Digital Cinema Program
Welcome to the Wonderful World of WKTV. Now with Cinema Production Gear at your disposal. For film makers creating content with narrative film, documentarians and short film makers you've come to the right place! WKTV is a community media center with a commitment that community media also means narrative and documentary story telling. We back that commitment up by providing access to cinema pre-production, production and post production gear and services here in our facility.
In fact, we think you'll find that WKTV in Wyoming and Kentwood provides facilities and gear for film makers that you simply won't find anywhere else. We're proud of what we're able to offer.
Please read the following carefully. We're always happy to answer questions.
Have this information ready (for Narrative Film works only):
- The exact dates for your shoot(s).
- Your production plan. Click HERE for specifics on what WKTV requires of you in exchange for equipment.
- The date and time of your planned pick up. (Be accurate and on time.)
- The date and time of your planned return. (Be accurate and on time.)
- Exactly who will be operating the equipment, whether camera gear or grip gear and drivers (in the event of trailers).
- A realistic end date for full completion and submission of your film or documentary.
Next, swing by the media facility (probably best to make an appointment) to meet with staff so we can discuss your specific needs.
In that production meeting:
We'll just need to know the skill level of the equipment operators. This info helps us determine the level of certification needed for the following gear:
- RED Raven, Black Magic URSA Major, URSA MiniPro and URSA Minisystems (see full listing)
- Colortran Dolly and track (if applicable)
- Grip equipment (see full listing)
- Lighting (see full listing)
Booking Equipment Procedure
If you are serious about making your film or documentary, we are serious about making it happen, too.
Have this information ready:
- The exact dates for your shoot(s).
- The date and time of your planned pick up. (Be accurate and on time)
- The date and time of your planned return. (Be accurate and on time)
- Exactly who will be operating the equipment, whether camera gear, grip gear and drivers (in the event of trailers).
- A realistic end date for full completion and submission of your film or documentary.
Next, swing by the media facility (probably best to make an appointment) to meet with staff so we can discuss your specific needs.
In that production meeting:
We'll just need to know the skill level of the equipment operators. This info helps us determine the level of certification needed for the following gear:
- Black Magic URSA and MINI systems (see full listing)
- Colortran Dolly and track (if applicable)
- Grip equipment (see full listing)
- Lighting (see full listing)
Please review equipment here on the website and let us know your basic plan of what you need. You can expand or subtract based on that meeting later, but we need you to be somewhat prepared.
It's important that we have you down as certified to use WKTV production gear prior to checkout. We're really sorry, but we cannot do certifications on equipment the same day as checkout. Camera operators need to be certified on cameras and camera support, grip crews on grip and lighting, etc. You get the idea. Current skill level of these crew positions will determine how involved the certification needs to be. Trainers also evaluate your skill level based on any previous experience with you. A good experience with staff is invaluable. We enjoy training brand new crew people and we also understand that an experienced Director of Photography or Key Grip may only require an overview on the cameras/grip gear. However, because the word "experience" is subjective, we have to be able to make the final evaluation. This protects and maintains the gear for other users.
You will need to set up certification times for your crew members when you talk to a staff person.
Welcome! Your Certification Process is Complete. Now what?
Your reservation for cinema gear is now valid. You pick it up. You begin shooting your masterpiece and you're well on your way to making media!
Please Note: Large reservations of equipment with over 20 principle items can only be picked up or returned at the following times: Please plan your production schedule accordingly. Honor your scheduled time for pick up and return as we have planned staff time around it. If you're going to be late or early, you MUST call. This does not mean we can accommodate your last minute change, but we will certainly try.
Large Reservations (20 principle items or More) PICKUP/ RETURNS:
2pm - 6pm on Mondays
2pm - 8pm on Tuesdays
2pm - 8pm on Wednesdays
2pm - 8pm on Thursdays
2pm - 8pm on Fridays
(A special arrangement is required for any change in time or for Saturdays.)
A Word About General Liability Insurance on your production
What we can say is that it is a smart and wise investment. The premium might seem a pain, but if anything happens, you'll be glad you did this, so we suggest you obtain a general liability policy to protect yourself. This is especially important if you have a large shoot either in complexity or that spans several days.
Regular Vehicle Insurance
If you are using any one of the WKTV trailers to bring equipment to your location, you need to provide proof of current comprehensive coverage on the vehicle towing the trailer. This is only necessary for use of the trailers. We provide the trailers at no cost to help ensure the safe transport of equipment.
Craft Service
Whether crew is paid or not, food is always a high priority. Especially if the day is more than 5 hours. Pizza everyday for a 3 day shoot just doesn't cut it. Poor craft service can undermine a production by de-moralizing a non-paid crew. Don't risk it. You must consider food as an investment with a return in crew dedication. Trust us, it pays back better than spending craft service funds instead on some fancy gear for a fancy shot.
Broadcast on WKTV
WKTV exists to provide production facilities to the people of this area. Occasionally, people from outside the area contact us. Use of WKTV is possible, but ONLY when that producer has a proven track record of supplying WKTV with finished works for broadcast, is doing non-commercial work and perhaps most importantly is engaging the local creative community in the process.
Logo Available for Download
WKTV Digital Cinema provides digital cinema cameras, lighting and grip gear free of charge to filmmakers to help their vision become reality. It's part of our mission. We would appreciate it if you would properly credit the source for so much equipment and facilities in the credits of your film, documentary or web series.
