Join Us

If you are interested in finding out more about DATV, come and visit us at the studio! We offer a FREE orientation with no prior registration required. No sign up, no hassle, and no catch!

Individual Memberships via Monthly Payments

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP

$50

Click to sign up

DATV/FILM DAYTON JOINT MEMBERSHIP

$70 Click here to sign up

Membership Forms

Business Membership Form

Request Membership Form

Entry Level Workshops

DATV provides various workshops that teach you how to produce your own local cable TV programs.

After you have completed the Entry Level Workshops you may register for DATV’s advanced workshops. These workshops are generally held on Wednesday evenings at 6pm.

Field Production Workshop Outline

First Thursday and Friday, 6:00-9:00 pm

First and Second Saturday, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm (September Thru April)

Learn more

Basic Studio Workshop Course

1st Wednesday of the Month, 6:00- 8:00pm

Learn more

LiveText Graphics Workshop

3rd Wednesday of the Month, 6:00- 8:00 pm (September thru April)

Learn more

Director Workshop Course

TBD (As Needed), 6:00- 8:00 pm (September Thru April)

Learn more

Adobe Premiere Elements Editing

Fourth Thursday & Friday, 6:00 – 9:00 pm

Learn more

Audio Workshop Course

2nd Wednesday of the Month, 6:00- 8:00pm (September thru April)

Learn more

Robotic Camera Course

3rd Friday of the Month, 6:00- 8:00pm

Learn more

Technical Director Workshop Course

4th Wednesday of the Month, 6:00- 8:00 pm (September Thru April)

Learn more

Free Resources

Visit these sites for good background information.



Film/TV Contracts

Save time and thousands of dollars with entertainment contracts specific to your needs.

Music Contracts

Our music industry contracts are drafted and updated by an experienced entertainment attorney.



An international entertainment and multimedia law firm created to provide cost effective expertise and timely professional service to its clients in the motion picture, television, music, and multimedia industries.



Copyright Law

The US Copyright office.

Register for FREE Orientation

If you are interested in finding out more about DATV, come and visit us at the studio! We offer a FREE orientation with no prior registration required. No sign up, no hassle, and no catch!

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP $50

Membership Benefits Includes:

The ability to create and submit programming for cable TV.
Attending any of the entry level workshops.
Complete use of DATV's equipment and facilities.
Invitation to DATV Special Membership Events.

Opportunities to record local community events like The Summer Music Series at Riverscape Metropark.
Subscription to DATV E-News Update.
DATV Annual Report.

Monthly Rates:
Individual : $5.00 VIP : $7.00 Supporter : $10.00 Crusader : $20.00 Circle of Spirit : $21.00 Visionary : $40.00

INDIVIDUAL DATV MEMBERSHIP

INDIVDUAL MEMBERSHIPS VIA MONTHLY PAYMENTS

DATV/FILMDAYTON JOINT MEMBERSHIP $70

DATV and FilmDayton are pleased to announce a “Joint Membership” offering for local media makers. For one price of $70 you may receive a one year membership to both organizations.

To take advantage of this opportunity you will need to start your membership at the $70 level with either DATV or FilmDayton, you will then be given a certificate that you may redeem for membership with the other organization.

Membership benefits of DATV include television production video workshops, use of DATV’s equipment and facilities and the ability to air programs on DATV, Time Warner Cable Channel 5.

Membership benefits of FilmDayton include supporting the development of the Film industry in Dayton, networking with area Film professionals, invitations to local Film events and monthly Film Connections meetings.

DATV/FILMDAYTON JOINT MEMBERSHIP

Membership Request Form

Field Production Workshop Outline

First Thursday and Friday, 6:00-9:00 pm
First and Second Saturday, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm (September Thru April)

Session 1
Camera Setup

What is in the case? Check to make sure you have everything before you leave
How to setup tripod and attach camera to tripod head
How battery is attached and turned on
How to attach power supply
How attach and use the VariZoom remote
How to use flip out monitor and viewfinder
Understanding what various graphics in viewfinder mean
What type of SD Card to Purchase and how to insert an SD Card into the Camera
How to use the manual White Balance
How to manually focus using the EVF DTL and Focus Assist functions
How to use the manual and automatic iris and zebra function
How to use the various auto functions
Using the record buttons
Playing back your video using the “playback” and “rec chk” functions

Shot Setup

Composing shots with proper headroom and looking room
How to frame a shot for a one person interview
How to frame a two shot
How to do a smooth pan and/or tilt
Shooting cutaways for b-roll

Audio

How to adjust headset audio
How to set audio level for on-board microphone
How to use an external microphone
Setting levels for external microphones
Choosing the audio inputs using the channel select functions
Difference between a lavalier and handheld microphone
The difference between mic and line level
How to use the wireless microphones and what batteries to purchase
How and why to get a feed from an audio board

Session 2

Review of Camera and Shot Setup

Lighting

Maximizing natural light by using proper framing ( don’t shoot with window/sun in background )
Using the portable lights
Reviewing of Paperwork

Common Questions

What does the word “battery” flashing mean?
When can I keep the camera overnight?
When do I need a release form?
How do I get a time slot?
Can I use the camera every week?
Can I get a copy of my show? (Producer receives 1 free DVD (which is the copy used to turn in the program), additional copies are $10 each)

Equipment Checkout Procedure

What to do when you come pick up a camera for your shoot
Check to make sure all items are accounted for that independent producer requested.
Sign the equipment form where applicable
Take all equipment out the rear/side loading door with a DATV employee.
Gear is returned at this same door. And set up when returned to check that it is in working order.

Next Steps

Fill out equipment request to reserve camera for your first shoot
Shoot video for your program
Call Dale to schedule yourself for the next AVID editing workshop
Have fun! And enjoy the “Freedom to Communicate

Basic Studio Workshop Course Summary

1st Wednesday of the Month, 6:00- 8:00pm

Course Description

The Basic Studio Workshop will teach you how to operate camera during a multi-camera studio production. In addition you will will learn basic floor directing techniques to communicate with talent as well as basic studio lighting techniques.

Specific Skills Learned

Camera Operation
Proper framing of shots / Rule of thirds
Communicating via headsets
Proper handling of studio cables
Floor Directing commands and cues
Basic Three Point studio lighting
Basic set design and studio preparation

Camera Operator Key Responsibilities

Performs under the general supervision of the Director of the program.
Ensure camera is set-up and in position before program
Pre-show meeting with Director about program shot selection
Properly frame shots during show based on Director’s commands
Clean studio after program and return cameras and set pieces to storage areas

Floor Director Key Responsibilities

Performs under the general supervision of the Director of the program.
Floor Director meets with Talent and Director to communicate special needs
Provides water to guests if needed
Assist with pre-show microphone check and name key spelling
Gives timing cues to talent at Director’s request
Clean studio after program and return cameras and set pieces to storage areas

LiveText Graphics Workshop

4th Wednesday of the Month, 6:00- 8:00 pm (September thru April)

Course Description
The LiveText workshop will give you the knowledge to produce name keys and basic graphics for use during studio production recordings.

Specific Skills Learned

Navigating and using the LiveText interface
Basic text design
Selecting and editing text attributes such as; size, color, and font style
Adding and deleting text pages
Adding basic shapes and images to your graphic elements
Creating rolls and crawls for credits
Saving your work for future programs
Sending your page(s) to the Tricaster switcher

Key Responsibilities

Retrieves name keys and other graphic information from the Producer and/or Volunteer Coordinator
Works closely with Director during the production for graphic insertion
Works with host and guests before show to check graphics for correctness

Director Workshop Course Summary

4th Wednesday of the Month, 6:00- 8:00 pm (September Thru April)

Course Description
The Director’s Workshop will prepare you to lead a Volunteer production team during the recording of a studio program.

Specific Skills Learned

Pacing and shot selection of a studio program
Proper camera placement and framing
How to record to computer hard drive
How to communicate with crew during program
Clear-Com and headset operation, including volume and stage announce

Key Responsibilities

Works with the Producer to execute all technical aspects of program.
Communicates with crew about what is expected of them during production.
Ensures all crew members are prepared to perform their duties during program.
Gives direction to crew members during program.
Tells Technical Director which cameras, graphics, video inserts, etc. are to be used.
Watches program and “calls camera shots” during production.

Adobe Premiere Elements Editing

Fourth Thursday & Friday, 6:00 - 9:00 pm

Set-up of portable hard drives
Creating a folder on your portable hard drive to store your footage and project settings
Copying and pasting your footage from the SD card to your Portable hard drive in “My Computer”
Touring the Abobe Premiere Elements Workspace.
Starting a new project and putting it on your portable hard drive
Understanding the media and assets including getting media into Adobe Elements including using the dropdown menus, “Organizer” and “Get Media” tools
Editing projects using the Timeline or Sceneline. Using the drag and drop method.
Editing with the “Modifier” keys to overlay and splice shots in the timeline
Using the “Trim” tool
Marking “In” and “out” points in the preview window.
Applying Audio and Video Transitions and how to customize transitions
Mixing Audio using the Smart Mixer Audio Mixer and the Smart Mixer options
Text and Titles
Importing Digital Juice and music files from the DATV Server
Exporting to DVD and MPEG 2 files

Audio Workshop Course Summary

2nd Wednesday of the Month, 6:00- 8:00pm (September thru April)

Course Description
The Audio Workshop will teach you the necessary skills to operate the Mackie audio board in the Studio Control Room during both live and taped productions. The Audio operator’s role, under the general supervision of the Director, is to control and monitor all sound that is coming from the studio during a production. This includes all microphones for on-air talent and any supplemental sound sources such as master studio music feeds from a band’s sound board.

Specific Skills Learned

How to mic talent in studio for optimum sound quality.
Proper techniques for setting and monitoring Studio Control Room audio levels.
Cable dressing and wrapping procedures
Understanding of Technical Director’s role in integrating audio board with Tricaster
Program recording setup for DVD and DV Deck

Key Responsibilities

Performs under the general supervision of the Director of the program.
Identify the number of microphones and cables needed for a studio program.
Get all necessary equipment from Staff person in the Equipment Room.
Affix, adjust and dress microphones and cables to ensure optimum sound quality, level, mix an aesthetic look
Execute recording of program on either DVD and/or DV Deck

Robotic Camera Course Summary

1st Wednesday of the Month, 6:00- 8:00pm

Course Description
The Robotic Camera Workshop will teach you the necessary skills to operate the Sony remote controlled cameras during both live and taped productions. The Camera operator’s role, under the general supervision of the Director, is to control the placement of the cameras during a production. This includes ensuring each camera is framed properly for various shots needed during the program.

Specific Skills Learned

How place cameras properly in the studio to ensure optimum shot creation.
Procedure for power up of cameras and setting preset camera positions.
Cable dressing and wrapping procedures.
Understanding of Camera’s Operator’s role in supporting the Director.
How to control the camera’s zoom, focus, pan, tilt and brightness settings.

Key Responsibilities

Performs under the general supervision of the Director of the program.
Proactively operates cameras to allow for their best use during program.
Responsible for proper framing of each camera.
Remotely moves cameras to give Director best choice of camera shots

Technical Director Workshop Course Summary

3rd Wednesday of the Month, 6:00- 8:00 pm (September Thru April)

Course Description
The Technical Director operates as the first assistant to the Director. His/her role is to make sure the Tricaster Switcher is setup before and during the program to allow for Director to use the cameras, DDR, graphics and audio effectively during taping.

Specific Skills Learned

How to mic talent in studio for optimum sound quality.
Proper techniques for setting and monitoring Studio Control Room audio levels.
Cable dressing and wrapping procedures
Understanding of Technical Director’s role in integrating audio board with Tricaster
Program recording setup for DVD and DV Deck

Key Responsibilities

- Serves as assistant to the Director
- Operates Tricaster Switcher and follows the commands of the Director
- Loads all needed graphics and audio before the show
- Makes sure name keys are spelled correctly and is able to identify names of each guest.
- Adjusts internal audio levels
- Records program to hard drive

Join Us

Individual Memberships via Monthly Payments

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP

$50

Click to sign up

CIRCLE OF SPIRIT MEMBERSHIP

Click to sign up

DATV/FILM DAYTON JOINT MEMBERSHIP

$70 Click here to sign up

Membership Forms

Business Membership Form

Request Membership Form

Entry Level Workshops

Field Production Workshop Outline

Basic Studio Workshop Course

1st Wednesday of the Month, 6:00- 8:00pm

LiveText Graphics Workshop

3rd Wednesday of the Month, 6:00- 8:00 pm (September thru April)

Director Workshop Course

TBD (As Needed), 6:00- 8:00 pm (September Thru April)

Adobe Premiere Elements Editing

Fourth Thursday & Friday, 6:00 – 9:00 pm

Audio Workshop Course

2nd Wednesday of the Month, 6:00- 8:00pm (September thru April)

Robotic Camera Course

3rd Friday of the Month, 6:00- 8:00pm

Technical Director Workshop Course

4th Wednesday of the Month, 6:00- 8:00 pm (September Thru April)

Free Resources

Film/TV Contracts

Music Contracts

Media Law

Copyright Law

Register for FREE Orientation

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP $50

INDIVIDUAL DATV MEMBERSHIP

INDIVDUAL MEMBERSHIPS VIA MONTHLY PAYMENTS

DATV/FILMDAYTON JOINT MEMBERSHIP $70

DATV/FILMDAYTON JOINT MEMBERSHIP

MAKE A DONATION TO DATV

Membership Request Form

Field Production Workshop Outline

Basic Studio Workshop Course Summary

LiveText Graphics Workshop

Director Workshop Course Summary

Adobe Premiere Elements Editing

Audio Workshop Course Summary

Robotic Camera Course Summary

Technical Director Workshop Course Summary