[Drew Mortensen]

Del,
I have yet to explore the finer intricacies of my cow account, and will update my profile in time. For now, let me tell you that I am an English teacher by formal education. I have been editing video on my computer since about 99 (10th grade). My skills, in my opinion, are mediocre. I could probably pass the expert level tests of Premiere and Encore. My skills in photoshop are sufficient for most graphic design needs that I’ve encountered. I love using After Effects. I did asp.net programming a few years back, and that has helped with my understanding of AE Expressions. On the production side, I have very little experience. Look to the left of this posting, do you see all of those flickering adds? Well, I’ve clicked on them all, and understand about 10%. The only equipment that I’ve ever worked with is what the school already had when I took over, less the computers. I’m still learning what I can do with analog, but I think it may be time to move on.

>>Does your community have a film and video society or an ITVA or SBE chapter?
I don’t know… What are ITVA and SBE?

>>Is there a university or college nearby?
Lots of them, but the only ones with video programs are Drexel and Temple, and they are an hour or more away. I have to complete a masters degree in order to retain my PA teaching license, and have been contemplating Drexel’s TV Production program, but I can’t find anyone that has been through it to provide feedback. Still, an hour away and that is a tough sell with two little ones at home. But I digress…

>>Are there video resellers and corporate vendors in your area?
Not that I am aware of…. I could definitely do some more research in this area though.

>>How much film and video production goes on where you live?
Wedding videography is about all that happens here… Oh, and M. Night Shyamalan films in this county.

>>Mentors on the production and engineering sides
Yeah, I’m definitely in need of some mentors. Know of anyone around Philly that is looking for a mentee?

I appreciate your advice and the time you’ve taken to reply. Hopefully I can translate what I learn here into tangible results for the students and community.