List of Upcoming Courses

 

Can't get into a class because it's SOLD OUT or do you have suggestions for a class you would like to see offered? Fill out this form and we'll be in touch. 

Need assistance about membership? Give us a call at 202-526-7007 ext. 115 or email membership@dctv.org.


You must join DCTV as a member before you can register for any of our courses (unless otherwise noted).  

DCTV 101 (In-Person)

DCTV 101 is a prerequisite for all DCTV members including anyone interested in using DCTV facilities (including channel time and equipment). This workshop will provide you with an overview of DCTV’s programming policies and procedures, in addition to providing valuable insight into the many services, activities, and resources available to you. You'll learn about the history of community television and DCTV and the role you will play as a member.  We'll also discuss strategies designed to help you make the most out of your membership as well as essential tips for a successful and mutually beneficial relationship between you and DCTV. 

FACE MASKS ARE REQUIRED

2022 Dates:

REGISTRATION CURRENTLY CLOSED

FALL 2022

CORE CLASSES

PRODUCING

From script development to hiring the crew, producing is the organized creative vision that drives every aspect of the production process. This course covers important basic principles, procedures, terms, and techniques used in television production. Through hands-on activities, you’ll learn the fundamentals of planning, producing, scripting, directing, and editing. Students who successfully complete Producing will be allowed to reserve field production equipment and DCTV studios.

FACE MASKS ARE REQUIRED

Course Outline: 8-weeks to include  field production experiences

Certification: To become certified as a DCTV producer, you must produce a class project, consisting of field and studio segments and pass a written test.

Prerequisite: DCTV 101

Fee: Residents: $150 | Non-Residents of DC: $175

2022 Dates:

REGISTRATION CURRENTLY CLOSED

Can't get into a class because it's SOLD OUT or do you have suggestions for a class you would like to see offered? Fill out this form and we'll be in touch. 


VIDEOGRAPHY 

Learn one of the most valuable ways of communicating in the digital age — video. You’ll gain hands-on experience using professional-grade cameras and tripods, audio equipment, and lighting. 

FACE MASKS ARE REQUIRED

Course Outline: 7-weeks — 5 classes, 1 project field project
, and 1 mandatory labs 

Certification: To become certified in Videography, you must shoot a field project and pass a practical and written test.

Prerequisite:Producing

Fee: Residents: $85 | Non-Residents of DC: $110

N/A

REGISTRATION CURRENTLY CLOSED

Can't get into a class because it's SOLD OUT or do you have suggestions for a class you would like to see offered? Fill out this form and we'll be in touch. 


BASIC EDITING

Video editing is an incredibly useful and powerful skill. Anyone with basic video editing knowledge can piece together and organize narratives that encapsulate and express their ideas and stories into movies, short pieces, or content for social media. DCTV is now offering an entry-level online course in Adobe Premiere Pro, the industry standard in video editing software, exclusively for its eligible members. In this class, students will learn the essentials of editing, including basic concepts in non-linear editing, how to work with b-roll, transferring footage, importing music and images, how to export projects for different purposes, and much more. The six-class course will be taught virtually online and students who attend the live classes will have the chance to ask questions in real-time (classes will be recorded and available to be viewed at other times by those who are registered for the class). Although this course is online, students must watch all class sessions and must pass a practical test as well as submit labs on a weekly basis in order to be certified by DCTV.

FACE MASKS ARE REQUIRED

Course Outline: 7-weeks; 6 classes, 6 mandatory lab hours

Prerequisite: DCTV 101 Orientation, Producing Class

Fee: Residents: $180 | Non-Residents of DC: $210

2022 Dates:

Can't get into a class because it's SOLD OUT or do you have suggestions for a class you would like to see offered? Fill out this form and we'll be in touch. 


STUDIO PRODUCTION

In this class, you’ll receive hands-on training in the behind-the-scenes technical areas of studio production and the control room including audio, switcher, character generator, teleprompter, floor directing, studio cameras, lighting, and set design. After rotating through all areas, you’ll be given the opportunity to demonstrate your proficiency in each area during a class project and mock productions. 

Course Outline: 7-weeks — 6 classes, 1 studio shoot, and 1 lab session on a DCTV or volunteer show


Certification: To become certified in Studio Production, you must successfully operate studio equipment during a student production and pass a written test.

Prerequisite: Producing

Fee: Residents: $85 | Non-Residents of DC: $110

2022 Dates:

N/A

Can't get into a class because it's SOLD OUT or do you have suggestions for a class you would like to see offered? Fill out this form and we'll be in touch. 


INTRO to DSLR

This course provides an overview of the world of cinematic production style. Using industry standard, professional grade, Canon Rebel T6 cameras, students will learn the basics of how to confidently operate a DSLR camera. Hands-on instruction will include 3 keys to exposure: aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balancing, composition, and camera stabilization.

Course Outline: 4-weeks, 2 mandatory labs

Certification: None

Prerequisite: Producing and Videography

Fee: Residents:  $85 | Non-Residents of DC: $110

2022 Dates:

N/A

Can't get into a class because it's SOLD OUT or do you have suggestions for a class you would like to see offered? Fill out this form and we'll be in touch. 


 

ADVANCED CLASSES

DSLR MOVIE MAKING

Whether you’re creating a short documentary or a character-driven narrative, using proper advanced DSLR techniques and camera settings will help take your storytelling skills to the next level.  This class will cover how moving the camera within a particular scene or shot can change the way information is conveyed to the audience. You'll also learn new composition techniques, advanced focusing, and how to execute cinematic stylized camera movements.

Course Outline: 8-weeks, 3 mandatory labs

Certification: To become certified in DSLR, you must edit a class project and pass a written test. 

Prerequisite: Producing, Videography, and Intro to DSLR 

Fee: Residents:  $125 | Non-Residents of DC: $150

2022 Dates:

N/A

Can't get into a class because it's SOLD OUT or do you have suggestions for a class you would like to see offered? Fill out this form and we'll be in touch. 


ADVANCED EDITING

Want to learn how to edit like a pro? In our Advanced Editing class, we’ll revisit the skills you acquired in the Basic Editing class and show you techniques that will help take your skills to the next level! Student will learn the importance of fine-tuning the audio levels to polish their edits, incorporating third-party motion graphics and transitions to enhance the visual appeal, understanding how to sync audio to video utilizing footage shot with a DSLR camera and Zoom audio recorder, using basic color grading/correction to bring vibrancy and life to their edits, and applying the fundamentals of using the multi-cam linking function in Adobe Premiere Pro.  

Course Outline: 6-weeks — 6 classes, 3 mandatory labs and at least 2 open labs required for final project

Certification: Students will become certified once their class projects are complete.

Prerequisite: Producing and Basic Editing

Fee: Residents: $125 | Non-Residents of DC: $150

2022 Dates:

N/A

Can't get into a class because it's SOLD OUT or do you have suggestions for a class you would like to see offered? Fill out this form and we'll be in touch. 


INTRO TO AFTER EFFECTS

Now that you understand the basics of editing, in Intro to After Effects, you'll learn the foundation, basic tools, and techniques of motion graphics and compositing application. This hands-on class covers how to create a project, basic tools/panels, how to manipulate text, photos, and video, and how to export your compositions.

Course Outline: 3-weeks, 2 mandatory labs

Certification: None

Prerequisite: Producing and Basic Editing Certification

Fee: Residents: $25 | Non-Residents of DC: $35

2022 Dates:

N/A

Can't get into a class because it's SOLD OUT or do you have suggestions for a class you would like to see offered? Fill out this form and we'll be in touch.


 

DIRECTING

Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to direct a studio production? For those production studio aficionados who are ready to take their skills to the next level, this class is for you! We'll explore how to put together a rundown, set design, camera blocking on set, and so much more. We’ll cover terminology and situations that will prepare you for how to effectively call a show for both live productions and taped segments. By the conclusion of the class, students will have the tools, skillset and a deeper appreciation for directing a multi- camera production. 

Course Outline: 5-weeks — 4 classes, 1 lab session on a DCTV or volunteer show

Prerequisite: Producing and Studio Production

Fee: Residents: $85 | Non-Residents of DC: $110

2022 Dates:

N/A

Can't get into a class because it's SOLD OUT or do you have suggestions for a class you would like to see offered? Fill out this form and we'll be in touch.



TRI-CASTER 

Learn how to use the magic of the green screen in your next production. This class will cover the basic fundamentals of the TriCaster, how to execute proper lighting for chroma keying, and how to set up audio for your production.

Course Outline: 3-weeks, no labs

Certification:  Participants who attend all classes will be certified in Tri-Caster.

Prerequisites: Producing and Studio Production

Fee: Residents: $25 | Non-Residents of DC: $35

2022 Dates:

N/A

Can't get into a class because it's SOLD OUT or do you have suggestions for a class you would like to see offered? Fill out this form and we'll be in touch. 


NON-CORE CLASSES 

DIGITAL MOBILE MEDIA (Video)

If you have a smartphone or mobile device, you have access to an amazingly powerful resource right at your fingertips. This class is for anyone interested in elevating their “phone-tography” and video skills level using your mobile device. You'll learn skills like how to craft your story, shot composition, audio and stabilization techniques, quick editing, apps that help you create high-quality projects and we'll finish up with a fun video project. 

Technical Requirements: All participants must bring their own mobile device (smartphone or tablet) with a camera such as an iPhone/iPad, Windows phone/tablet, Android phone/tablet. It is recommended that you have at least 2 GB of free space and a charger. 

Course Outline: Online, 6 Weeks

Prerequisite: None

Fee: NON-MEMBERS: $150 
MEMBERS LOGIN TO GET MEMBER PRICING
DC Members $100 | Network (Non-DC) Members: $125

2022 Dates:

 CLASS  DAY  DATE  TIME
Digital Mobile Media Tuesdays May 24 to June 28 6 - 7 pm

Register

MEMBERS LOGIN TO GET MEMBER PRICING 
DC Members $100 | Network (Non-DC) Members: $125

Can't get into a class because it's SOLD OUT or do you have suggestions for a class you would like to see offered? Fill out this form and we'll be in touch. 


MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY 

Have you ever wondered why your smartphone takes pictures better than a regular camera? Or do you just want to step up your photo game? In this class, you will learn about composition, lighting, and what makes a “good” photo. We will also learn to critique your own and your classmates’ photos, so that you can begin to think about photography in a new way. We will hone our craft and do some fun exercises to enhance your new photo skills! Come join the fun! No experience required.

All participants must bring their smartphone. Any operating system accepted, as long as there is a camera attached. You must have free space on your phone to take pictures, 1 GB recommended. 

All participants must bring their own mobile device  (smartphone or tablet) with a camera such as an iPhone/iPad, Windows phone/tablet, Android phone/tablet. It is recommended that you have at least 2 GB of free space and a charger.

Prerequisite: None

Fee: Residents: $25 | Non-Residents of DC: $35

2022 Dates:

N/A

Can't get into a class because it's SOLD OUT or do you have suggestions for a class you would like to see offered? Fill out this form and we'll be in touch. 


The DCTV capacity building grant program offers eligible nonprofits an array of benefits that build organizational communications and storytelling capability and provides an ongoing presence on cable television. We designed these grants to offer training and expert guidance to the nonprofit community, which enables you to robustly expand your impact within the DC community.

“Grant Level” is the amount of money your organization contributes to receive the grant. The grant term is initially one year and requires a very small organizational match. DCTV will provide documentation so that you can appropriately record “in-kind” services in your financial records. Grants may be extended or renewed with DCTV approval.