The two main resources on campus are 1) Media Tech and Support Services (MTSS) and 2) Media Commons. Although there is some overlap of services, I recommend using MTSS for equipment checkout (free when used for class projects) and Media Commons for most other services.
- Media Tech Support Services (MTSS)
MTSS is located in Wagner Annex (use the parking lot entrance.) With a valid PSU ID, students can check out video equipment such as cameras and tripods here. Be sure to specify that you are using the equipment for class purposes when you register to avoid any charges.
The Wagner Annex also contains two high-quality video production studios for filming or editing, including access to cloth backdrops and a green screen, as well as the following software: Final Cut Pro, iMovie, iDVD, iPhoto, and Adobe Photoshop Suite.
Wagner Annex Hours: Monday – Thursday from 7:45 am to midnight
Friday from 7:45 am to 7:00 pm
- Media Commons
Media Commons Hotline 866-266-7496Media Commons has five locations; the three most useful are listed below.
- 206 Pollock offers a recording booth that is available 24 hours a day. Editing equipment is also available during the following hours:
- Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (limited tech support)
- Sunday from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm (limited tech support)
- 11 Sparks features 2 recording booths, 5 editing stations with VHS, DVD, and DV capability as well as a projection screen. Lab Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Friday and Saturday: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Sunday: noon – 11:00 pm
- Consultant Available: Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Pattee Library features the Knowledge Commons, a full production suite with easy access to Library collections. Knowledge Commons Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm (limited tech support)
You can (and should) schedule a room in advance by emailing mediacommons@psu.edu, or by calling the hotline: 866-266-7496. Drop-ins also are welcome, but labs often are occupied later in the semester.
Sources of Free and Legal Media
Many media artifacts are available for free and legal use, often under a Creative Commons License. This resource from Media Commons lists many options – scroll to the bottom of the page to see them. A few highlights listed there include:
- Free and legal photos: Flickr. To ensure that a photo is not copyrighted (all rights reserved), use the advanced search, check “only search within Creative Commons-licensed content” option, and follow the license stipulations.
- Free and legal music: Jamendo. You may not have heard of the artists, but there’s good stuff to be found if you dig a bit. You can search by genre here. This site includes a wide selection of instrumental, techno, trance, jazz, pop, guitar, electronica, ambient, etc. if you’re looking for background music.
- Free and legal sound effects: The Freesound Project.
- Free movies: Public Domain Flicks. Contains a variety of older films (mostly pre-1960).
- Free stock video clips: Sandbox (WGBH Lab)