Explore a variety of media production workshops offered by CMAC for Central Valley residents. This page serves as a comprehensive catalog, showcasing workshops that guide you through every stage of media creation. Whether you’re focused on pre-production, production, post-production, or specialized topics, you’ll find the right workshop to enhance your skills. Most workshops are FREE for CMAC members, with a small fee for non-members.

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Our Workshops

Pre-production courses help you get organized before the cameras roll. You’ll learn scriptwriting, storyboarding, scheduling, and production design—essential skills to turn ideas into a solid plan. The goal? A smooth, stress-free shoot that stays on track and on budget! Here are the pre-production workshops we offer:

Getting Started at CMAC is our official orientation workshop designed to introduce you to the resources available at your local community media center. This free, public event includes a guided tour of CMAC’s state-of-the-art facilities, an overview of our media tools and recording spaces, and insights into the services we offer. Sign up today!

Our lecture-style workshop offers a foundational overview of screenwriting, focusing on story structure, script formatting, and core storytelling techniques. Participants will explore how structure supports narrative flow and learn how to approach the screenplay format with clarity and confidence.

Our lecture-based workshop explores the power of images and how to use key tools—like shot size, frame rate, composition, and sequencing—to craft compelling visuals and tell more engaging stories.

Production is the phase where all the planning comes to life. It’s when the cameras start rolling, and everything you’ve prepared for—acting, directing, lighting, sound, and more—comes together to create the final product. During this stage, the crew works hard to capture the footage, bring the script to life, and solve any challenges that arise on set. It’s fast-paced and hands-on, turning your vision into reality! Here are production workshops we offer:

Our hands-on course introduces the core skills needed to confidently operate video cameras available through CMAC’s equipment checkout. Participants will learn how to control exposure, adjust white balance, and choose the right frame rate for different shooting scenarios.

Our lecture-based workshop offers an in-depth look at selecting the right microphones for various media production needs. Participants will learn about different types of microphones and how to choose and use them effectively for specific recording environments and scenarios. We’ll go in-depth about the various microphone types, proper microphone placement, and tips for capturing clear, high-quality audio in different setting; whether on location, in a studio, or for interviews.

Our interactive, hands-on course introduces participants to the fundamentals of working in a professional television studio. Through guided instruction and real-time experience, you’ll learn how to operate studio cameras, manage audio equipment, set up lighting, and use video switchers as part of a live production workflow. You’ll work alongside CMAC staff and participants to produce a CMAC talk show.

Note: This course consists of two sessions.

Our lecture-based session covers essential topics such as choosing the right podcast format and determining the best approach for structuring your episodes. Participants will learn how to plan, structure, and produce podcast episodes, with a focus on defining content, audience engagement, and production workflows.

Our hands-on workshop explores essential lighting techniques to elevate the look and feel of your video projects. Participants will learn the basics of lighting design, with a focus on the classic three-point interview setup, along with practical tips for creating clean, effective lighting on set.

Post-production is where raw footage turns into a polished final product. This phase includes editing, sound design, special effects, and music to bring the story to life. It’s the finishing touch that makes everything come together! Here are the post-productions workshops we offer:

Our hands-on workshop provides a comprehensive introduction to video editing using Adobe Premiere Pro, one of the industry’s leading video editing software. Participants will learn the essential tools and techniques needed to get started, including importing footage, basic timeline editing, and transitions.

Our hands-on workshop covers the fundamental concepts of video compositing, focusing on creating and animating text graphics, logos, and lower thirds to elevate the professional quality of your content. Participants will learn to use keyframes and explore the After Effects layout to manipulate and animate graphics.

Our hands-on workshop introduces participants to the powerful AI tools available in Premiere Pro that can transform your editing workflow. You’ll learn how to use innovative features such as text-to-video editing, automatic color correction, and audio leveling to streamline your editing process and speed up project completion.

This advanced hands-on workshop focuses on the tools in Adobe Premiere Pro to support the development of your video editing skills. Topics include using the Tools panel, creating text overlays, and applying visual effects. The session will also introduce AI-powered features such as text-to-video editing, automatic color correction, and audio leveling to help streamline your editing workflow. Prior experience with video editing software is recommended.

Our Specialty Workshops offer unique learning opportunities for creators! These include the basics of Stop Motion Animation, capturing your audience on YouTube, exploring AI tools for content creation, and mastering the best techniques for social media videos. Each workshop is designed to help you sharpen your skills and stay ahead in the digital world! Here are the specialty workshops we offer:

Our lecture-based workshop offers an in-depth exploration of industry-standard social media tools and techniques for creating visually engaging videos. Participants will learn how to craft videos that effectively communicate their message, focusing on design principles, video formats, and optimizing content for various social platforms.

Our lecture-based workshop introduces participants to the fundamentals of AI tools for media creation, including key terminology, potential benefits, and limitations. Participants will learn what the best practices for utilizing AI are in media production, along with ethical considerations.

Our hands-on workshop introduces the basics of animation, focusing on the art of stop-motion. Participants will learn the first learning principles of animation and how to use simple tools to create a stop-motion video using only their phones.

Through a live demonstration, participants will see what it takes to record and stream gaming content across various platforms using an example setup. You’ll also learn the techniques currently used by established content creators to enhance their streams and engage their audiences.

Our lecture-based workshop introduces participants to the YouTube platform, focusing on navigating the user interface and exploring its key features. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of the YouTube algorithm, how it influences video visibility, and how to optimize content for better reach and engagement.

Our hands-on workshop takes you through the entire process of shooting a scene from a feature film. Participants will start with an engaging introduction to real-world filmmaking techniques. Afterward, you’ll dive into a production role whether as a cinematographer, lighting technician, or grip to gain practical experience on a live set.