsequent development of the Clark Taylor Center. James has served as secretary to the committee and has helped to facilitate discussions on needs for the Center with CPCS faculty.
Finally, as the web master for the CTC VISTA Project itself (www.cpcs.umb.edu/vista), James initiated a number of design and content contributions that have contributed to the project’s aesthetic and programmatic presentation for VISTAs, supervisors, and the general public. His work with the VISTAs in encouraging and helping them develop their own web pages and resources, along with his moderation of the metroBoston and national CTC VISTA member electronic discussion lists and general communication have given him a major leadership status among his fellow VISTAs and in the overall project.
Marketing and Outreach
Organization:
Boston Neighborhood Network VISTA Name:
Scott Hillier
Program Start:
8/2002
Program End:
8/2004
Project Description:
• Implement plans to increase BNN’s membership and client base.
• Help write publicity and design flyers, brochures, and newsletters.
• Help organize and produce special outreach activities including video promotions, community oriented TV programs, and public service announcements for non-profit organizations.
• Implement plans for targeted outreach to special populations (e.g. youth, elders, ESL groups, disabled).
• Help implement BNN’s training programs by developing curriculum to meet members’ and client’ needs. Teach workshops to youth and adults in video and digital media at BNN and off-site at member organizations.
• Assist with maintenance of digital editing equipment at CityPlace.
• Complete PSAs
Project Outcome:
Scott came to BNN in September 2002. He quickly became a valuable member of the BNN team, assisting with Ed/Out projects that promote BNN services, teaching video production, assisting members with non-linear editing, troubleshooting edit equipment, and producing public service announcements. Scott has raised the production standards of BNN with his excellent editing and shooting skills. He has also assisted with print promotions such as newsletters and flyers.
Due to Scott’s excellent production capabilities he was able to complete a number of PSAs, instructional videos, and community based programs for BNN. Such programs included the 10 part series “Sister Talk 2,” a program aimed at African American women to raise awareness of cardiovascular health. Scott assisted Barbara Barrow-Murray, BNN’s Roxbury Studio Manager, with editing the series. Scott also played a large role in helping to modernize the look of the channel, creating promotional spots, and helping to improve the channel’s graphics.
Impact Quote:
“Scott’s presence at BNN has greatly improved our ability to do projects we had wanted to undertake but didn’t have the resources to do. He has improved the look of the channels, which increases the value of BNN. His enthusiasm for teaching has allowed us to offer more digital media classes at low rates to members and others.”
- Wendy Blom, BNN Director of Education and Outreach
CTC Implementation and Program Building
Organization:
Boat People SOS - Virginia VISTA Name:
Harold McNaron
Program Start:
8/2002
Program End:
8/2003
Project Description:
I am currently a Community Technology Center (CTC) VISTA working at BPSOS’s national headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia. Thus, the primary goal for this year of service is to assist in the management of a Community Technology Center: a centrally-located space providing technological access to community members who would otherwise not have said access.
Goal 1: Set up and operate CTC
Goal 2: Provide computer skills/ English skills to target population.
Goal 3: Assist community groups in setting up CTCs.
Goal 4: Produce a video on BPSOS CTCs/Survivor Services Dept.
Goal 5: Make the FAIR program self-sufficient
Goal 6: Establish an after-school mentoring programs for youth.
Goal 7: Create webpage for volunteer recruitment and development.
Goal 8: Contribute to BPSOS’s Domestic Violence Program, Housing programs, and national website
Goal 9: Acquire a client base for BPSOS’s publishing company
Project Outcome:
Between the months of September and December, I worked with my fellow VISTA, Co Kim Oanh, and my supervisor, Bach Pham, to reaffirm community contacts by recruiting volunteers, outreaching to prospective clients, and acquiring space for a CTC. While Bach worked with BPSOS’s IT guy to acquire computers, I focused on recruiting volunteers to teach a series of Computer Literacy/ESL classes to current BPSOS clients. Through websites and phone calls, we recruited a small group of 4-5 volunteers that agreed to teach ESL/Computer Literacy combo classes.