Parris Z. Moore of Blok Box Pictures served two prior stints as a media consultant, in the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years. Among his responsibilities were editing, filling out logs, getting talent release forms, scheduling, managing archival materials and many other duties.
His first contract was for $50,000. In the 2009 fiscal year Blok Box racked up a tab of $23,400 for work at the request of city personnel, without a contract. Officials said he was also owed for some additional work. He received a retroactive contract in May 2009, not to exceed $50,000 for the fiscal year that began July 1, 2008.
The proposed new contract is for $35,000 from Dec. 21 to June 30, 2011.
Although Moore did production work on the segments, interviews for them were conducted by Laurence Rice, who was laid off earlier this year. Rice also taped events. In July, the city hired a videographer at $100 an hour, not to exceed $30,000 for the year.
At present, the only other person involved with local television programming is IT manager Chris Payne, who is also responsible for media.
The city is on the verge of making an agreement with the school district for shared IT services. A resolution up for board discussion Tuesday states “The City of Plainfield is in need of experienced informational technology personnel and the Board of Education has the necessary personnel to accommodate the City of Plainfield’s needs.” It is not spelled out whether the deal will also include help with local television programming.
The city’s rejuvenated Cable Television Advisory Committee has ambitious plans for local television programming and has taken steps to involve students in station operations. Given the thin staffing even with Blok Box returning, it will likely fall to the committee to make the most of these resources until such time as more can be allocated.
The proposed new contract is for $35,000 from Dec. 21 to June 30, 2011.
Although Moore did production work on the segments, interviews for them were conducted by Laurence Rice, who was laid off earlier this year. Rice also taped events. In July, the city hired a videographer at $100 an hour, not to exceed $30,000 for the year.
At present, the only other person involved with local television programming is IT manager Chris Payne, who is also responsible for media.
The city is on the verge of making an agreement with the school district for shared IT services. A resolution up for board discussion Tuesday states “The City of Plainfield is in need of experienced informational technology personnel and the Board of Education has the necessary personnel to accommodate the City of Plainfield’s needs.” It is not spelled out whether the deal will also include help with local television programming.
The city’s rejuvenated Cable Television Advisory Committee has ambitious plans for local television programming and has taken steps to involve students in station operations. Given the thin staffing even with Blok Box returning, it will likely fall to the committee to make the most of these resources until such time as more can be allocated.
--Bernice Paglia
Additional shared services can be provided by the library. For example, technology traning can be provided by the library staff. This is good management. Hopefully, more of this type of cooperation among city entities will occur.
ReplyDeleteBernice,
ReplyDeleteThanks you for your continued coverage of the Plainfield Public Access Cable Television System. As you have reported previously , the Plainfield Cable Television Advisory Board, remains committed to representing the citizens of Plainfield regarding the development of the local access tv station, Plainfield Cable Television-Comcast 96/Verizon 34 and franchise relations and negotiation with cable service providers.
To this end we have implemented a Student Internship Program which was launched during the city's recent budget deliberation hearings. The effort was a great success saving the city approximately $3000.00, while exposing the students to elements of government procedure, local news gathering and invaluable work ethics.
The continued implementation of this Internship Program will include a commitment to bridging the gap regarding fiscal shortcomings of the pending future budget. The program will develop a corp of trained citizens to engage in television production while supporting the lack of staff faced by the Department of Media. Mr. Moore of Blok Box has been working closely with members of the Internship and the Producers Certification programs currently being offered, in an effort to foster growth.
Scheduling of programming has also become a shared responsibility of the Plainfield Cable Television Advisory Board in conjunction with Chris Payne. PCTVAB has created media partnerships with the Plainfield Symphony, the Athletic Department of Plainfield Public Schools, and various community organizations to offer a more diverse and eclectic array of content.
Foe more information regarding the student internship program please visit www.pctvab.wordpress.com.
Best regards,
Lamar David Mackson
Chairman, PLainfield Cable Television Advisory Board