What is Creative Media Institute?

Creative Media Institute is a newly-formed training and resource center providing instruction in the various disciplines of media production. Initial class offerings focus on the area of video production, but future plans call for expansion into other media areas including creative writing, web design, graphic arts, photography, and radio broadcasting.

When are classes offered?

Initially classes are one week in length and are held weekday evenings from 6 to 10 pm, concluded with a Saturday session from 10 am through 4 pm.

Where are the classes held?

Classes are held at the studios of WRXY-TV located at 40000 Horseshoe Road, Punta Gorda, Florida.

Are there any age or experience requirements for students?

Generally, no. Anyone who is interested in learning more about television production is welcome to apply. Anyone under the age of 18 will need parental or guardian permission to be admitted. Applicants under 13 will be individually interviewed and admission will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Who instructs the classes?

Creative Media Institute’s lead instructor is Stevan Speheger who has 47 years of experience in broadcasting and broadcast engineering, including radio and television, along with media production for educational and religious organizations. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University, and has held continuous membership in the Society of Broadcast Engineers for 43 years. He has been a consultant to organizations in the development and upgrade of their media departments. Steve’s instruction will be supplemented from time to time by specialists in particular disciplines of media production. The Saturday sessions are devoted to inspiring students to apply the skills they have learned during the class, and will feature guest lectures by working professionals in the media.

Is the instruction highly technical?

No. A small amount of basic science is presented, but just enough to help the student understand what is going on inside and outside of the equipment. This small amount of technical knowledge allows the student to know the reasons for the actions and operations, giving a level of understanding that simple rote memorization can’t provide.

How much does it cost?

The tuition for the one week course currently offered is $300 per student. Full payment must be received immediately after the application is accepted. Refunds for cancellation less than a week prior to beginning of classes may be given if the vacant spot can be filled with someone on a waiting list.

Is Creative Media Institute accredited?

Currently, no. We are pursuing cooperative opportunities with various area and state institutions and agencies to provide such certification.

What other services does Creative Media Institute provide?

We offer what we call “Creative Media Institute-To-Go”. This is a specialized program targeted primarily to churches and religious organizations, but available to other institutions as well. It involves one of our instructors providing individualized on-site training to staff and/or volunteers in video production. It consists of three visits to the client. The first is to survey the technical facilities, determine the kinds of productions done or desired, and fashion the individual curriculum to meet the client’s needs. The second visit is an all-day instruction of the client’s workers in the disciplines needed to produce their programming. This is usually held on a Saturday, but could be scheduled on another day, if needed. The final visit is to oversee and assist with an actual production to fine-tune the staff’s performance. A final report is then issued to the organization summarizing the experience and giving suggestions for changes to improve the quality of the productions, and outlining recommendations for the next steps for the upgrade of the technical facility.

The price for the “Creative Institute-To-Go” package is $1200. (On Location Training). read more...