FAQs

Course

Why are you offering the course? What's in it for the Travel Channel?

Quite simply, fresh new content. The world is a big place and as hard as we try, it is nearly impossible for us to single-handedly cover the globe to bring back the stories that interest Travel Channel viewers. That's where you come in. If we train you in the unique Travel Channel style of story telling, we get an army of trained foot soldiers out gathering amazing content, while you get filmmaking skills that will allow you to go out and capture your stories to share with the world, the potential for mass exposure for your work, the ability to add the Travel Channel brand to your portfolio, and, of course, compensation.

What is the course going to be like?

We start each morning at 9AM with a lecture on some specific aspect of video making. You then take your gear, go out and produce exactly what we have just talked about. Then we all come back and screen raw footage or cut pieces and critique them. We are going to go step by step in a process that hones your skills.

The first three days run for approximately 10-12 hours each, and the final day runs until approximately 6PM.

Do I need any prior experience?

No. We welcome participants of all skill levels from those who have never picked up a camera to those who have decades of experience. We will tailor the class according to skill level.

What is the admissions process?

There is no admissions process per se, since people of all skill levels age 18 and older are welcome. Simply register, and if there is still room in the course you're in.

How does the waitlist work?

If a registered participant cancels, thereby opening a space in the course, people on the waitlist will be contacted in the order that they signed up. The time that we are able to wait to get a response from a waitlister who has been contacted (before moving on to the next person on the list) depends on the proximity of the cancellation to the course start date (i.e., the closer the start date, the quicker we will move to fill the slot). Thus, include all possible contact methods in order to increase the odds that we reach you quickly should a spot become available.

The class is full but this is REALLY my dream can an exception be made?

Though we love your passion and enthusiasm, out of fairness to the other people on the waitlist who are equally passionate about joining the course, we must admit people in the order received if/when cancellations occur.

I'm under 18. Can an exception be made?

Unfortunately, for liability reasons, no. Please check back with us when you turn 18.

What is your cancellation policy?

We recognize that unforeseen events happen, so if you need to cancel your class registration, refunds will be given based on schedule below.

• 100% refund given 14 days before the course
• 50% refund given 7-13 days before the course
• No refund given 0-6 days before the course

Travel Channel reserves the right to cancel an introductory filmmaking course 30-days prior to the course start date due to any unforeseen circumstances that may arise. In the event that a cancellation is necessary, paid participants of the affected course will be transferred to the introductory filmmaking course of their choosing. If non-refundable airfare has been purchased, Travel Channel will refund up to $150 in non-refundable travel expenses provided such expenses can be substantiated with a receipt.

 

Financial Assistance

Are there scholarship, internship or other financial assistance opportunities available?

Not at this time.

Technical

Is there some kind of gear that you recommend?

In many ways, the kind of gear you are using is less important than the results you are getting. It's a bit like asking, "If I want to write great novels, what are the best pencils to use?" For the beginner and for the web, anything that you can get your hands on is good enough for us. For the high end, there are lots of choices. But first let's concentrate on great video storytelling.

Does Travel Channel provide equipment for the course?

For a fee, equipment will be provided for students who either do not have equipment that meets the required specifications or who choose not to bring their own.

What about editing software? There are so many choices.

In order to ensure a streamlined teaching and learning experience, we teach on one type of editing software -- Final Cut Pro. Although there are plenty of great editing options available, we chose Final Cut Pro because it is particularly intuitive. Final Cut Pro or Final Cut Express may be used in class if you are providing your own laptop.

Isn't there a ton of technical stuff to learn about film speeds and f-stops and audio? How can I do this in just four days?

Actually, the cameras are remarkable machines. They automatically take care of all those things, and while we are here we are pretty much going to leave them in automatic. Even professionals work in automatic mode much of the time now. Cameras auto focus, auto white balance and take care of audio levels all by themselves. These are areas you can delve into later on. But it's a bit like driving school. You can be a pretty good driver without really taking the engine apart. You can if you want, but it's no longer a necessity.

Shooting

Do I make the narration while I am shooting?

The narrative is done after all the shooting is done. Making a film is like building a house. First you need a blueprint or an idea of what your film is going to look like, then you have to gather all the materials to make the film. You wouldn't start building your house until you had all the bricks and lumber on site. Then, we start building the film, brick by brick, so to speak.

What kind of stories will I shoot while I am there?

The best stories to shoot, both while you are here and when you start working, are people stories. They are the most compelling and the easiest to do. Find stories that are highly visual as well. Where things happen before your eyes. Stay away from esoteric essays on broad topics. Think about Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations...(highly visual, driven by a character) vs. a video essay on educational values. Both are important. Which makes better TV?

Will I be able to take my videos home with me?

Yes.

Logistics Food, Lodging, Transportation

Are meals included in the course fee?

No, meals are not included. Most days you'll be out in the field during the lunch hour and will have many dining options available to you. If it is one of the days that we're in the office, we'll be able to send someone out to pick up food that you order and pay for.

Can I bring snacks to eat during the day?

Of course.

What should I wear?

Bring casual, comfortable weather-appropriate clothes, sunscreen and a hat, if desired.

How do I find out about hotels in the area?

We will make recommendations in each location based on proximity to the course location and various cost levels. However, if you want to find something else in the area, you can also check any online booking site, such as our favorite, SideStep.http://travelchannel.sidestep.com

Do I need to rent a car?

That depends on where you end up staying and if there is transportation to and from your hotel. The classroom is within walking distance to the recommended hotels and shooting locations.

Post-Graduation

Can this lead to a paying career?

Today there is enormous demand for video, particularly online. And that demand is only going to grow.

What about with Travel Channel?

There are several different ways for Academy graduates to stay involved with Travel Channel after the course. Graduates work (that meets Travel Channel standards) may be purchased for on-air or online use, graduates may be commissioned to produce work to fulfill specific Travel Channel needs, and/or the select few may be chosen as on-air talent.