In last night's three-hour copyRights workshop, we explored the legalities of using copyrighted material in new work, brainstormed ways to effectively implement a fair use of copyrighted material and discussed different concepts of ownership.

Below is a resource list compiled from the class. Look it over and explore the sites as they have multiple layers of relevant information for producers of online video and documentary content. However keep in mind that no list can make up for the value of group discussion and dialogue, brainstorming and spontaneous conversation about navigating the waters of media production so please sign up for our next copyRights class on Wednesday, March 10 from 6:00pm-9:00pm at CCTV. read more...

CCTV's School Year Production Program begins this month with 13 Cambridge teens learning video production skills to create original content for our website and channels. The program, which is 13 weeks long, provides teens with a paid opportunity to have a positive and realistic career experience working as a media artist. Program participants become more competent producers of media art and develop a greater sense of connection to and appreciation of their community.

This year, our program will include field trips to local museums, galleries and movie screenings. The teens will learn shot composition, lighting techniques, narrative construction and media literacy skills. They'll also produce narratives, documentary pieces and video remixes. Check out the work of past participants at www.cctvcambridge.org/youth

If you know any teens interested in a paid, after school job as a media maker in training, please contact elisa@cctvcambridge.org.

Whether you're working on a documentary, a short film or a remix, using copyright material without license or payment permission IS legal. It's important to keep in mind that video makers are protected by Fair Use which allows video makers to use material for commentary, critique, discussion, and example.

To legally use copyrighted material you must follow Fair Use guidelines. If you intend to share your final product with the world via a video sharing site such as YouTube or on CCTV's channels these guidelines will protect you from copyright infringement and DMCA takedown notices.

The Fair Use doctrine under copyright law protects video makers and keeps copyright holders from violating the First Amendment. Fair Use has been an important part of copyright law for more than 150 years.

When implementing the material into your own work, ask yourself: read more...

The CCTV School Year Production Program visited the Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC) this afternoon to participate in "Who Wants to Be an Entrepreneur?"-- a workshop for Cambridge youth organized by the CIC, East End House, and the Cambridge Challenge, an initiative of the Chamber of Commerce Community Outreach Committee to bring businesses and youth together as partners. The program targets young people who are interested in a career as an entrepreneur and is an entry point for a summer internship program for youth at the CIC. read more...

At the opening night of his first solo museum exhibition at the ICA Boston, Shepard Fairey was surrounded by gallery goers, all waiting to hear his answer to the question: “What about copyright?” read more...

Make your work better through the feedback of other CCTV producers! Our "OPEN SCREENING" is open to anyone making work at CCTV. Bring 5 minutes of your video to screen and get 5-10 min. of feedback from the group. Learn what's working and what's not. What makes sense, looks good, and feels right and what can be left on the cutting room floor! Both technical and aesthetic feedback will be given.

We'll be meeting in the TRAINING ROOM from 7-9 on WED. FEB. 18.
For more info email elisa@cctvcambridge.org

Don't miss this great opportunity to connect, collaborate and critique!

CCTV went to visit the MFA with Beacon High School in Boston this morning for the Human Rights Watch film festival.

The youth participants learned how to create short videos for online distribution integrating the concepts of human rights.

Check out some of their videos at www.youtube.com/humanrightsboston