Denise Caldwell and Dave Glanz
The team behind TV411: The Local Connection!

Early in 1999, Denise Caldwell, the Literacy AmeriCorps Pittsburgh Program Manager, approached KEYS Service Corps member Dave Glanz about producing a series of videos based loosely on the Adult Literacy Media Alliance's "TV411." She described the series as a "Sesame Street for adults," and suggested "giving the new series a local spin." Mr. Glanz signed on, as a 1999-2000 Literacy AmeriCorps member, and thus, TV411 The Local Connection was born!

Originally intended to be a series of educational videos for local adult learners and teachers, time constraints and lack of available help (Glanz was a one man crew, acting as videographer, sound-man, editor, graphic designer, and coordinator) led to the end result, two half hour documentaries in a variety-show format. Episode One would become a local literacy guide for new students, ESL (English as a Second Language) learners, and volunteer tutors. Episode Two would end up highlighting community support centers and emphasizing the value of family literacy.

To produce the series, Mr. Glanz used a Sony Hi-8 Camcorder, with the assistance of various microphones borrowed from Pittsburgh's number one facility for filmmakers, Pittsburgh Filmmakers. P.F. has been around for a couple decades, serving independent producers with a facility in the North Oakland section of Allegheny County. TV411 L.C. was also edited at P.F., on Super VHS tape (transfered from the Hi-8 format). Mr. Glanz shot a total of 13 hours of footage, which was cut down to two 25 minute episodes. The series began shooting in October of 1999, and wrapped up in May of 2000.

The TV411 L.C. web site, based on the program began production in mid June of 2000, and will continue until the end of August, 2000.