What is HRTV?
Harvard-Radcliffe Television (HRTV) is a student-run organization dedicated
to providing students with the opportunity to make their own television programs
and films. In our short history, we've produced soap operas, game shows, news
programs, sketch comedy shows, computer animation features and sitcoms. Now
in its 14th year, HRTV alumni are working on a variety popular shows and networks
including ABC, NBC, MTV, and Comedy Central. Our honorary board includes Matt
Damon, Jim Cramer, Fred Barnes, and Conan O'Brien.
Sounds cool! But what can I do as a newcomer?
Basically everything - direct, write, act, use the camera, do sound and lighting,
edit, etc... There is no experience required: we'll show you how to use equipment
at our training sessions and then you can borrow the equipment whenever you
like.
Where is your studio? What's there?
We have a large studio, an editing suite, and a storage room in Pforzheimer
House at the Radcliffe Quad. We have four digital cameras, numerous Hi8's,
audio and visual equipment, a production cart for three-camera shoots, two
professional quality editing systems, and much, much more! We also have a
kitchen, huge sound-system, and bar to host HRTV exclusive parties.
Where will my work be shown?
For the first time in our history, all student productions and clips will
be featured online where friends, family, potential employers, and strangers
from around the world can check out your work! Because of the lack of cable
television on campus, we have found quite a niche on the web, which is the
future of all TV. We also have screenings in Loker Commons, House common rooms,
and at festivals.
What shows are there?
This year, we will run at least four regular programs: Ivory Tower, Harvard
Hookups, HRTV News, a news magazine, Wild-On-Harvard, and Music Videos. But
it's super-easy to start your own show if you want to do something else.
Is there a comp?
Yes, but it's a helpful one. 1) Members are expected to attend the training
session before using equipment. We'll give teach you the basics about our
production equipment (cameras, etc.) and how to edit. You can work on a show
as you are completing the comp.
So I get access to thousands of dollars of video equipment, and get
to run my own TV show, which will be shown all over the world?
Yes .
I want to join a current show! How do I do that?
Send an email to the executive producer, who will let you know when the show
will meet, and once the show meets, he or she will tell you about what you
can do for that show.
I want to start my own show or shoot my own film! How do I do that?
First, give us a brief description of the show concept and who, if anyone,
will be working with you (email hrtv@hcs.harvard.edu). You're welcome to film
alone, with a group of friends, or even an expanded crew of writers, actors,
cameramen, and editors. We put the finished product on the web. To become
an HRTV Assistant Producer, all you need to do is submit two pieces of no
longer than 2 minutes. Pretty easy, huh? HRTV Producers must complete four
pieces and a 30 second trailer for a club or event. HRTV Executive Producers
will be elected to the board after completing six short pieces and one longer
piece. Unlike writing yet another story for the Crimson, making a TV show
with a bunch of your friends and a hot star is fun. With the advance of Internet
broadcasting, now is a great time to start your own show! Who knows who will
watch it?
What's the executive board? When are elections?
The executive board consists of several elected officers (president, vice
president, secretary, etc.) as well as the executive producers of each show.
The board meets at 7 pm in Sever Hall's conference room on the fourth floor;
meetings are open to all HRTV members. The next elections will take place
in January.