New Training Program Aimed at Boosting HCAM's Impact

When Rick Linehan started working with Hingham Community Access and Media (HCAM), he could point a video camera at a hockey game, but that was about it.

He is now beginning his third season of Hingham High School hockey coverage for HCAM's public channel and the resources at the local TV studio have vastly improved his multimedia skills. 

Linehan's game broadcasts have gone from "whistles and skates" to including a score graphic throughout, slow motion, in-game commentary and other features.

"What Rick did is not extra-ordinary," HCAM Executive Director Eric Dresser said. "That opportunity exists for any parent of any level of sport."

HCAM is in the process of overhauling its training program, moving from a more ad-hoc, one-on-one focus to a formalized schedule of classes that will offer Hingham residents the opportunity to learn shooting, editing, lighting and other skills at a fraction of the cost of professional courses.

The classes – offered to both members and non-members – will start running in January. They will cost between $20 and $30 per course, which includes several sessions of coursework spread over a few weeks, and will be included in the cost of HCAM Gold Membership, starting at $25 for an individual or $15 for a student or senior.

Basic membership in HCAM is free and provides short, 30-45 minute training on how to use cameras, editing software and a run-down of the studio setup at 35 Pond Park Rd.

HCAM recently installed several more powerful Macintosh computers for editing by staff, volunteers and citizens who create their own shows, and students in HHS's Project TRACES installed counter space for the expanded editing room.

The overhaul of HCAM's training program – Dresser and his staff are preparing syllabi now – coincides with the relatively new organization's efforts to expand its reach in the community. 

HCAM began fiscal year 2013 with eight active members. It now has between 50 and 60, Dresser said. It has also expanded its coverage of the community, archiving municipal meeting and showing current meetings on YouTube, producing original series and expanding "cornerstone" productions such as 4th of July and Christmas in the Square.

Expanding coverage of Hingham even more means making it easier for community members to produce their own shows. With a full-time staff of only three people, increasing the number of digitally-trained residents means increasing content on HCAM's public channel.

"We're most effective when we're coordinating," Dresser said. "It's all about seeing those opportunities in the community and grabbing them."

For more information about HCAM, including membership details and channel listings, go to http://www.hcamtv.tv.