Some Woodridge residents have been having busy Tuesday nights producing their own broadcast-quality videos – for free.
For the third year, Woodridge Community Television Channel 6 and the Village of
Woodridge are offering training classes on the basics of digital video production. The class is open to all Woodridge residents ages 16 and up. Students learn about script writing, camera techniques, graphics and editing. The program began Aug. 31 and will go until Oct. 16.
Some students are taking the class to train for volunteering on Woodridge Community Television Channel 6. Residents have volunteered to shoot footage for Channel 6 for events such as the Woodridge Jubilee, concerts in the park and public meetings. This class is geared to better equip these volunteers with the necessary skills to produce professional grade video.
"We want to keep our volunteers up-to-date on the technology," said Jack Knight, deputy village clerk.
But the class isn't just for the station's volunteers. "It's for anyone who wants to learn more about video and to continue to develop their skills," Knight said.
The instructor for the class is Jeff Fischer, who also teaches audio and video production and post-production at the College of DuPage. "The class is very hands-on," Fischer said. "We get out there shooting video and critiquing everyone's work."
Although Fischer described the feel of the class to be fun and friendly, he adds it is still a lot of hard work.
"On the surface, it seems very simple," Fischer said. "But there is really a lot that goes into making a good video."
After the class is done making a video, they share it with the other students. Not only Fischer, but the rest of the class shares their thoughts and suggestions about the video. While viewing, Fischer shares helpful hints for students to improve.
This two-hour class offers something for beginners to even advanced students.
"I've been taking this class for three years," said Richard Wood, of Woodridge. "And every year I learn more."
Even six-time student Chuck Jones returns each year to perfect his video skills.
"It's always exciting to see your video on the television," Jones said
