ORCA FAQ
What Does This Mean?
It means that you can create a non-commercial television show and get it put on Channel 15. Your program can be seen by viewers in the Montpelier service area, approximately 7,000 households.
Channel 15 is provided as part of Comcast's basic service level, so anyone who has cable with Comcast in this area could be watching it.
But I Don't Know the First Thing About Video!
We offer training at any level needed to help you make your show. If you want to use our fully-equipped studio, you and your friends can learn how to control the cameras, set up microphones, learn how to host, direct, edit, and more.
If your interests lie in using field equipment, you can take a class for that as well.
Field kits include mini-DV video cameras, tripods, microphones, cables, lights, and as much tape as needed to shoot. When you’ve shot something, the next step is editing, and we train for that too. Everything is hands-on. Staff are available for help as much or as little as you need us to be.
Some people like to shoot videos on their own equipment, but lack the tripod or the special microphone to get the job done. We are happy to loan out those parts as needed.
The more you produce, the more you learn. Each time you do it, you learn a little more.Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just getting started, Public Access TV provides you with a gateway to get your video seen.
Can I Run a Pre-Produced Show on the Access Station?
Yes! We are happy to run programs produced elsewhere, provided they meet criteria of local sponsorship, minimum technical quality standards, and do not violate any federal restrictions on Public Access programming.
You must obtain all necessary clearances.
We have a number of programs produced at other Public Access stations, both in Vermont and elsewhere. Programs produced outside our service area require a local sponsor (someone who is in our files as having “requested” that show). We take DVDs and tapes in DV, DVCAM, S-VHS and VHS formats. Please contact us about your show.
We require a completed Application for Cablecast, which you may download from Applications & Forms below. Print it, fill it out and send it to us with your tape.
You need Acrobat Reader to view this document. Let us know if you want your tape returned. We normally ship via USPS. We're happy to return tapes when you enclose self-addressed stamped return packaging!
What Format of Tape and Camera do You Use?
The field cameras we currently use are S-VHS and DV. The SVHS camera is a Panasonic AG-456UP.
There are six DV cameras available:
Canon GL-1, Canon GL-2, two Panasonic AG-DVC30's and two Panasonic AG-DVX 100B's
Do You Have Non-Linear Editing?
Yes, we are a Mac based Studio with 3 edit bays. Our systems are loaded with the latest software and have industry standard Hardware
Can I Run My Show Elsewhere?
Public Access centers across Vermont are happy to run programs that come their way. However, rules for running programs vary; it is best to contact a station before submitting your program.
If you are thinking of running your show in other states, an internet search for the cities of your choice may prove useful, or you can go to the Web site of the Alliance for Community Media to get information about Public Access centers across the country.
Who Can Use Montpelier Public Access?
Use of the Public Access facility is limited to people living or working in our service area. Residents from other areas may produce programs under the auspices of, and only for, non-profit organizations in the Montpelier service area. Examples of organizations are: schools, churches, service clubs, municipalities, state offices, etc.
Public Access users "Do NOT" have to be Cable subscribers.
What are ORCA Media's Rules and Policies?
The definitive answer to everything ORCA-related is contained in
(a) Policies and Procedures
(b) Rules and Regulations
documents, which are in PDF format. Contact us inorder to get these documents in any other format.
Applications and Forms
The Cablecast application form should be sent with your completed program when you want to have it shown on the air. There are spaces for entering information for more than one episode. Please call or e-mail us if you have any questions about the form.
The Class application form is the first step to register for the basic Public Access class. The basic class is for people who have not done much or any video, and who would like to borrow our equipment to do field production. To take equipment out, all qualifying persons must demonstrate proficiency in using it. Classes are offered on an occasional basis, as needs dictate. They meet for a total of six to eight hours, usually in two to three sessions. The basic class covers remote production mostly, but touches on editing with Final Cut Pro. Upon completion of the class, each student is encouraged to produce a short video during which time he/she will learn more about editing, graphics, etc.
Click on the links below to download the files: