Dedham TV to Open Media Lab Engagement Center, Offer New Courses

Later this spring, Dedham TV will open a new media production lab and be renamed the "Dedham Television and Media Engagement Center," Donna Greer, the studio's executive director, announced Tuesday. 

The studio recently completed revamping a portion of its interior space to become a new classroom, which will open on Wednesday, May 21, Greer said in a statement. 

As part of the upgrade, the studio is adding six new computer stations equipped with up-to-date video editing and enhancement software. The 600 square foot lab will also function as a workshop for novice videographers, Greer said, and will feature an adjacent Chroma key wall. 

"We have created an environment where students can learn the basics and test out their projects," Greer said. "They can then move on downstairs to the larger 40-by-60 foot production studio for lighting and set design if they wish. "

Projects, she added, including video streaming services like YouTube and Vimeo, will air on Dedham TV and can also be syndicated to public access stations across Massachusetts and even the United States if students so choose. 

Nick Iandolo, Director of Social Media for Dedham TV, plans to offer specialized courses in screenwriting, which will focus on the fundamentals of plot, structure and formatting. He will also offer courses on journalism, which will concentrate on developing a professional writer's voice and professional-quality style, Greer said. 

Iandolo's courses will be in addition to the current "From Scene to Scene" classes offered by Dan Hallissey, Dedham TV Director of Technology and Operations, which focus on storyboarding, Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects, Pluralize and Adobe Photoshop.

Classes will be free for Dedham TV members. Membership fees are $25 for individuals and $35 for a family membership. 

Moreover, Dedham TV is working on a Summer Camp program for students in Grades 5-8, as part of which younger residents can learn the aspects of media projection. 

"The only stumbling block we have had so far is getting our sign changed," Greer stated. "They new on is on order, but it has just been too cold and wet, so we decided to go ahead with our launch date anyway. Hopefully by mid-May it won't be an issue."

She added, "We are thrilled to offer these great programs and opportunities to Dedham, to learn new skills  in digital and traditional media. And as always, all programming ideas are welcome and encouraged."

For more information, email dedhamtv@gmail.com, call 781-326-2107 or follow the studio on Facebook at Facebook.com/DedhamTV.