Class on Demand Transforms Traditional Training Techniques and Delivery Methods for the Creative Market

Technology training designed for the Creative Market

No one would argue that the proliferation of affordable postproduction technology has made it easier for a larger number of artists to participate in the story telling process… dramatically increasing the number of projects, spots, programs and films that can be output at any given time.

In the same breath, one would also heed warning that keeping up with the latest and greatest can be a daunting task in itself… maybe even sending us back a step or two on the productivity ladder.

This is where Paul Holtz and his wildly successful training company – Class on Demand – come in.  Class on Demand is a Hoffman Estates IL-based training company that delivers smart technology training options for creative professionals needing to stay abreast of the latest technology developments within their field and those young minds looking to learn the tools of the trade.

A veteran of the postproduction world himself – Paul Holtz founded his own postproduction company - Christie Video Communications (1984 – 2003). An avid believer in education, Paul saw the landscape of postproduction technology change in the late 90’s and with that change, the opportunity for a larger of number of creative artists, editors, and animators, to step into the game. An editor, compositor, and animator, with more than a decade of experience, Holtz knew that the only barrier keeping these bright talented creatives from taking a seat at the controls,  was a way to quickly learn the tool.

Class on Demand was born.
In the simplest of terms, The Class on Demand team develops self-paced training for the latest creative tools and technology. But it is much more than this.  Because Holtz and his team Led by Eric Oldham (formerly with Orbis) are all producers and editors and worked in the field – they understand how to teach the tools as well as the trade; offering an educational experience that combines technology with the art of story telling.

Here is where the key differentiator is and why creative professionals and those entering the field are going to Class on Demand…Class on Demand instructors are real-world users who understand education concepts of course, but, they are more than just an instructor. COD collaborates with the best of the best. These industry gurus work on hugely successful projects across the spectrum; corporate, 30-second spots, TV and feature films… sharing their real-world experience in every training title – adding tremendous value for the student whether they are a veteran video editor or  sophomore in highschool.  Further, delivering Class on Demand training is pure innovation itself – self paced – on a DVD-ROM and over the Web. A true “Class on Demand“  experience - learn what you need, when you need it in the environment you are most comfortable.

 

This distribution method allows Class on Demand to distribute their products globally across formats and many educational outlets. COD’s unique approach to training has also caught the eye of some technology movers and shakers… hence lending their experience and expertise to these giants. Class on Demand has special training partnerships with leading technology manufacturers such as Avid/ Pinnacle, NewTek, BorisFX, Canopus, Telestream, Sun Microsystems, Omneon, Sorenson, where as Class on Demand content is offered as part of their training curriculum.

 

Ask Paul his thoughts on educating the creative world and you will hear “I love what we do”. And it shows. In May of 2007 Class on Demand took home 2 Telly awards and a Horizon Interactive award for outstanding training video. 


Congratulations to Paul and the team at Class on Demand!

 

The following are great titles for young minds looking to learn the tools of the trade –

Basic Training for Adobe Creative Suite Production Studio: These lessons will give young students the solid foundation needed to quickly get started with the Creative Suite Production Studio. Emmy-Award winning expert, Tim Kolb, will show you the basics of using the core applications. In addition, you’ll understand how these programs will work together and save you time.  “Basic Training for Adobe Creative Suite Production Studio” sells for an MSRP of $129.95.

TELLY AND HORIZON AWARD WINNER - Basic Training for Adobe After Effects 7 contains everything users new to After Effects need to know to get up to speed quickly and easily with Adobe® After Effects® 7.  In a series of 6 lessons targeted at first-time After Effects users, you'll become comfortable with the basic functions and uses for After Effects.  “Basic Training for Adobe After Effects 7” sells for an MSRP of $99.95.

Apple Final Cut Express HD Made Easy: These lessons will give you the solid foundation needed to quickly get started with Final Cut Express HD. With nearly 4 hours of hands-on instruction, you'll be ready to edit with Final Cut Express HD regardless of your past software experience.  “Final Cut Express HD Made Easy” sells for an MSRP of $59.95.

Adobe Photoshop® CS Fast Track is a practical guide to learning Adobe® Photoshop® CS. While every user will get an overall feel for how to operate the program, this DVD focuses on the techniques videographers and TV producers need to create stunning backgrounds, lower-thirds, and titles for television. "Photoshop® CS Fast Track" sells for an MSRP of $29.95

Adobe Dreamweaver for Designers: The new Class on Demand self-paced instructional DVD provides users familiar with design concepts but new to the Adobe Dreamweaver application a step-by-step approach to building a professional web site. Class on Demand instructor Sue Jenkins is a Dreamweaver expert and industry renowned author of several Dreamweaver instructional books. “Dreamweaver for Designers” sells for an MSRP of $199.00

Apple Final Cut Pro Basics and More: Southern Sky Creative, Class on Demand, and Jerry Hofmann have teamed up to teach the basics of this editing software. In this highly informative tutorial, you will learn:  Equipment Overview; Setting Up Preferences; The Interface; Your First Edit; Audio Controls; Output To Tape.  Apple Final Cut Pro Basics and More sells for an MSRP of $59.95.

Complete Training for Avid Liquid: If you’re new to Avid Liquid, then Class on Demand’s “Complete Training for Avid Liquid” will be your indispensable guide to mastering your new software. Learn how to take advantage of Avid Liquid's powerful, integrated SD & HDV tools for editing, audio, DVD authoring and effects. Spanning across this 7 disc set, you’ll find project-focused, hands-on lessons that will elevate your understanding of Avid Liquid and help you unleash your creative vision. “Complete Training for Avid Liquid” sells for an MSRP of $129.95.

Complete Training for Avid Pinnacle Studio: These lessons will give students the solid foundation needed to quickly get started with Pinnacle Studio or Studio Plus. Learn to edit like a professional regardless of past software experience. Veteran editor and Class on Demand CEO, Paul Holtz, will be your guide in over 5 hours of information-packed lessons. “Complete Training for Avid Pinnacle Studio” sells for an MSRP of $39.95.

Complete Training for Boris Red 4.0; Endorsed by the team at Boris FX, this latest Class on Demand release is delivered by well known Boris Red effects artist and educator Steve Oakley. Steve covers a wide range of Boris Red 4.0 topics, ensuring that both students new to the program and savvy Boris Red users upgrading from an existing version are able to the maximize their learning experience. “Complete Training for Boris Red 4.0” sells for an MSRP $129.95.

 Basic Training for NewTek LightWave: Learn LightWave® from the ground up with this highly informative tutorial. Jarrod Davis teaches you the basics of the modeler and layout interfaces while guiding you through a complete animation project. “Basic Training for NewTek LightWave” sells for an MSRP of $69.95.

Introduction to Video Toaster (NewTek): Philip Nelson takes you step-by-step through all the necessary tools to quickly get you "up and editing" with Video Toaster. “Introduction to Video Toaster” sells for an MSRP $59.95.   

Complete Training for Sony Vegas: Sony Vegas® 7, packed with powerful new features, is arguably the ultimate all-in-one environment for creative professionals, can now be quickly mastered with “Complete Training for Vegas® 7” from Class on Demand. “Complete Training for Vegas® 7” will get you comfortable with your new Sony Vegas® software quickly and easily. “Complete Training for Vegas® 7” sells for an MSRP of $129.95

Windows Vista Made Easy is presented by Dan Gookin, author of “DOS for Dummies”, the world's fastest selling computer book that set in motion the “Dummies” series for Wiley publishing. Gookin puts forth a performance that not only educates but entertains Class on Demand students. A seasoned technology instructor and author, Gookin’s approach to teaching the new Vista release is both engaging and captivating. Users new to technology as well as seasoned veterans will find “Windows Vista Made Easy” the go to guide for mastering the new OS from Microsoft.  “Windows Vista Made Easy” sells for an MSRP of $39.95

 

This is just a small sample of what Class on Demand has to offer. For the full list of training products, please visit their web site at http://www.classondemand.net or call Class on Demand directly at (847) 843-9939.

 


 

 

 

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