Community Producers have banded together to form a non-profit charity and help set up productions to replace the previous Comcast studio. (Read more . . .)
Due to the library being closed on our regular meeting night, we will be meeting the following Wednesday, February 15th at 7pm instead of 6pm in the Bicentennial room at Lincoln Public Library. As per the decision at the January meeting, we will inventory the new remote kit and if we have time, we may try it out as well. The public is invited.
Production:
All the equipment itemized by Brian Crowdson has been ordered and received except for a bag to put it in and a tripod. Those last two items will be purchased soon and on the next meeting, we will take time to remove all the items from packaging and inventory them by writing down their serial numbers in a registry that will be kept by Cameron until further notice.
Plans are underway to set up a time to have a workshop on using the equipment, both the remote kit and the editing station.
Treasury:
Only two producers have paid dues this year, not counting the Board members who have all now paid their dues. Dues are $10 per year and 2012 is due by July 2012.
Fundraiser:
The next fundraiser was scheduled to happen in February but may have to be postponed until later, depending on how long it takes to set up the editing and remote kit workshop. There is the offer to work with Basement Radio Network on the fundraiser as well as with a physical space. At the last meeting the pros and cons of this were discussed in general the group assembled thought it would be a good idea. More discussion will happen on that at the next meeting.
Editing Station
A4PG Board Member Brian Crowdson of Crowdson and Company has the editing equipment set up along with the pieces that we needed to purchase: an external hard drive and an editing table for the computer and hard drive to be placed on. The station is set up in Brian’s office on 1999 Wabash Ave. Suite 203, Springfield, IL 62704.
(Website: http://www.IMakeTV.com)
Here is a word from Brian:
“For now, the editing station will be by appointment only, and there is no guarantee of availability. It will be available only when I or one of my employees is scheduled to be in my office. Email me for an appointment - brian[at]imaketv[dot]com.”
By-Laws Amended
Several details have been voted on regerding slight changes in our by-laws, namely that officers will hold their positions for three years before elections. Other details include issues regarding the Board and the Officers, membership dues, and how the elections are handled. Essentially, the membership nominates candidsates and the current Board elects the new Officers and they in turn appoint new Board Members.
A4PG Hour Long Show
Approval has been given by the city to schedule an hour long program produced by the A4PG. Portions of the content plus various PSAs will be available on the editing station hard drive for other producers to use.
More at the next meeting . . .
STAy tUNed!
Annual Election
This year’s officers have been elected and are as follows:
Ted Keylon – President
Cameron Counts – Vice President
Meredith Dumyahn – Secretary
Danny Hicks – Treasurer
Irma Wallace – Assistant Secretary
Bhikkhu Mahunda – Assistant Treasurer
Meeting Night Changed to Second Monday of Each Month
In the time left after the election, the general group expessed interest in changing the meeting night to the second Monday of each month instead of the second Wednesday to allow for more of the church producers to come since Wednesday night is a church night for many. The first meeting on Mondays will be in July on July 11th in the Bicentennial room.
Production Committee
Brian Crowdson, Lisa Hensley, and Darryl Moore are making plans to set up the editing station at Brian’s place of business. It was suggested at the last meeting that we set up a workshop on how to use the editing softeare on that station as well as how to go about acquiring a camera and editing software for PCs for producers that want to have a cheap personal alternative and a workshop will be set up for that as well.
More at the next meeting . . .
STAy tUNed!
501c3 Status Acquired
Congratulations Producers! We finally have our 501 c3 Determination Letter! The IRS has finished the final approval of our status and we are very happy to say we are now a full-fledged 501 c3!
Public Posting of By-laws
There has been some interest in knowing the content of our by-laws so at the last meeting it was agreed to post them publicly on the site so here they are: By-laws.
Editing Station Set-up
Brian Crowdson has offered to set up an editing station at his business with the equipment received from the old Comcast studio. It will be available during daily business hours and there will be no support or instruction provided by Brian or his employees so in order to use the station, you will have to possess some knowledge of video editing.
More information on the type of software you need to learn about and which producers that will assist you will be posted here when the information is available.
Brian is working on testing the equipment and setting up the station and will have the results when he is finished and it will be posted here.
STAy tUNed!
Fundraiser 5 UPDATE
The FUNraiser was a big success. We raised $361 after expenses.
For the first fundraiser of the season it was very well attended and everyone had a blast. A4PG would like to thank Babbling Brooke for the Hula Hooping and the Hula Hoops, Steve Sowers and everyone at Maldaner’s, Casey Cantrall for doing sound, Mandy Saia Magill for bringing bake sale bags full of chocolate and homemade “healthy” chocolate chip cookies, her own photographs for donation and sale, and watching the space while artists dropped off their artwork.
Thanks to artists Chris Martin, Matt Schultz, Melanie Edmonson, Michael LaFrance, Tom Kelly, and Jenifer Snopko. Thanks to the Legendary Clampetts, Long Story Short, and Hot Bag O’ Donuts (you all know who you all are), thanks to community producers Tom Schafer (for donating a huge spread of free food), Pamela Woodson (for handing the 50/50 raffle), and Archer Logan (for running the donation box at the entrance).
If we have left anyone out, please let us know.
Below are the details about the show . . .
The next fundraiser is going to be at 7:00 P.M. to Midnight on Friday, February 25th at Maldaner’s Upstairs in downtown Springfield. The entertainment will be provided byHot Bag O’ Donuts , Long Story Short, Bük and The Legendary Clampetts. There will be a cash bar. There will be no cover and all ages are welcome.
Thanks to Greg Bishop and Kirk Farah of WMAY, John Reynolds at the State Journal-Register, Patrick Yeagle and Tom Irwin of Illinois Times for all helping get the word out in local media about public media.
Thanks to Tom Schafer of the Shooting Sport for chipping in with some Maldaner’s catering for the first 50 people to show up!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Access 4 Producers Group FUNraiser 5
Date: Friday 2/25/11, 7pm to midnight
Place: Maldaner’s Upstairs, 222 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL
Contact: Ted Keylon, (217)691-1301
Admission is FREE
The Access 4 Producers Group FUNraiser 5 will be held to help raise funds for the community producer’s non profit organization to assist them in their quest to provide production and advocacy for the producers.
There will be a lot of room so many events are planned. There will be a Hula Hoop Workshop by Babbling Brooke during the music, a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction, and an art sale and exhibit featuring a number of local artists.
The restaurant will be open downstairs, but there will also be food for sale upstairs by Cameron Counts and perhaps some potluck items as well including Maldaner’s catering for the first 50 people to arrive courtesy of Tom Schafer of the Shooting Sport.
The music schedule will feature The Legendary Clampetts at 8pm, Long Story Short at 9pm, Hot Bag O’ Donuts at 10pm and Bük at 11pm.
All sales of food, the raffle, and silent auction will go to the FUNraiser with the exhibiting artists giving 20% of their sales to the cause.
For more information please go to http://www.access4.tv/ or email toinfo@a4pg.org or call event organizer Ted Keylon if you have any questions at (217) 691-1301.
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Equipment
The Equipment Comittee was authorized at the last meeting to sell a pice of equipment that we do not need for productions but was included with the equipment we received. The money from this sale will go towards the purchase of the piece wil still need to do productions.
PO Box
A Post Office box was purchased for six months. This will go on our letterhead. Now we have the ability to accept donations in check form written to “Access 4 Producers Group” (no apostrophé) and sent to:
Access 4 Producers group
POB 5214
Springfield, IL 62705
STAy tUNed!
Round Up
At recent full group meetings it was agreed upon to wait until after the New Year to plan any further fundraising events. In the meantime we are open to suggestions for venue possibilities. We have some in mind that offer accessibility and some that are not in bars. We could still use some more suggestions.
The equipment is still being stored by Brian Crowdson and an Equipment Committee was formed to look into the exact cost of what we still need as well as to put together a simple set of instructions for producers on the least expensive and complicated way to set up your own home studios.
The 501 c3 paperwork and final fees were submitted which left us with $777 in our account. By the New Year we should know whether or not we were accepted and possibly what else we need to do. With the certification we will be privy to many more fundraising opportunities as well as looking forward to another year of our events where we spotlight local talent.
We encourage other producers with cameras to be on site for as many of these events as possible to get footage that can be used for fundraising DVDs and as material for other producer’s shows.
Please come to the next meeting the first Wednesday of January and let us know your ideas and what you might be able to do to help. The master list of producers is being put together so that we can keep as many producers informed as possible. We also do not want to give out anyone’s personal contact information without permission so we are trying to be careful with the list.
We know we have a pool of talents within the community producers and if we can work together we can get some more shows produced until we can get a down payment on a year’s lease for a studio.
Please also know that you do not have to be a producer to come to a meeting and help out with this cause. Whether you want to become a full member of our group or just help, your ideas and concerns are welcome at our full group meetings.
STAy tUNed!
Three words describe the reason our fundraiser went so well: Mandy Saia Magill. She was the best person to pick for curator of the photography exhibit. Jeremy of Norb Andy’s suggested a photography show to spotlight the artists who too often take a back seat to painters and sculptors at shows. Mandy is a recently juried member of the Prairie Art Alliance and her photography plus that of her peers graced the show that many attended in spite of the car show blocking off traffic and parking space.
We made $223, half of which came from 40% of the photography sales. Everyone had a great time and there were people in and out all night.
Plans are underway for the next fundraiser and the discussion turns on the question of whether or not to have another one before the end of the year.
Equipment Update
The equipment was turned over to Brian Crowdson who is storing it for us until we can get it set up in some studio space that will be available for the producers. Brian’s help has been invaluable and his background with Access both techinically and as a tireless advocate is a true asset to our cause. It is for this reason he is being nominated for board member at the next meeting.
There were enough pieces missing from the equipment to render it incapable of being useful for production until they are replaced such as a tripod, batteries, and power supply for all three cameras, a DV tape deck, and several other odds and ends but nothing impossible to replace with enough time and support.
Full Group Meeting
The next full group meeting is planned for Wednesday, October 20th at 6:30 P.M. at the Bicentennial Room in Lincoln Public Library in downtown Springfield. We would like to see all the producers there to get back on board now that things have been done. We will answer questions, take contact info and nominate more Board members.
Channel 4 and the City
Last Monday the 4th of this month, Secretary Lisa Hensley, Treasurer Ted Keylon, and Municiple Delegation member Brian Crowdson all went to speak with Ernie Slottag at the city. He said that requirements such as how soon to update shows before the slot would be given to someone else or what format to give them will be as lenient as possible due to the confusion of the change-over to their management. Ernie assured us that they plan to be as understanding and compassionate as possible while we try to organize and help all the producers figure out a way to keep doing their shows.
The delegation also asked about the missing pieces of the studio equipment and Ernie said they have not found any pieces that may have been misplaced and does not suspect that what CACC gave us would be any different than what they gave them and what Comcast have given them in the first place. We agreed to pursue the matter with Comcast and Brian agreed to contact them via his associates there.
STAy tUNed!
Fundraiser Review
The Access 4 Producers Group Fundraiser 3 raised over $550 before expenses and the total after is unclear until the board decides how much to absorb in advertising costs that were incurred during the promotion when a meeting could not be scheduled. The treasurer has agreed to cover the difference and proceeded with the necessary promotions. It is likely that we made at least $300.
But we were the only ones to come out on top. We regret to say that Broadway Nites did not do so well in spite of the huge numbers of people there due to the fact that drink sales were down. We appreciate their working with us and hope to remedy that for any future events to take place there.
Equipment Update
The Capital Area Career Center Board of Directors has agreed that the producers should have the equipment from the former studio since we cannot take them up on their offer for services. Perhaps in the future, as A4PG grows with Access, we can work with them. We are working on transporting the equipment into storage where it may be possible to set it up for limited use.
Next Fundriaser
The Group Board is looking to continue raising money to acquire a lease on a physical space. The next fundraiser will be at Norb Andy’s on September 24th, 2010, featuring the work of local photographers. DJ MsLisa qwill be playing electro and there may even be some more surprises in the works so stay tuned for more info. (If you have FaceBook, check this page out.)
Channel 4 and the City
Thanks a MILLION!!! to the City, to Ernie, Kerri, the Council, our donors, the FaceBook Cause Members and followers of our Fan Page and everyone and anyone else who helped or wanted to help. Access 4 is BACK!
STAy tUNed!
The 501 c3 process for the Access 4 Producers Group is currently stalled but well in the process. Due to problems related to the flood and other issues involving some members of the newly elected board here in Springfield, we have stalled on meetings, web maintenance, and the 501 c3 application submission.
However, the Secretary has the $50 filing fee and has gone through the arduous task of filling out the application form which will all be turned in next. The President and the Treasurer will then go to the bank which we have chosen (US Bank downtown) and submit a copy of our minutes from the meeting wherein the principle officers were elected, along with our FEIN number and open a bank account for the group.
The Treasurer will then deposit all the money from the previous two fundraisers, which amounts to the better part of a thousand dollars at this point–prior to the main payment for the 501 c3 status–and the group will be able to accept checks in the name: Access 4 Producers Group (no apostrophé) as well as be able to pay out of the account for expenses.
Fundraisers
The fundraisers were very successful in terms of what we could do before getting our non-profit status. Another thanks to all who helped at both of them, especially to Alan Perry who is stepping it up a notch in the planning of the next fundraiser, coming up faster than expected on July 24th upstairs at Broadway Nites.
Alan hosts a comedy showcase every Wednesday at Broadway downstairs, and was responsible for the comedians at the first fundraiser upstairs. This time he has planned a runway show with models ranging in age from 11 to 30-something, strutting there stuff in between sets by local bands and musicians who support cable access. There will be a 50/50 drawing and other raffles including a possible “spin” painting by local painter, Michael J. Mayosky.
Here is the press release, schedule, and poster text and graphic on this HTML page and in various formats below for your convenience:
[Press Release - PDF] – [Schedule - PDF]
[Press Release - Word Doc] – [Schedule - Word Doc]
[Press Release - Rich Text] – [Schedule - Rich Text]
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Access 4 Producers Group Fundraiser 3
Runway Show/Art Exhibition/Concert/Comedy Show
Date: Saturday, July 24th, 2010
Place: Broadway Nites, Upstairs, 210 Broadway, Springfield, IL
Contact: Phone (217) 691-1301
This will be the third fundraiser that the Access 4 Producers group has held to raise funds for a physical space and for 501 c3 filing fees. It will be hosted by Alan Perry and held upstairs at Broadway Nites at 210 Broadway in Springfield, IL, and will feature a runway show with models, comedians, musicians and artists.
The comedians performing include (in this order) Tree Sanchez from St. Louis, Sarah Smertz from Springfield (Local WDBR personality), Kathy Zeman from St. Louis, Rich Mansfield.
There will be 3 runway segments by Shawnee Studios Model and Talent Management featuring vintage clothing, Asian styles and the original designs of Lisa Clemons and Amy Walden. Among the many fine models that have passed an audition and grueling rehearsal schedule will be Prairie Art Alliance Gallery II Assistant, Gallery Girl Jennifer Snopko.
The musicians featured include Hat Trick featuring Dave Leach, Hot Bag O’ Donuts, The Missing Muse, and Molten Crunch (featured on Arjuna Records’ compilation).
The art exhibit will be curated by Gallery Girl Jennifer Snopko and each artist will donate 40% of any sales to the Producers Group. Artists Felicia Olin and Melanie Edmonson will both be painting live at the event and their paintings will be sold as well.
Michael J. Mayosky will create one of his famous “spin-paintings” on site which will be raffled off. The other raffles will include a 50/50 raffle and an Arbonne Basket of skin care products donated by Shawnee.
Below is the tentative schedule of events:
8:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Alan Perry Intro (30 minutes) 10 minutes of songs. Musical Number with Libby Roth (last 5 Minutes) 8:30 PM to 8:35 PM Runway segment #1 (5 minutes)
8:35 PM to 8:45 PM
Comedian #1 Tree Sanchez [St. Louis] (10 Minutes)
8:45 PM to 8:55 PM
Comedian #2 Sarah Smertz (10 Minutes)
8:55 PM to 9:00 PM
50/50 RAFFLE (5 minutes)
9:00 PM to 9:05 PM
Runway segment #2 (5 minutes)
9:05 PM to 9:35 PM
Comedian #3 Kathy Zemon [St. Louis] (30 Minutes)
9:35 PM to 9:40 PM
Runway segment #3 (5 minutes)
9:40 PM to 10:10 PM
Comedian #4 Rich Mansfield [Chatham] (30 Minutes)
10:10 PM to 10:20 PM
Alan Perry: Announcements and 50/50 drawing.
10:20 PM to 11:20 PM
Hat Trick (1 Hour)
11:20 PM-11:30 PM
Alan Perry/Announcements/raffle (10 Minutes)
11:30 PM to 12:30 AM
Hot Bag of Donuts (1 Hour)
12:30 AM-12:40 AM
Alan Perry/Announcements/raffle (10 Minutes)
12:40 AM to 1:40 AM
The Missing Muse (1 Hour)
1:40 PM to 1:50 PM
Alan Perry/Announcements/raffle (10 Minutes)
1:50 AM to 2:50 AM
Molten Crunch (1 Hour)
2:50 AM to 3:00 AM
Alan Perry/Announcements/raffle (10 Minutes)
http://www.access4.tv/
(217)691-1301
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The Equipment and Programing
Everyone who stops along the dial at channel 4 knows the programming has not yet resumed. At our last meeting with Ernie Slottag at the Municipal Building, he estimated that the time until the channel would be running again would be two weeks, and since that amount of time has more than elasped, the city is reported to have said the time is now “this Summer.”
To the city’s credit, the equipment was not in tip top shape when they got it. The dismantling and hauling couldn’t have helped the gear at all, but the techs said the equipment was not in working order when they hooked it up and tried to go live. Those who watched the channel during the tests heard the audio fizzle out and finally go away leaving only the images.
Ernie assured us in a delegation meeting that the data was backed up and the equipment was then decommissioned. The Council approved a request for budget appropriation and then bids were taken to replace the live server. A bid was selected, the server configuration meeting the needs of the channel was decided upon, and the order was placed.
But still no programming yet.
At the time of our last delegation meeting with Ernie, they were expecting the equipment to arrive in two weeks. We have not heard yet if it has arrived.
Speaking of equipment, the fate of that which was given to the city by Comcast, then given to CACC by the city, still remains to be seen. CACC Director Cindy Stover says that she feels that we should have it for our studio–if we can secure a physical space–and that, pending board approval, they would just give it to us. If the board does not agree, she says they reserve the right to keep the equipment even if we decide not to continue production at CACC TV studio.
The insurance requirements needed to continue the use of CACC TV are far out of reach for any single producer and doubtful for the Producers Group. A copy of the requirements will be read and discussed at the next A4PG board meeting, yet to be announced.
In our meeting with Ernie, he said the equipment would have to be returned to them if we cannot continue production at CACC TV.
