Ever wondered what it would be like to be part of a real TV talk-show production?
SCHEDULE A VISIT! (No cost. No commitment)
Our Ventura TV produces local television programs featuring people, organizations, and stories from Ventura County and the surrounding area.
Behind every program is an all-volunteer team making it happen—operating cameras, handling audio, directing the production, hosting programs, assisting with administration, and helping prepare the shows for broadcast and online viewing.
You don’t have to be a television professional to be part of the team.
Training is provided, and you can start by simply visiting, observing, asking questions and finding out whether it’s right for you.
Start with a Volunteer Preview
You don’t have to make a commitment just because you’re interested.
Schedule a Volunteer Preview Visit below and come to the studio while one of our regular TV talk shows is being recorded.
You’ll be able to:
- Watch an actual production from behind the scenes
- See what our volunteers do
- Meet some of the people who make the programs
- Ask questions
- Get a feel for the atmosphere and the work involved
- Later on, decide for yourself whether you’d like to become involved
There’s no cost and no obligation.
Think of it as a chance to see what volunteering with Our Ventura TV is really like before deciding whether you want to give it a try.
What Could You Do?
There are many ways to volunteer, depending on your interests and abilities.
3-Camera Studio Production
Help create the programs while they are being recorded.
- Camera operation
- Audio
- Lighting
- Set photography
- Control-room camera switching
- Floor management
- Assistant Director responsibilities
On-Camera Hosting
If you’re comfortable communicating with people and don’t mind being in the limelight, there may be an opportunity to audition as a host/interviewer.
Hosts schedule their own guests — subject to approval by the Producer — but after gaining experience, may be requested to also interview additional guests on topics that fit their personal preference.
Creative Support
Help programs get ready for broadcast and online viewing on your own time and at home.
- Video editing
- Graphics
- Program preparation
- Online video management
- Social media and promotion
Administration & Organization
Not everyone wants to work in the studio. There are also opportunities to help with the many additional tasks that keep a community television series running.
- Scheduling
- Program coordination
- Administrative assistance
- Community outreach
- Publicity and Public Relations
You don’t need to know which role is right for you before you visit. That’s part of what the ‘Volunteer Preview’ visit is all about.
No Television Experience? That’s Okay.
Our Ventura TV is an all-volunteer community television operation. Volunteers come with different backgrounds, interests, and levels of experience.
Some may already have experience in broadcasting or video production. Others may have none.
Training is provided.
You can start with the basics, learn by working alongside experienced volunteers, and gradually take on more responsibility as your skills and interests develop.
Why Volunteer?
People get involved with Our Ventura TV for different reasons.
- Some enjoy learning new skills.
- Some are interested in television and video production.
- Some enjoy meeting interesting people.
- Some like being part of a positive team.
- Others simply want to contribute to their community.
You might discover that community television production is something you didn’t know you were looking for.
And you don’t have to know specifically what you want to do before you visit.
Come see what we do. Ask questions. Then decide.
Where’s the TV Studio?
Studio productions are recorded at:
CAPS MEDIA CENTER
52 Day Rd.
Ventura, CA. 93003
(Next to Ventura College)
NOTE: Our Ventura TV is an award-winning, independent cable TV, video and web series. We have a wonderful association with CAPS staff (who manage the studio and TV broadcasting operations), but we are a completely independent, all-volunteer production association. So any questions about Our Ventura TV are best answered by directing them via the “Contact” form on the Our Ventura website or when you come in for a visit.
What’s the Time Commitment?
In-studio productions are held on the first Wednesday afternoon of every other month. (Six productions per year.) Each production date includes six recorded segments in one afternoon.
NOTE: In the past, we used to record on the first Wednesday of every month (12 productions per year). Since the pandemic, we started recording talk show segments on Zoom, and we still do that. But it’s possible that in the future we ‘may’ return to productions on the first Wednesday of every month again.
There are also 30-minute coordination meetings once a month via Zoom. (10:00am on the first Wednesday morning of each month).
Of course, life and other responsibilities may require that you skip certain productions and meetings. Just send an email in advance so you won’t be expected.
Can I Volunteer from Home?
YES!
Although a team of personnel are needed in the studio for each production date, the above-mentioned Creative Support, Administration and Organization roles can be done at home, on your own schedule. (Although it’s still a good idea to visit a studio production at least once to gain some first-hand insights into on-set operations).
What Is Our Ventura TV?
Our Ventura TV is a community television organization serving Ventura County and the surrounding area.
Our specialty is local talk-show programming, giving community members an opportunity to share their experiences, knowledge, activities, and perspectives with a local audience.
Our programs are broadcast on local cable channel 6 TV, as well as via online and social media channels, allowing community stories to reach audiences beyond the television broadcast.
Our work is made possible by the people who contribute their time, skills, ideas, and enthusiasm.
A Unique ‘Volunteer Preview’ Experience
You’ll be observing actual television productions as they are being recorded for broadcast and online distribution.
You’ll see cameras rolling, hosts interviewing guests, technical crews working behind the scenes, and a program taking shape in real time.
If your visit ignites a personal passion, you won’t be the first!
Or you may decide that this kind of volunteering isn’t for you.
Either way, a ‘Volunteer Preview’ visit lets you find out without making a commitment.
Invitation from the Founder/Producer: George Alger
“Our Ventura TV has always been about giving people in our community an opportunity to tell their stories and connect with one another. That takes more than cameras and equipment—it takes people who are willing to be part of making it happen. If you’ve ever wondered whether community television might be something you’d enjoy, I invite you to come see it for yourself.”
Invitation from the Director: Michelle Hoover
“Come to the studio, watch some shows being recorded, and see what happens behind the cameras. Meet the crew, ask questions and get a feel for whether you’d enjoy being part of the team. Everyone is friendly, welcoming and supportive. There’s no cost and no commitment—just an opportunity to see if OVTV is a good fit for you.”
Thinking about Volunteering?
Start with a ‘Volunteer Preview’ visit.
Schedule a visit to observe real Our Ventura TV productions while they are being recorded.
- No experience required.
- No cost.
- No commitment necessary.
Come watch. Meet the people. Ask questions. See what it’s like.
Then decide if it’s right for you.
Shoot us a message to get the ball rolling. You’ll usually hear back within one business day to work out scheduling. Here’s what to expect.
- The day/time to arrive
- How you’ll get a (free) parking pass
- Who will greet you and show you around
- Meet some of the crew and hosts.
- Ask questions
- Have a seat and watch the productions
- Late on, decide if you want to help out
As a visitor, you are welcome to stay as long, or as little, as you wish. However, once a recording has started, you’ll need to sit quietly until each specific recording is completed so as not to distract or interrupt the production. Each studio recording is about 15 minutes long.
There’s a lot of action between each segment, as new guests and hosts take their places and are readied for recording, so your best opportunities for questions are at the beginning and/or end of the afternoon.
[FORM TO SCHEDULE A VOLUNTEER PREVIEW]
‘Volunteer Preview’ visits are intended for people who are sincerely considering becoming involved with Our Ventura TV.