NEW Era for CAN TV. “The Peoples TV” is here! People of Chicago, are you READY? See you on TV!

CAN TV’s (Chicago Access Network TV) finally has a new home and it is impressive! It has been a long struggle to get its own building and it has been worth the wait. Be part of the  equalization of TV, come for the access, and share/add  your voice to the grand diversity that makes Chicago! Shout out welcoming, to individuals, community groups and nonprofits all over Chicago.

“CAN TV is an award-winning, highly successful, independent nonprofit, recognized as one of the finest public access centers in the country. We the people of Chicago have access to this opportunity to share our visions.” – (CANTV website)

I recently visited the brand new location now located in the Illinois Medical District Area at 1309 S. Wood St. between Damen and Ashland. It is easy to park in the free CAN TV lot, which is accessible off 13th Street, and there is also plenty of metered street parking. Public transportation via CTA bus and train lines with stops that are a short distance away.  It is oddly quiet and almost with a rural feeling. Then you see the elevated and skyline in the distance…Admittedly, it has been a while since I connected with CANTV and it was like a reunion. I was one of the first certified indie producers back in 1986. I have continued over the years to show my artistic and social films in this incredible venue. I started shortly after my MFA from the School of the Art Institute, back when video was difficult, expensive and heavy! I have stayed with CANTV over the years and watched the changes. Ah, history!

At my arrival, Hugs all around with Barbara, ( New City Film names CAN TV Executive Director Barbara Popovic one of Film 50 2015: Chicago’s Screen Gems, “the creative thinkers, and more importantly, doers” representing “action and movement in every form of Chicago media.”) and Lesley Johnson, Program Director, Mary M. Stack, Assoc. Executive Director. and thanks to Joe Szentivanyi, Cable/Traffic Coordinator and Joe Garcia, Network Administrator.with a shout out to all the other good people there for many years, like Greg Boozell, Technology Director, (who I missed seeing in person-very busy guy) and fellow SAIC Alum. They all seem exhausted, leaner and even more determined – if that is possible – with the move this last yr from the Green St./Halsted area.

The facilities are state of the art. Chicago has a new tool for equalization in the system.  When I saw the giant room filled with the  Green Screen Wall, I was overwhelmed with a myriad of possibilities –  the WOW factor of grand special effects opportunities! (no more drippy crumbled difficult green screen curtains!)

The full switch from using videotape to all digital will be a leap for some to make. But as you know, digital media affords current technology and many benefits. The staff who works here are passionate and educated and highly dedicated about what they do and always most helpful.

I got a quick tour of the facility, which is in the final stages of “getting ready” With boxes still unopened, and everthing with the “ fresh smell of media” you can see what lies ahead is nothing short of game-changing for the people who will use it.

Growing pains are part of the process, and now the final push to get it all fully ready.

Cablecasting accepting contact for programs now.. but always Call ahead, (no doorbell yet, so bring your cell to call for entry 🙂 (smile) and check out the website for more information.  

http://cantv.org

Nonprofit CAN TV’s main number: 312-738-1400 email: info@cantv.org

SEE you on TV!

(yes, I have a “special” in March…stay tuned!= yes…maybe you can guess what it will be…) (And..Chris Drew, Street Artist and Deborah Drew BOTH spent many years with community interactions on CANTV on the “Hotline” for social justice and free speech issues) ok, a hint..coming soon to CAN TV!