Produce Media
Somerville Media Center provides necessary tools for our community to produce meaningful content that reflects the realities of their lives.
SMC provides individuals with access to production facilities and equipment at no cost under most circumstances.
No Cost Equipment Access
Programming you see on our channels was either produced or sponsored by Somerville residents. Many utilized SMC’s studios, cameras, lighting, audio, and editing tools at no cost.
SMC will lend production equipment and facilities at no cost to members of our organization who are in good standing, have completed corresponding workshops for the type of gear they wish to use, and are producing content that is intended to enrich the community of Somerville.
Your pathway to free equipment use:
- If you’re new, go to an Orientation.
- Pay for your Membership.
- Get certified for equipment with corresponding Workshops.
- Contact SMC staff to pitch your community-orientated video production project. Once approved, you may begin making reservations for production facilities and equipment to produce your media.
- You are the owner of your media, but you must submit copies of your final production to SMC for broadcast on our channels and feeds when using SMC’s equipment at no cost.
There are restrictions on free use. Members are not allowed to produce commercial content, such as material that advocates for the sale of products or services, and are not allowed to profit from the production of their content. If you are engaging in commercial productions, see the Rental tab below.
Camera Equipment
JVC HY-GM500U Camcorders
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Canon SL3 DSLRs
Audio Equipment
Portable Audio Mixers
Handheld, Directional, and Lavelier design microphones
DJI Wireless Lav kits
Cabling, cabling, and cabling
Studios
700sqft Television Studio
HotSet Micro TV Studio
Podcasting & Streaming Radio Studio
Editing Stations
Featuring Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve
Yup, and More!
Equipment Rentals
While SMC specializes in helping residents make community media at little to no cost, other types of productions are better served by renting equipment and facilities for a fee.
Many producers are searching for the best deals on production equipment for their personal or professional productions. SMC competes with pricing from our nearest production rental shops so that local musicians, event videographers, narrative directors, and more, can get their hands on useful gear. When paying for a rental from SMC, there is no requirement to take workshops or provide copies of programming for television.
Fine Print
- Contact SMC for a quote on any equipment rentals as our inventory and availability often changes.
- Rental fee is due at time of equipment pick up.
- You may request to cancel your reservation for a full refund up to 24 hours before the date and time of the event.
- Rentals are subject to MA sales tax.
- Nonprofit organizations may provide proof of tax exemption to receive a 20% discount.
- Some facilities may require an engineer who will be made available for an hourly rate.
- Costs incurred for repair or replacement of equipment will be the responsibility of the renter. Cleaning fees may be charged for facility rentals if facilities are not returned tidy.
Services for Nonprofits
SMC’s mission is to bring Somerville’s diverse perspectives to cable television and streaming media. Our city’s hard working nonprofit organizations may receive various media services from SMC that will support their various missions.
Making Media for NPO Events
Nonprofits hold exciting events each year that engage the community and educate the public about their work. SMC can record media at special events for later broadcast on television and social media feeds, including annual galas and keynote speakers, special concerts and performances, to community meetings and election-related events. Viewers in Somerville can see events that take place in the community and organizations gain extra exposure.
Public Service Announcements
PSA’s extend the messaging of nonprofits by sharing short pieces intended to educate viewers, change behavior trends, or shift public thinking on important issues. Public service announcements are short, impactful, and easier to produce that one might expect. SMC can work with any nonprofit serving Somerville to craft a meaningful public service announcement for use on any media platform.
BYO Ideas
SMC loves working with its nonprofit parters whenever there is a benefit to the viewers of Somerville. Contact us with your specific media needs and we’ll figure out how we can help.
“Somerville Media Center produced a moving, short video for our nonprofit featuring a family who received our services… We will work with them again for sure!”
– Melissa Kogut, VP of Development, Riverside Community Care