Those who produce programs for Clarkston’s local cable access channel now have better access themselves.
With the transformation of the former fire station #3 on Maybee Road, Comcast cable and the local access operation moved from their former Waldon Road location in late August. Andrew Reish, local access manager, said it has been a chaotic few weeks, but the predominantly volunteer crew is enjoying the new space.
“This is all brand new,” he said. “This is awesome.”
The studio space includes one corner with a news desk for the weekly Channel 10 show, “Perspectives,” with the control room visible in the background. Another area of the studio allows for a variety of backdrops. Separate from the studio are offices, an editing room (which also serves the base for the automated playback system and community bulletin boards) and a designated audio recording booth.
In addition to more space, the facility is also better designed to allow for production, control and editing functions.
“We had extension cords and breaker boxes all over the place [at the former location], because it was so deficient in electrical outlets,” he said. “When we did this, it was with a studio in mind. This is a contemporary building, laid out logically.”
Natural light is taken for granted in many offices, but the former studio had no windows. The new facility does, and it’s welcome.
There’s also a separate entrance to the production studio.
“Guess what’s on the other side of this wall? Customers,” Reish said. “Here, you walk through the door and you’re already in.”
In the former facility, those coming for local access business had to enter the same door and wait in the same line as that used by Comcast customers.
The building was renovated by Independence Township and is being leased to Comcast. Reish is grateful to township officials for allowing him to have input on the design of the renovation.
“The township wanted to do it right the first time,” he said. “I want people to come in and see this. I am so appreciative.”
There is still a sense that the move is not quite complete, as some lines have yet to be connected and some things aren’t organized the way Reish wants it to be. He also hopes to upgrade equipment to make the operation all digital. But there is no rush, because he said there is time to get everything done properly.
“I will get to them,” he said. “We’re going to be here for awhile.”
The studio is also used for training purposes, with a hands-on approach for even the newest volunteers. There are approximately 20 regular volunteers at this point, and more are welcome. (Call 673-9581 for more information.)
Reish also works with production teams from the Clarkston Renaissance High School and the school district’s autistic program.
In addition to in-studio productions, the local access channel features outside programs which can be edited with professional equipment at the new facility. Part of Reish’s work is to help budding producers hone their skills, and that leads to better programming for viewers.
Bill Henderson is one of those. He came to Reish for help in getting services from Heart of the Hills Church on the Clarkston local access channel and other Comcast local channels. A former camera operator for WKBD-TV, he said Reish has taught him how to edit his tapes for time and add graphics.
“Ultimately, I want to go live online,” he said. “I enjoy it.”
Jeff Jones is a student at Specs Howard School of Broadcasting, currently serving an internship at the Channel 10 studio. He echoed the sentiments about the new facility.
“I love it,” Jones said. “It’s a lot more space to work with. It’s just kind of nice to have something a little bit cleaner and something better to work with.”