Let's take another look at what kind of programs are being prepared and produced around MTN's public access facilities. The largest body of producers is without a doubt the South High / Humphrey Institute collaboration called "Video Voices". The program, in its eighth season, incorporates training for 54 students who then produce short small-group documentary segments as part of their curriculum as seniors. This process involves the youth in direct interaction with social agencies and issues in the community. This first trimester the group projects included - an inside look into the workings of Project for Pride in Living; W.A.M.M. (Women Against Military Madness) and their work with the MN. Campaign to Ban Landmines; the Grace House and people living with AIDS; the Freedom House's work with the homeless; along with following the anti-tobacco fight and a documentary on what the Mpls. Telecommunications Network is.

Two new groups were so interested in learning media skills that they scheduled special classes for themselves - to earn certification for their groups all at once. The Eritrean show, "Eritrean Television Broadcast of MN"., recruited a small group of young people to fill out their crew lists for both studio and field shoots. The class has been running on Saturdays this fall. The other special class was compiled with volunteers from the Unitarian Society who hope to regularly document their Assembly and Forum features on Sundays. I certified ten new members from this class in both Camera and Editing just last month. We are looking forward to new blocks of programming from these committed individuals, who now know a bit better what it takes to put programming onto cable T.V.

Another recent graduate of our popular training class - Beginning Video Production - has an ambitious and important documentary in production currently; Indie Thambiah, a teacher in Mpls. Public Schools originally from Sri Lanka, is working on a short program on the stories of recent immigrants resettling in the Twin Cities. Indie is working with a wide variety of our neighbors - collecting the thoughts of those relocated and those who came before. The piece "Recent Immigrants" should shed some light into our shared daily lives in Minnesota, from a rather new perspective, while lending some insights into ways of life quite foreign - and familiar - far and near.

"Black, Young, Working" takes a candid look at what its like to be a young black worker today. Speaking with a wide range of workers from striking Teamsters on the UPS picket line to nursing home workers organizing unions, this video provides a unique perspective on the United States labor movement. It begins with a nicely organized collage of historical photos and footage. Narration is provided by first-time video producer, Damon Ali Tinnon, of ILA NOMAD Productions. Watch for Black, Young, Working on MTN this winter.

Alexander Grant has jumped way into production - producing a series which premiered this fall and will continue through the winter. Alex, who goes by the screen name of Acutus in his series "Body Rock", dances to popular songs, narrates the scenes, and creates some personal messages with hours of taping , days of editing and special effects. Its a unique blend of nature images and commentary - condensing impressions of our times reflected through song lyrics and movement. Throughout the winter there should be nine complete shows in rotation. Tune in to see the efforts this one producer has put forth, Friday evenings Ch. 33 from 11 pm - midnight. Mr. Grant also invites you all to visit his web site - type www.primenet.com/~acutus in your web browser location bar.

A newly trained student, Karen Ilvedson has, after quickly co-editing a comedy piece with Alex Sarfati, begun flushing out her own "Theory Of Distractions". The theory, as recounted to me, involves four stages of distraction. With surreal imagery to help illustrate the theory for viewers, the half hour piece will be a collaboration again with Alex - narrated and set to music from a local band. Watch for completion in February - and cablecast by March. MTN - Public Access - leading you into further distraction, with the help of producers like Karen.

Also - Rebecca Polston is working on a video - following the course of a pregnancy - due to be delivered this winter...while Ray Reigstad finishes up a sequel to an earlier program - "Welcome Anglers II" - covering a fishing trip to Canada.