San Anto Video Catalogue

To view the catalogue of completed videos available for sale through the San Anto Cultural Arts Video Oral History and Documentary Program, click on the titles to the left under the Video Project Category section. All videos are $10 plus shipping. To order videos, please email Edward Schelsinger at eschlesinger@sananto.org, or call us at 210-226-7466.

These videos are great for presentations, research, gifts, and to include as part of a cirriculum.

About Video Project

The aim of the Video Oral History and Documentary Program is to teach film and video production skills through the production of oral histories and documentary programs focusing on the history, culture and community of San Antonio, specifically the Westside community surrounding San Anto Cultural Arts. Falling under this umbrella is the documentation of the work of SACA itself: events such as Mural Blessings and the Huevos Rancheros Gala, the work of the El Placazo and Mural Programs, documenting the creation of murals, the work of SACA students, and special community projects such as the Cassiano Homes Foto Exhibition.

Film and video production is a skill primarily acquired through “on the job training”, supplemented with solid education in theory and equipment-specific training. Program members (students) obtain experience through working on the following types of projects: Documentaries, Oral Histories and SACA Events & Programs.

Documentaries

Documentary programs are developed and produced no differently from any independent or commercial production. San Anto Cultural Arts acts as a de facto production company, providing equipment, facilities and production supervision. The project coordinator acts as an extended production manager, developing the program with the student, assisting with the logistical aspects of production and overseeing the post-production process. Students bring a documentary idea to the coordinator and develop that idea into a working script. Part of that development process involves fitting the student’s idea into an achievable goal. The coordinator teaches the student to break the script down into a production plan: interviews, location work, archival/rostrum material, music, titles. The coordinator trains the student in the operation of the camera, sound and lighting equipment. The student is responsible for arranging the logistics of the production: interviews, transport, location material. The coordinator can assist the student by acting as a liaison with bodies that can provide assistance to the student. For example, contacting a local film commission to provide assistance to that student while on location. The coordinator can also assist the student by matching production crew with the needs of the project. Where a lack of crew is a problem, the coordinator can step in an act as crew member, assisting with positions such as lighting and sound, while allowing the student to gain the primary experience of conducting the interview. At the completion of filming, the coordinator reviews the tapes with the student and instructs the student in tape logging procedures. The student develops a post-production script for use during editing. Depending on the level of experience of the student with editing equipment, the coordinator teaches the use and operation of the editing software (Final Cut Express). This includes: capturing material, basic editing and transitions, creating titles and output to videotape. Upon completion of the program, the coordinator arranges for suitable duplication, distribution and public screenings of the program. The coordinator is also responsible for seeing that all applicable licenses and permissions have been obtained for the program.

Oral Histories

Oral Histories are developed through goals set by the San Anto staff and directors, and by meeting needs of the public, for example when a member of the public puts forward a request or idea for an oral history, or when an event presents an opportunity to conduct an interview with someone to whom there is limited access to. The coordinator is responsible for selecting the following crew: a director to research the subject and conduct the interview, a camera operator to record the interview, a sound recordist to record quality sound, and an editor to edit the material into a presentable format. Similar to the distribution of a documentary program, the coordinator is responsible for duplication, distribution, public screenings, and for confirming that all applicable licenses and permissions have been obtained. Oral Histories previously recorded into archival formats (8mm, VHS) can be restored to a presentation status. The conduct of an oral history follows generally accepted principals for the presentation of oral history material: The subject should be asked well researched questions, allowed to speak at length without interruption, be kept on subject and documented with the highest technical standards available. The coordinator trains director of an oral history through the presentation of previously produced oral history and the development of well thought-out questions.

If you would like to becme involved wih the Video Oral and Documentary Program at San Anto Cultural Arts, please contact the Video Program Coordinator, Edward Schlesinger at 226-7466 / eschlesinger@sananto.org.