CreaTV San Jose - Blog

Signature Silicon Valley - August 2010

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Don’t miss the latest edition of Signature Silicon Valley now showing on CreaTV San Jose's Community Channel 15 in Comcast Cable households in San Jose and Campbell and via live stream at www.creatvsj.org every Tuesday at 7:30pm.

Host and Producer, Janice Edwards, interviews some of the movers and shakers behind San Jose’s burgeoning live music scene.

In Segment One, Janice talks to Scott Knies from the San Jose Downtown Association, producers of the popular Music in the Park series and Jay Meduri of Poor House Bistro, which brings the sights, sounds and tastes of New Orleans to downtown San Jose. http://www.poorhousebistro.com/

Segment One also features highlights from June 2010’s Left Coast Live, a week-long music experience that showcased more than 100 local, regional and national live acts in 20 downtown San Jose venues centered in the SoFA district. http://www.leftcoastlive.com/

Segment Two features clips from the San Jose Mariachi and Mexican Heritage Festival and an interview with its Executive Producer, Marcela Davison Aviles. Janice also talks with Geoff Roach, Executive Director of San Jose Jazz, the producers of the annual San Jose Jazz Fest. http://www.sanjosejazz.org/

Signature Silicon Valley - July 2010 show

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Signature Silicon Valley — featuring Bay Area broadcasting veteran Janice Edwards as Host and Executive Producer — airs on Comcast Channel 15 in San Jose and Campbell and via live stream at www.creatvsj.org every Tuesday at 7:30pm.

This thirty-minute magazine show features Silicon Valley people, places and hot topics. Shot both in the studio and in the field, Signature Silicon Valley is a destination program for residents who want to learn about its hidden treasures and weigh in on important local issues.

Signature Silicon Valley’s July Show Highlights:

Interview with San Jose Police Chief, Rob Davis http://www.sjpd.org/cop/

Interview with Russell Hancock, CEO of Joint Venture Silicon Valley http://www.jointventure.org/

On location with RAFT (Resource Area For Teaching) for Deloitte IMPACT Day — the 3rd annual event where Deloitte has selected RAFT to be their local partner for employee volunteer hours and participation. http://www.raft.net/

Remembering Edith Shain — the nurse from the iconic "Times Square Kiss" photograph, who passed away on June 20, 2010 at the age of 92.

Edith was a devoted spokesperson for KEEP THE SPIRIT OF '45 ALIVE — a yearlong national campaign to raise public awareness about the 65th anniversary of World War II (August 14, 2010) and to inspire a renewed commitment to service and national unity in America. http://www.spiritof45.org/

Producer's Round Table

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CreaTV San Jose members are invited to attend our first Producer's Round Table on Friday, June 11, 6:00-8:00pm.

Veteran Channel 15 show producers will share their knowledge and experience with CreaTV San Jose members who are new to producing or who are thinking of becoming show producers. There will be a panel discussion, followed by a Q & A and then a chance to mix and mingle.

Moderated by Emmy Award Winner and CreaTV Production Manager, Danny McGuire, the panel will include Shareef Allman of Real 2 Real, Lori Krein of Lori Krein's Art Studio, Gary Shara of Minding Your Business and Lee Brooks of Willow Glen in Motion.

Free. Open to CreaTV members and producers. Limited to 20 participants. The panel will be filmed in Studio A and shown on Channel 15 and via live stream at www.creatvsj.org (date TBD). RSVP to Drena Lewis at 295-8815 ext: 308; drena@creatvsj.org or Pam Kelly at 295-8815 ext: 307; pam@creatvsj.org

Light refreshments will be served.

Teen Casting Call

Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CreaTV San Jose Teen Actor Casting Call

Hey Teens! Interested in acting?

CreaTV San Jose is looking for young actors, between the ages of 12 to 14, to be in an environmental educational video this summer. Casting call is Saturday, June 19from 11am to 3pm at CreaTV San Jose located at 255 West Julian Street, Suite 100, in San Jose. No experience is necessary, just a fun and positive personality. Apply now! Download the application.

We will be taping the video, which is sponsored by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, from July 13 through July 16, 2010. No experience is necessary but ability to ride a skateboard or a bike is a plus. The finished fifteen-minute video will be about simple things kids and their families can do to improve the Bay Area's air quality and will be shown in San Jose's middle schools in the sixth and seventh grades.

Please bring the filled out application with an attached non-returnable snap shot photograph to CreaTV San Jose at 255 West Julian Street, on June 19. Parent or guardian must sign the permission to tape at the bottom of the form.

No phone calls, no faxes, just show up on casting day. There is no monetary compensation for this project, however, kids who are selected will receive a DVD and will have a fun experience being in a video that might be shown in their school science class!

Green Chamber of Commerce

Fri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CreaTV San Jose and SVTAGS are hosting The Green Chamber of Commerce’s

First Business Mixer in San Jose

Monday, May 24 from 6:00-8:00pm at CreaTV San Jose.

Topic of the evening: Smart Grid

Hear from Ken Crittendon from the Smart Grid Council and Christine Hertzog, author of the Smart Grid Dictionary.

The Smart Grid Council of Silicon Valley is dedicated to the transformation of today’s grid into tomorrow’s Smart Grid. Revitalizing the nation’s grid energizes our economy, our environment and our future. The key to unlocking energy efficiency starts with a focus on innovation and happens through participation.

Ken Crittendon is the Company Builder that Builds it Right and Gets it Done. Ken is a co-founder of the Smart Grid Council, a mentor with The Cleantech Open and a business advisor for Seesmart, an LED lighting manufacturer.

The Smart Grid Library delivers information and services that helps clients identify and manage the impacts of Smart Grid innovations. Publications include the Smart Grid Dictionary, the first and only dictionary dedicated to providing concise and accurate definitions for terms, jargon and acronyms that cross technology, regulatory, and business sectors.

Christine Hertzog has 20+ years of experience as a Professional Explainer – explaining new businesses, technologies and solutions to organizations and people through books and presentations.

Network with local green businesses and learn about the Green Chamber’s work.

Light fare provided by Marin Gourmet and Morocco’s Restaurant and wine from Silver Mountain Vineyards.

Where: CreaTV San Jose, 255 West Julian Street, Suite 100, San Jose, 95110

When: Monday, May 24, 6:00-8:00PM

Cost: $10 Green Chamber members, $15 Non-members; $5 more at the door. Space is limited!

To register: http://greenchamberofcommerce.net/2010/04/29/green-business-gathering-san-jose/

CreaTV San Jose's First Live Show - May 20, Ch 15

Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

League of Women Voters and CreaTV San Jose Present: A Look at the June 2010 State of California Ballot Measures

The League of Women Voters of Santa Clara and CreaTV San Jose will host a live, televised forum exploring the five propositions on the June ballot.

Members of the San Jose / Santa Clara League will speak to the pros and the cons on each of the five propositions, and field questions from viewers.

The forum will air live on Channel 15 on Comcast and online at www.creatvsj.org on May 20, 2010 from 7-8pm PST. Viewers are encouraged to submit questions regarding the propositions in advance or during the forum to live@creatvsj.org.

The five propositions to be discussed are:

Proposition 13

Limits On Property Tax Assessment. Seismic Retrofitting Of Existing Buildings. Legislative Constitutional Amendment

Proposition 14

Elections. Increases Right To Participate In Primary Elections.

Proposition 15

California Fair Elections Act

Proposition 16

Imposes New Two-Thirds Voter Approval Requirement For Local Public Electricity Providers. Initiative Constitutional Amendment

Proposition 17

Allows Auto Insurance Companies To Base Their Prices In Part On A Driver's History Of Insurance Coverage. Initiative Statute

CreaTV San Jose is a non-profit organization born out of the 2006 cable franchise agreement between Comcast and the City of San Jose. CreaTV San Jose’s mission is to inspire, educate and connect San Jose communities, using media to foster civic and social engagement. CreaTV San Jose’s Channel 15 airs on Comcast in 170,000 households in San Jose and Campbell and live at www.creatvsj.org.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Dining Out For Life

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Dining Out for Life Ambassador - CreaTV San Jose - invites you to Dining Out For Life, a Silicon Valley-wide event to support The Health Trust Aids Services.

Please join us at the Poor House Bistro from 5:00-9:00pm and Morocco's Restaurant from 11am-11pm in downtown San Jose on Thursday, April 29.

Both restaurants will donate a percentage of your bill to The Health Trust AIDS Services, one of the largest non-medical providers of HIV/AIDs services in Silicon Valley. Plus, you can enter a special drawing for exciting prizes.

Poor House Bistro features authentic New Orleans' style cuisine and from 5:00-9:00pm and will donate twenty-five percent of its dinner proceeds. The Bistro is located at 91. S. Autumn Street, just one block south of the HP Pavilion, in San Jose. For information, visit www.poorhousebistro.com.

Morocco's is located at 86 N. Market Street in the heart of downtown San Jose. For information on its exotic Moroccan menu, visit www.moroccosrestaurant.com. Morocco's will be open from 11am-11pm and will donate 40% of both its lunch and dinner proceeds. Seating is limited. Reservations are recommended.

Make your reservations today! http://www.healthtrust.org/diningoutforlife

Let the good times roll!

RAFT ROCKS... and so does CCOC

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I have been a part of the Community Leadership San Jose class for the past nine months. Each month we meet on a Thursday and explore a different aspect of leadership and of our community with a class of about thirty-five people. It’s been a fascinating journey that has helped me to understand San Jose’s DNA at a much deeper level.

This month was “Education Day,” which I knew would be of interest to me as the mother of two youngsters. I assumed that we would be touring schools, talking with principals, and complaining about the lack of funding. I’m thrilled that the team that planned Education Day took a different approach. They focused on community resources for education, and decided to feature a program that is working wonders for students: Central County Occupational Center.

CCOC gives high school and junior college students hands on experience in different careers, with no risk and lots of support. Students who go to CCOC are serious about finding their niche and earning enough credits to jump right into college, sometimes earning enough credits to skip a semester. I was so impressed with the focus and poise of the students, and the breadth of hands on training opportunities. There are twenty-eight programs that students can try for a semester, including accounting, culinary arts, multimedia, vet tech, dentistry, truck mechanics, public safety, carpentry, and fashion design. We heard testimonial after testimonial on our tour of students who were struggling in the traditional school structure and now thriving with the help of CCOC. A good reminder that education can’t take a cookie-cutter, one size fits all approach.

Our class also visited RAFT, or Resource Area for Teachers… and what a resource it is. As teachers have to pay for curriculum supplies out of pocket, this place is a goldmine. Science and art project kits for a class of 20 for $4. Office supplies for a fraction of the cost. Miscellaneous tools for projects that you can’t find anywhere else. RAFT requires a membership ($40 / year), and offers gift certificates. What a terrific idea for the teachers in our lives!

Resources in cases you want to learn more:

www.raft.net

www.metroed.net

Save This Date! May 19, 2010

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Save This Date!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

The Board and Staff of CreaTV San Jose Invite You to Attend

A Taste of Things to Come

An evening that will tickle your taste buds and whet your appetite for exciting things to come to CreaTV San Jose

What: CreaTV San Jose’s 2nd annual party with award‐winning local wines, scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, decadent chocolate, inspired music, great company and a few surprises.

When: Wednesday, May 19, 5:30‐8:00pm

Where: Almaden Sonoma Chicken Coop, 5925 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA 95120

(408) 997‐1272, http://www.sonomachicken.com/Stores/Almaden

Cost: $25 per person in advance. $35 per person at the door.

Tickets: To purchase $25 tickets in advance, please contact (408) 295‐8815 ext.:301; hello@creatvsj.org, stop by CreaTV San Jose’s office, 255 W. Julian Street Suite 100, San Jose, CA 95110 or purchase at www.creatvsj.org.

A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase, at the door, the day of the event for $35 per person.

Parking: Plenty of onsite parking.

ARTSHOTS-Filmmaker's needed

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Attention CreaTV San Jose Members and Producers!

Artists, Non-profit Arts Organizations and Filmmakers Needed for ARTSHOTS

A collaboration between Artsopolis.com and the

San Jose 48 Hour Film Project

Registration deadline: April 30, 2010

Are you a local Silicon Valley artist or nonprofit arts group with a talent worth showing off? Are you a filmmaker with a passion for your craft? Then, you need to register for ARTSHOTS — it's one part artist, one part cinema and all parts awesome, and it's happening this April.

WHAT IS ARTSHOTS?

ARTSHOTS is an exciting new collaboration between Artsopolis.com and the San Jose 48 Hour Film Project designed to match local filmmakers with local artists, resulting in dozens of short films highlighting the thriving arts and cultural scene in Silicon Valley.

Teams consisting of an artist who has been paired with a filmmaker — at the discretion of Artsopolis and the San Jose 48 Hour Film Project — will have 30 days to create a 30-90 second short subject on that artist. All ARTSHOTS will be placed on Artsopolis.com, where the public can vote for their favorites. Filmmakers will be awarded prizes from a panel of experts, including Pam Kelly from CreaTV San Jose and Marianne Luchessi from KCAT.

Films will live on beyond the contest on Artsopolis and YouTube, as well as potentially being screened at local festivals, theatres and hotels; in viral campaigns; and on local cable channels.

A sample ARTSHOT by filmmaker Kimy Martinez, featuring a San Jose Jazz favorite, is coming soon!

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

You need to be a local artist, a nonprofit arts group or a filmmaker in Santa Clara County or San Mateo County. Professional, amateur, novice — any level of expertise is welcome. Please note that we expect more artists than filmmakers to submit applications.

Matching artists with filmmakers is at the discretion of ARTSHOTS’ producers, based on the applications. Those who submit their form to participate earliest will have a better chance of being matched, should there be more artists than filmmakers.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

Filmmakers will need to pay a nominal $25 registration fee. There is no charge to artists and arts organizations. Any prize money awarded will be awarded to filmmakers. Prizes include a year's membership and a services package worth $500 from CreaTV San Jose and more!

ARTSHOTS’ TIMELINE

Registration EXTENDED through April 30th!

Artists & Filmmakers Matched at ARTSHOTS Kickoff Party: Early-Mid MAY, TBA

• Meet and schmooze with area filmmakers and artists and be on hand for the first official announcement of the filmmaker/artists pairings.

Films Made: MAY, Details TBA

Film Submission Deadline: End of May TBA

Films Available Online for Voting: May/June TBA

Film Screening & Awards Party: Theatre on San Pedro Square, San Jose. Details TBA.

Artists and filmmakers can register to participate by visiting http://www.artsopolis.com/page/ARTSHOTS

Questions? Please contact ARTSHOTS@artsopolis.com

College Students Needed for Environmental Project

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CreaTV San Jose and Mobilize.org Seek College Students to Make Environmental Video for Kids

CreaTV San Jose, Mobilize.org (formerly Generation Engage) and Bay Area Air Quality Management District are looking for fifteen (15) dedicated college students who will create a fifteen-minute educational video and presentation for middle school students.

College students will work with the CreaTV San Jose staff to make a fifteen minute video that teaches kids and their families simple changes they can make at school and at home to help improve the Bay Area’s air quality. Upon completion of the video, teams of two students will visit middle schools all over San Jose to present the video and air quality lessons. Each college student who completes the project receives a $500 stipend when project is completed.

Benefits to College Students:

• Teach kids about responsibility to the environment

• Learn in depth hands on video, field production and editing at CreaTV San Jose

• Produce a valuable community and educational resource

• Receive a $500 student stipend at end of project

• Get internship credit if applicable

• Work with great people and have fun!

This project requires approximately 120 hours over a six-month period – April through October 2010.

Project Schedule Includes:

April through June: Estimated 30 hours total (Limited sessions in May due to finals.)

• Production classes at CreaTV San Jose

• Write a treatment, script and production plan

June through August: Estimated 70 hours

•Finish script and production plan

•Cast the kid actors

•Shoot the video

•Edit the video

September through October: Estimated 20 hours

•Develop school presentations

• Teams of two will present video and air quality lessons at San Jose middle schools

End of October:

*Project wraps, Evaluations completed, Stipends distributed.

Who should apply?

•Students enrolled in either a community or four-year college, majoring in the following:

•Environmental Studies

•Social or Physical Sciences

•Education

•Television and broadcast/digital media

For more information, call Christina Lim at (408) 295-8815, ext. 12, or e-mail at Christina@creatvsj.org or click here to download application.

This project is made possible by a grant from Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

Spotlight on Bay Area Mavericks 2/27

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CreaTV San Jose and Cinequest Film Festival 20 Present

Spotlight on Bay Area Mavericks

A special reception celebrating local filmmakers

Saturday, February 27, 6:30–8:30pm

CreaTV San Jose and Cinequest 20 announce a special reception designed for Bay Area filmmakers on Saturday, February 27, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at the downtown San Jose studios of CreaTV San Jose. Attendees will network and engage with Bay Area producers and directors whose work is screening at Cinequest’s milestone 20th year.

CreaTV San Jose members and Cinequest supporters are invited to attend this very special event and connect with emerging Bay Area talent whose work is getting attention worldwide. Be sure to expect other surprises!

The time and date of the reception is designed to occur immediately after the World Premiere of Jarrod Whaley's Hell is Other People, which screens Saturday afternoon at 4:15pm at the San Jose Rep. This will be a great chance for those who attend the movie to meet Jarrod Whaley, the film’s writer/director.

The reception will also exhibit trailers from Hell is Other People and other locally produced films including veteran Alejandro Adams' Babnik. Babnik will screen twice at Cinequest, once on Friday, February 26 at 7:00pm at the San Jose Rep and on Wednesday, March 3 at 7:30pm at the Camera 12. Richard von Busack from Metro writes “With Babnik, Adams is no longer a local genius but a national contender.”

Also showing is the trailer from Jeremy Inman's debut feature film Superhero Party Clown, which has a test screening at Cinequest on Sunday, February 28 at 9:30pm at the California Theatre.

Expect to attend is San Jose filmmaker Jacob Rangel, whose short film “Raton,” was the Winner of Best Film at the 2009 San Jose 48 Hour Film Competition. “Raton” will premiere at Cinequest before the World Premiere of the feature film “Professor” on March 3 at 6:45pm at the Camera 12.

This event is limited to 75 people, so be sure to RSVP to Pam Kelly at (408) 295-8815 x: 7 or pam@creatvsj.org by Friday, February 26 at 12 noon.

CreaTV San Jose Offers Youth Scholarships

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CreaTV San Jose is offering 20 scholarships for San Jose residents ages 13 – 24 who want to enter the Greenlight Film Festival.

The scholarship includes the following:

- CreaTV San Jose Youth Membership (valued at $25)

- Producers Lab Class (valued at $45)

- Field Production Class (valued at $75)

- Final Cut Pro Class (valued at $90)

- Access to CreaTV San Jose’s field camera and editing equipment (for production of an entry into the Greenlight Film Festival)

All for FREE! If you or someone you know is interested in applying for the scholarship, please download the entry form on our website at www.creatvsj.org.

A special thanks to California Waste Solutions and the Air Systems Foundation for their support.

DEADLINE TO APPLY IS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2010.

Community Leadership Explores SOFA District

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Community Leadership San Jose’s Class of 2010 toured the SOFA District yesterday, exploring the many hidden gems in this neighborhood. The class kicked off the day at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles, hearing from 1stAct Silicon Valley CEO Connie Martinez about the state of the arts in San Jose. The class split into groups, visiting other SOFA sites including MACLA, ICA, Comic Art Gallery, Café Trieste and San Jose Stage. The day wrapped with a panel of artists and arts organization reps discussing the challenges and opportunities that face the district and the arts in general in the coming year. Explore the incredible emerging arts scene in the SOFA district by attending First Fridays from 8pm – 11pm. Art spaces are open for free and artists, patrons and the SOFA community come out to celebrate this vibrant scene… every first Friday on South First Street.

CreaTV San Jose Welcomes CAA Students

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On December 9, 2009, students from the College of Adaptive Arts toured the CreaTV San Jose facility, learning how they could use the facility and cable channels to inform the community about their activities. The College of Adaptive Arts offers visual and performing arts diploma tracks to adults with differeing abilties. Look for their program on Channel 15 in the months to come.

TV Directing Class

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

CreaTV San Jose invites you to our Visual Aesthetics for Directing and Shooting class on Friday, December 4 from 5:30 - 8:30pm. Veteran TV Director Jim Risinger provides beginning and wannabe video directors and camera-persons with tips, centering on the objective and subjective aesthetics of television. This course is designed to impart the proper language of directing and shooting, the relationship between the director and his/her field or studio crews, hosts, and guests; working with formats and production timing, cutting / dissolving rules to follow with interview and music shows, differences between single-camera and multiple-camera directing, suggestions about shot composition, and follow-up tasks of production, editing notes, distribution, and playback information. The class costs $30 for CreaTV San Jose members, $45 for non-members, and there are no prerequisites. RSVP here: 408-295-TV15 x301 or hello@creatvsj.org.

CreaTV San Jose Honors Volunteers & Board Member

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On October 28, CreaTV San Jose staff, board and members gathered at the downtown media center to celebrate the contributions of thirty volunteers over the last year in the areas of production, marketing, graphic design and office work. In addition, CreaTV San Jose said goodbye to Board Members Margherita Pagni, Sam Sakulsinghdusit and Steve Preminger who completed their board terms, and welcomed newly elected Board Member Anna Harshbarger to the organization.

CreaTV San Jose Wins Three WAVE Awards

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Three CreaTV San Jose productions won 2009 Western Access Video Excellence Awards, a competition for community television producers in six far western states. Project: Placebo - "Best of 2008" Part 3 by Producer Greg Ramar scored in the Magazine Category. Gardening Rhythms - Lawn drip Irrigation & Double Digging by Producer Paul Holowko took the Instructional Video Category. Finally, CreaTV San Jose's One Year Anniversary spot took first place in the Channel Promo category. Winners were announced at the Western States Alliance for Community Media Conference in Reno, NV on October 17. Congrats to our producers!

New Classes: Visual Aesthetics, Social Networking

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

CreaTV San Jose has added two new classes to the September production schedule. The first class is Visual Aesthetics for Directing and Shooting. Veteran TV Producer Jim Risinger presents why producers and directors need to create a visual aesthetics for a program--an example being changing camera angles for shows. The class costs $30 for CreaTV members, $45 for non-members, and there are no prerequisites. You can attend the Visual Aesthetics for Directing and Shooting on Monday, September 28, from 6pm to 9pm.

The second new class is Social Networks for Producers. With her background in both engineering and quality assurance, instructor Jennifer Flaa offers a primer on blogging, self-promotion, and press interaction with the latest web-related technologies to help your business excel. The cost for this class is $30 for members, and $45 for non-members, with no prerequisites. Social Networks for Producers will be held on Wednesday, September 30, from 5pm to 9pm.

To sign up for CreaTV San Jose classes, please call Drena Lewis at (408) 295-TV15, x1.

CreaTV San Jose at the San Jose Jazz Festival

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Volunteers from both San Jose Jazz and CreaTV San Jose will be out in force this weekend to cover various stages of the Jazz Festival, as well as Friday’s CEO Jam. Be sure to check CreaTV San Jose’s Channel 15 in the coming weeks to see outstanding performances from the Jazz Festival!

Channel 15’s schedule is available in WAVE Magazine and on our website: www.creatvsj.org

Channel 15 is Online

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Viewers can now see CreaTV San Jose's Channel 15 on the internet. Channel 15 is streaming live on www.creatvsj.org. A select number of programs will be available on demand in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more details....

New Programming Line Up

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On June 14, 2009, 120 CreaTV San Jose series producers met at the MLK Library to choose their new airtimes for Channel 15. The new line up will premiere the week of July 15. Stay tuned for more details…

Producer Summit Notes

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On Saturday, May 30, about 35 community TV producers and staff from around the bay area attended the first Regional Access Producers’ Summit at CreaTV San Jose. After some time to “meet & greet,” the group convened in Studio A to discuss issues and share resources. Several people brought up the impending demise of Access San Francisco, and how the change in state law regarding access centers has changed the funding structure dramatically for media centers. Dozens of stations in the LA area have closed. CreaTV San Jose and Palo Alto Media Center Executive Directors Suzanne St. John-Crane and Annie Folger shared public policy updates at the local and federal levels. The group discussed a way to upload content using pegmedia.org so that other stations can pull down shows for airing at their access centers. St. John-Crane encouraged everyone to become a member of the Alliance for Community Media, specifically for their list serv where hundreds of access centers exchange information. Finally, Attorney Todd Gascon of the Zent Law Group joined in to answer questions from the group. This portion of the Summit was taped, and will be available online in the near future. Gascon fielded questions about copyright, talent release forms, and trade marking your work. The next Summit will be held in Palo Alto…. stay tuned!

PREMIERE PARTY A HUGE SUCCESS... THANK YOU!

Fri, 08 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Many thanks to all those that came out and celebrated with CreaTV San Jose on May 7 at the Hotel DeAnza. What a night! We had nearly 250 people in attendance. Special thanks to our generous Red Carpet Sponsors: Charles Davidson, Delucchi, Hawn & Co, Focus Business Bank, Board Member Kim Lawson and Partner Thom Cook, Lautze & Lautze and Gary Sargenti & RBC Dain Rauscher.

Nearly two hours of interviews and live coverage was captured on tape for later airing.... so stay tuned!

To see some pictures from the event, check out the news link on www.creatvsj.org.

Live from Julian St....

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It's official... as of 1pm April 9, we are cablecasting live from Julian Street! Kudos to Justin Cowgill, Luis Costa, and Tracy from Media Control Systems! A huge thanks to the City of San Jose as well, for supporting us through this transition. Streaming online is next...

PLAYBACK SYSTEM ARRIVES

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This afternoon (... and right on time given the playback issues we've had over the last several days...), our new playback system arrived at the Julian street facility. Like a proud papa, Justin went running down the hallway to greet the delivery men at the door with his camera. Yours truly was quickly given the assignment of photographer as he ripped the cardboard off the racks. Feels like Christmas or something...

This new playback system will allow Programming Manager Luis Costa to move to the Julian Street facility and will allow us to cablecast up to four channels. In addition, we will be able to stream channel 15 online, and have some VOD capability. All of this new gear will be tested over the next few days... so stay tuned for more updates!

It's here!

Playback gets wheeled into the lobby

Justin unwrapping the new toy

Making sure it's all there.... in one piece!

Will it fit??

Playback in its home... with happy staff :)

Flypack is LIVE

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Our new flypack prototype made its debut today, and it worked like a charm. The Broadcast Pix Flypack allows us to plug in multiple cameras, and basically have a "studio" in the field. Here are some shots of the Flypack Crew in action at today's Silicon Valley Education Foundation Forum, "Universal Preschool: Dream or Reality."

Vina prepping the cables

Francisco gets the tripod ready

The Broadcast Pix Flypack

Our crew in action

The Directing Duo: Danny calling the shots, and Gopher manning the switcher

Invitation Video :)

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

No joke... the invite video for our May 7 Premiere Party at the Hotel De Anza is on the homepage, and is a must see! Check it out, and reserve your spot for this soiree online.

Scholarship Opportunity

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Brian Wilson Scholarship Applications

**Deadline April 1, 2009**

The Brian Wilson Scholarship of $1,000 is offered annually by the Alliance for Community Media to promote the values of former Board of Directors Chair Brian Wilson by providing financial support to an individual currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree granting program in media arts, broadcast journalism, community & public service, government administration, public education administration or teaching. Download application here.

BREAKING NEWS - SAVE THE DATE!!

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

CREATV SAN JOSE PREMIERE PARTY!

Mark your calendars! You're invited to celebrate the launch of CreaTV San Jose on THURSDAY, MAY 7, 5:30pm at the HOTEL DE ANZA. Our Premiere Party will feature special guests, a virtual tour of the facility, giveaways, special recognitions, live music and special coverage of the event for later airing on Channel 15.

A video invitation will be posted online and sent out to our list. Stay tuned for more details!

PSA Day is a Hit!

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

OK... How much fun was that? Eleven organizations came through CreaTV San Jose on Friday shooting free PSAs in our Studio A. A team of staff and volunteers facilitated the production from 9-4 on March 13. Thanks to the hard work of a few key people (...especially in pre-production... Gopher, Juan, Justin, Kim Lawson and Queen Bee Drena!), the spots went off without a hitch. Can't wait until the next one on March 27!

The 4C Council uses our chromakey set for their PSA

United Way shoots their spot using the standard set

Councilmember Pete Constant gets mic'd up for his spot about the 4th Annual West Valley Senior Walk

Reps from ICAN and the San Jose Peace and Justice Center hang out in the hospitality room at CreaTV San Jose

Stirring Waters pose for a photo on the set

Catholic Charities getting ready to shoot

The PSA Day Control Room Crew:

Director Gopher Gold, Producer Extraordinaire Drena Lewis, and Board Member Kim Lawson (running the teleprompter)

The full PSA Day Crew, L-R:

Cameraman Frank Mariscal, Floor Manager Vina Tran, Drena, Director Walter Von Tagen, Kim, Gopher, and Executive Director Suzanne St. John-Crane

Director Gopher Gold is having fun!

Our First Checkout!

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Here it is.... our first field camera checkout! Johnny Fuentes is a budding filmmaker from James Lick High School. He's producing a video for the Greenlight Earth Day Film Festival. Good Luck, Johnny!

CA Lawyers for the Arts Workshops

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Check these out, guys!

California Lawyers for the Arts continues its series of informational workshops for artists during March and April, 2009 in San Jose. These programs are part of C.L.A.'s effort to help artists become more knowledgeable about legal and business issues in order to become better negotiators and avoid legal problems.

"Copyright and Licensing in the Digital Age"
with Ned Hearn
Tuesday, March 31, 4 to 6 pm
2nd floor conference room, 4 North Second Street, San Jose, 95113

This workshop will provide a comprehensive update for artists of all disciplines who use the internet and electronic media to present and market their work. The presenter will be C.L.A. Board Member and Attorney Ned Hearn, one of the co-authors of the seminal book, "The Musician's Guide to Copyright." This workshop is relevant to photographers, writers, as well as musicians and filmmakers, as they learn how to position their work for maximum exposure and ensure maximum economic return in the new era of digital media.

"Financing Models for Producing Films and Media Projects"
With Eric Hayashi and Joe Rodriguez
Tuesday, April 28, 4 to 6 pm
2nd floor conference room, 4 North Second Street, San Jose, 95113

This workshop will be presented by C.L.A. Board Member Eric Hayashi, producer of the feature film "Only the Brave," and Joe Rodriguez, Arts Program Manager, San Jose Office of Cultural Affairs.

Hayashi and Rodriguez will describe and contrast the financial models of for-profit investment and non-profit film financing. They will also discuss how these two financing streams can be structured in tandem to build the needed support for a successful film project.

Workshop fees are $5 for student and senior members, $10 for other C.L.A. members, and $20 for non-members. For more information and reservations, please call (415) 775-7200 x 107 or email ncalegal@calawyersforthearts.org.

Special thanks to the California Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Quentin Hancock Fund, and Arts Council Silicon Valley for supporting these programs.

HOMETOWN DEADLINE TOMORROW!!

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Hometown Video Awards is a national competition that honors and promotes community media and local cable programs that are first distributed on Public, Educational, and Governmental (PEG) access cable television channels. The deadline to submit your paperwork, check and DVD to Luis is TOMORROW, MARCH 13. For more information and for an entry form, go to http://2009.acmhometown.org. Give Luis a buzz if you have any questions: 408-295-8815 x4.

Opportunity for Non-residents...

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Several producers have expressed concern that their crews who are not residents of San Jose can't sign up as members. I have some good news for you! At last week's meeting, the Board of Directors voted to add an Associate Membership for non-residents. Associate Members will receive all of the basic perks of a member, accept due to our bylaws, will not be able to vote in board elections or produce shows. They CAN however take workshops and crew on shows at CreaTV San Jose. So.... please spread the word! At this time, Associate Members can sign up in the office only... website will be updated in the coming weeks. Thanks, all!

Producer's Meeting Notes

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Thanks to all who attended the producer’s meeting last Thursday and shared their ideas and energy. If you couldn’t make it, here are the highlights. Suzanne started with updates on CreaTV, including the announcement of our Grand Opening in late April at the Hotel DeAnza. Stay tuned for more details on this soiree! Justin showed off the new field cameras and announced that the editing suites and Studio B are finished and in use. We’re still on track to move playback to the Julian St. location, and start streaming Channel 15 and the new K-12 Channel 28. Suzanne took suggestions on what sort of advanced training people would like, as our basic classes are now rolling. (March classes will be posted this week!) Suzanne also did a little show and tell about the new forum and blog features of the website. Woohoo! (BTW, if you want these blogs sent directly to your email, you can sign up for an RSS feed by clicking the little orange square in the upper right corner of the blog page.) Next, Tricia Creason-Valencia facilitated a discussion about starting a Producer’s Network, where producers could host mixers, special events or training, and submit a formal report to our board on a regular basis. Interested? Contact Tricia: tricia@creatvsj.org. Finally Luis and Suzanne discussed the programming lottery, which has been a source of concern for some producers. Suzanne explained the research that’s been done in terms of what other stations of similar size do when it comes to allocating time slots. She announced that the “big” time slot lottery has been put on hold temporarily. Suzanne and Luis asked for input and suggestions as to how producers would like to see time slots allocated, keeping in mind that we need to give the channel a “fresh look,” so as to get some new eyeballs on 15. Our policies currently say that producers can keep their slots for a year, so it was suggested that perhaps a lottery happens in April, and timeslots change in July, giving producers three months to plug new airtimes on their shows. Another suggestion was that CreaTV designate a free “PSA Day” for producer who might want to tape a spot advertising their new airtime. Suzanne also mentioned that CreaTV San Jose has negotiated a trade agreement with the Mercury news that will allow us to have ads in the paper, plugging our programming line up and our services.….. Stay tuned!

Congrats New Studio Producers

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In my first official BLOG for CreaTV (another milestone for our organization...:), I'd like to welcome a few new producers to CreaTV San Jose. Heather Durham is bringing SVTAGS to Studio A, which stands for Silicon Valley Technology, Art, Green, Sustainabiliy. She's been working hard on her set, the open for her show, and recruiting sponsors. Go, Heather! Geraldine Conley will begin In the Midst in Studio B in March, where local independent filmmakers will be interviewed, and their work showcased. Geraldine has been taking advantage of our drop in Lab on Saturday mornings, practicing in Control Room B. Other familiar names and faces are branching out with their own series, including Shareef Allman (Reel 2 Reel), Gloria Baxter (Lighthouse of Hope) and Tanisha Kindred (Breakfast with Jesus). We wish you all the best!