Scribe Video Center is a community oriented non-profit that focuses on training individuals how to produce video. There are classes, workshops, equipment for rent, screenings, competitions, and much more. In comparison to so many other non-profits, their website is informative, up-to-date, and designed well. In my opinion, they have a lot of resources to teach students who are just beginning and provide an EXCELLENT learning environment. Once you become a mid-level producer, there is equipment that you may desire to rent for your own independent projects as well as some very interesting workshops. I did a workshop on how to do time lapse video using still frame images from a digital SLR camera. However, I'm only giving it three stars because my workshop was not well prepared. There were no materials handed out and everything that was discussed in the three hours could have been said in 30 minutes followed by a demonstration and a handout to take home. I'm sure that not all workshops are like this, but it was not a good introduction when the artist was well known for this technique. Plus, after looking in the production studios, their computers were older model Power Mac G4 towers and they lend Sony VX1000 video cameras (that model came out in 1997 as the first prosumer MiniDV camera). I will mention that they have a few new HDV cameras, but those are in limited supply. It is noteworthy to mention they have 16mm cameras, but then it is up to you to develop it and convert it to digital. At present they are starting to experiment with HD and I'm sure that much of their equipment will be changing over the next few years to accommodate this new work flow. In short, if you're just getting into video, this is the place you want to be. They can give you a community of artists and a working environment that is conducive to learning and project opportunities. However, coming at it as a higher level video producer, the opportunities available may not be anything that you're looking for. They're located on Chestnut Street in West Philadelphia. Take the 21 bus west and then walk one block north to 42nd and Chestnut. Or take the Market Frankford line to 40th and Market stop. read more

I just attended a workshop and screening at Scribe and I think I have found my creative tribe. The workshop was a master class in documentary video production with a top editor from California. I had also seen the film she presented. Gifted instructors and filmmakers concerned about aesthetics, politics, audiences and justice - what a combination! I love the social consciousness and the focus on the craft of filmmaking. Scribe just moved to a beautifully renovated new location. I will be back! read more

I second George R's praise and caveats. I actually made a special trip from NYC to take a workshop with a teacher who, like the one he describes, was poorly prepared and could have presented the minimally useful information provided in about 30 minutes. This place has such an important mission, and that is all the more reason that it should be doing a much better job to serve its diverse clientele. One of the most distressing aspects of the workshop was that, in a context where bias is of course key to avoid, the teacher of my workshop actually picked on several students whom she appeared to think were more privileged, absurdly denigrating every contribution they made-- while other participants were lavishly praised no matter what they offered or presented. She was wrong about the imputed "privilege" in at least two of the cases. Regardless, though, it's obviously terribly destructive, and unethical, to engage in bias of any kind, especially in this type of setting. I wasn't the target of the negative projections myself, but it damages everyone in a workshop when people are treated like this. It also damages the culture and ethics of the organization. Speaking of which, a "monitor" from Scribe was present, presumably to "assist" with technical matters. He was unfriendly and indifferent in manner; at times he seemed downright hostile. Contributors and beneficiaries of Scribe should hold them accountable for providing good quality, bias-free workshops. WHAT SCRIBE IS TRYING TO DO REALLY MATTERS. read more