MATV Week Returns April 28-May 3

Ron Cox - It's a sure sign of spring that we are about to begin our second Annual MATV WEEK! MATV Week is scheduled to begin on April 28th and will continue throughout the week with a gala conclusion on May 3rd with our special “live” TV production called The Open House Showcase. As we did last year, each day of the week is going to highlight not only the resources of MATV but the incredible community spirit that has been a part of Malden Access Television since it formed in 1988.

The festivities will kick-off on Monday, April 28 at noon and finish at 3pm with something called, MEDIA MADNESS DAY. This unique “happening” will actually be a “live” demonstration of our new portable studio which will be set up directly in front of our facility located at 145 Pleasant Street in downtown Malden Square. Performers from local theatre groups will join our staff as they encourage audience members to join in the television production by participating in the various TV games and interviews that will be set up. It will be three hours of spontaneous fun and a creative display of what our new equipment can do.

That night beginning at 7pm, MATV will hold a special FREE workshop on Set Design led by Executive Director, Ron Cox. He will demonstrate the various ways to use our new module risers and flats in creative combinations to build unique sets for TV productions. The workshop will also show how lighting can be used to enhance a set and make it stand out.

On Tuesday, April 9 a series of facility tours and demonstrations will be held by members and staff to demonstrate the resources of our Media Center from 2pm to 5pm. On the same day beginning at 6:30pm an Art Exhibit created by Middle School students will be held at the MATV Gallery space. This collaboration between MATV and the Malden Public School art teachers will showcase these young artists in grades 5-8 and will continue until 9pm.

That Wednesday on April 30th beginning at 7pm, the public will be invited to participate in a “live” studio production of the popular program, Live on Tape hosted by MATV Executive Director, Ron Cox. See what goes on behind the scenes and be part of the audience as various entertainers and people of interest share their talents and views on one of the earliest programs ever created at Malden Access Television.

The activities continue on Thursday, May 1st with an extraordinary presentation of animation and art videos called, Video Shorts that will begin at 7pm. This unique screening will be highlighted with the work of world renowned animator, Karen Aqua, who will be show examples of her exceptional work. This is an excellent opportunity for the members to view videos that are produced as either art, film-style narratives or experimental. All the videographers including Karen Aqua will be present at the screening.

All during MATV WEEK , the staff will be working on a special project called, “We Have a Dream” that will invite members of the community to participate in the recite a portion of the well known “I Have a Dream” speech by Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1964. The final production will have each section edited together and shown in it’s entirety on the next MLK, Jr. Day in January, 2009.

The second annual MATV Week will conclude on Saturday, May 3rd with the second Annual MATV OPEN HOUSE SHOWCASE.  This 8-hour TV program will feature a diverse collection of local musicians, comedians, and cultural performers sharing their talents with the community. Utilizing both studios, this “live” TV show will also highlight MATV volunteer members sharing their experiences and clips from some of their productions. Come join us as we celebrate the creativity of our community. There will be food and beverages available throughout the day as we showcase what Malden’s Media Center can do.

So, circle the dates and look forward to another special week of activities celebrating the work of Malden Access Television.