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Getting Started

There are many ways to take advantage of Montgomery Community Media's services. Whether you want to produce your own noncommercial program, volunteer as a crew member, submit your own noncommercial video programs or use television to get your organization's message across, Montgomery Community Media has an option to suit your needs.


Our goals are service-oriented. We continually assess the needs of our community and become involved in meeting those needs.

MCM provides the training, equipment and channels to help you get your message out to our community.

Click a tab below to learn more about getting started at Montgomery Community Media

  • Nonprofits
  • Get My Message Out
  • I Have A Tape
  • Learn More Tech
  • FAQ

Resources for Nonprofits

MCM can help your organizations take advantage of a communications tool that reaches right into more than 65% of the homes in Montgomery County.

MCM's Production Consultants work with Montgomery County nonprofits to connect them with volunteers or help them by training their staffs to produce media, that will increase their visibility.

  • Attend Media Day for Nonprofits
    MCM invites representatives of local nonprofits to attend this seminar to learn the basics and beyond of media relations, communications strategy and how public access television can open doors to new audiences. Contact the Outreach and Publicity department at 301-424-1730, ext. 323 for more information.

  • Be a guest on Studio 501(c)(3)
    Studio(c)(3) was created specifically for nonprofits. This half-hour talk show gives organizations the opportunity to extend their outreach to a wider constituency - 260,000 Montgomery County cable subscribers. Studio 501(c)(3) appears on The Montgomery Channel (cable 21) Mondays at 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Contact the Training and Volunteer Services department at 301-424-1730, ext 349.
  • Have a free consultation with one of our Production staff about how to have a program or PSA produced through Montgomery Community Media. Contact the Training and Volunteer Services department at 301-424-1730, ext 311.

If you are interested in learning more, contact the Training and Volunteer Services department at 301-424-1730, ext. 311 to discuss all opportunities for nonprofits.

 

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updated 12/15/2011

Do you have an idea for a show?

GET STARTED and become a producer!

Montgomery Community Media provides you the opportunity to produce your own noncommercial video and air on the public access channels, MCM 19 and MCM 21, at no cost for airtime.

Make your own shows....

Music video
Sports
Reality
Documentary
Cooking

....express your creativity, share your concerns, make a difference!

Access to Equipment and Facilities

1. To use any of MCM's equipment, studios or edit suites, you must first attend an Introduction to Video Basics that gives you an overview of our services and is the first step to getting involved.

2. Become a facility-user to gain access to Montgomery Community Media's services and enjoy the benefits of discounted classes, invitations to special events, InFocus newsletter and much more.

3. Take classes and get quality hands-on experience in field and studio production.

4. Start Producing!
Once you complete your class and become certified, you are now ready to start creating your show. You meet with one of MCM's Production Consultants to discuss your show and fill out a Proposal form. Once that is complete, you are now ready to start producing.


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updated 11/16/08

SUBMITTING PROGRAMS FOR CABLECASTING

Montgomery Community Media operates non-commercial channels which provide the opportunity for Montgomery County residents and organizations to have videotaped programs aired on channels 19 and 21. Programs can be submitted by the copyright holder of the program or by those who have permission from the copyright holder to serve as their presenter.

What type of media formats do you accept?

We currently accept MINI DV, DVCPRO, DV CAM tapes and DVD's. Contact mwyndham@mymcmedia.org or lclark@mymcmedia.org for more information.

How do I submit a stand-alone program?

If you have one program (stand-alone) you may apply for channel time throughout the year by submitting cablecasting forms.

How do I submit programs for a 13 week time slot?

To reserve a regularly scheduled time slot for a series (two or more programs), you may apply on a quarterly basis during our application for channel time period in February, May, August and November. Time slots are renewable and are assigned based on the availability of programming time slots.

Cablecasting Forms

To apply for channel time for a stand-along program or series, contact mwyndham@mymcmedia.org or lclark@mymcmedia.org for the proper forms, or more information. Drop off the forms with your tape or DVD and mail to Access Montgomery, 7548 Standish Place, Rockville, Maryland 20855.

 

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updated 12/15/2011

The perfect place to learn about video production

Montgomery Community Media is the perfect place to learn about video production and perfect your skills. MCM provides access to all different levels of equipment and provides training classes to support you through the process.

All introductory classes are designed for individuals with no prior experience. They are small group classes or workshops designed as a hands-on experience. You will move quickly from theory to a real production experience producing a field production such as our mini documentary profiles or a studio production like Dance Du jour.

The best way to perfect your skills is to volunteer on any one of the more than 100 active productions. Many of the producers who are creating programs are in need of volunteers who want to perfect their skills.

While our training class certifications will not guarantee you a job, they are a starting point for a rewarding experience as a volunteer, or a new career. Check out our training classes and sign up for an Orientation to find out about the benefits and great value MCM has to offer.


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updated 12/28/2008

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can submit programs to MCM?
MCM accepts programs from any Montgomery County resident or Montgomery County non-profit organization.

2. Do I have to take a class before I submit a video?
No. MCM accepts programs from any Montgomery County resident or Montgomery County non-profit organization.

3. How do I get my show on the air?
If you have video shooting and editing capabilities at home, you can drop off your completed show to MCM with a completed Program submission form and the Facilities User Agreement. If you'd like some help, or access to our equipment, you can take our classes to become a producer, then you can use MCM's studio and video editing lab to create your show.

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updated 12/28/2008