Building Strong Communities Through Technology Education
Member Spotlight
Name: Michael Lisowski
Member since: 1994
Program Name: The Queer Program
Did you have any production experience before joining MATA?
Nope, nada, nyet...
What skills have you gained since joining MATA?
At first I learned a lot...but doing MPACT was my choice to only do basic cable, so I have forgotten most production techniques...however, what I have retained is appreciating the diversity of MATA...even with those shows I disagree with. I also have learned that producing a show comes with responsibility...I must be careful what I say and about whom I say it...in other words...developing TV communication skills...
Tell us about the program you produce.
It is a program, one of the first to use MPACT...since October '92 (I think) ...it is a program by for about Milwaukee’s queer (gay, lesbian, bisexual & transgender) communities...see, queer is easier to say.
Who or what has been your inspiration?
I got the idea from the show when Jeffrey Dahmer in July '91 hit the news. There were stories and rumors going around about everything. I wanted to do a weekly show that could be a focal point for news and rumor control...well...MATA came along and a little over a year later, we were on...but the crisis had past...still we provided ongoing news, events and 'activist' stuff for our diverse audience.
Name of your favorite aspect of producing a program and why.
The last minute-ness of producing...I have done shows when the focus was changed on the spot due to a call, or a comment that occurred on the show.
What goals have you achieved because of MATA?
Keeping the community informed in a serious and also light-hearted way...it’s great when people come up to me in public and quietly say (since they are not openly gay) that they watch the show and are glad it is on and are regular viewers...( I always tell them to call up on the show and talk to us about what is on their mind...it's funny ...when people have the chance…they are shy or whatever...)
What would you say to someone thinking about joining MATA?
It is so easy (basically) and affordable to be able to professionally 'do your thing' on TV...I would encourage youth to find someone to assist them and do a program...they are so creative and have much to say...especially people of color and LGBT youth.
What are your goals for the future?
To be able to have the time and have more frequent guests on the show. This takes time and scheduling...(and is done on my free time). It’s amazing how 'shy?' people are about appearing on TV...especially when I have to explain the type of show we are.
What other interests and hobbies do you have?
Art, mentoring kids, motorcycling (mine is broken…I need another one...hint-hint), gardening, reading, coffee shops.
If you would like featured in the Spotlight, or know someone that would, contact me at amandas (at) matamedia (dot) org. I look forward to hearing from you!
Name: Michael Lisowski
Member since: 1994
Program Name: The Queer Program
Did you have any production experience before joining MATA?
Nope, nada, nyet...
What skills have you gained since joining MATA?
At first I learned a lot...but doing MPACT was my choice to only do basic cable, so I have forgotten most production techniques...however, what I have retained is appreciating the diversity of MATA...even with those shows I disagree with. I also have learned that producing a show comes with responsibility...I must be careful what I say and about whom I say it...in other words...developing TV communication skills...
Tell us about the program you produce.
It is a program, one of the first to use MPACT...since October '92 (I think) ...it is a program by for about Milwaukee’s queer (gay, lesbian, bisexual & transgender) communities...see, queer is easier to say.
Who or what has been your inspiration?
I got the idea from the show when Jeffrey Dahmer in July '91 hit the news. There were stories and rumors going around about everything. I wanted to do a weekly show that could be a focal point for news and rumor control...well...MATA came along and a little over a year later, we were on...but the crisis had past...still we provided ongoing news, events and 'activist' stuff for our diverse audience.
Name of your favorite aspect of producing a program and why.
The last minute-ness of producing...I have done shows when the focus was changed on the spot due to a call, or a comment that occurred on the show.
What goals have you achieved because of MATA?
Keeping the community informed in a serious and also light-hearted way...it’s great when people come up to me in public and quietly say (since they are not openly gay) that they watch the show and are glad it is on and are regular viewers...( I always tell them to call up on the show and talk to us about what is on their mind...it's funny ...when people have the chance…they are shy or whatever...)
What would you say to someone thinking about joining MATA?
It is so easy (basically) and affordable to be able to professionally 'do your thing' on TV...I would encourage youth to find someone to assist them and do a program...they are so creative and have much to say...especially people of color and LGBT youth.
What are your goals for the future?
To be able to have the time and have more frequent guests on the show. This takes time and scheduling...(and is done on my free time). It’s amazing how 'shy?' people are about appearing on TV...especially when I have to explain the type of show we are.
What other interests and hobbies do you have?
Art, mentoring kids, motorcycling (mine is broken…I need another one...hint-hint), gardening, reading, coffee shops.
If you would like featured in the Spotlight, or know someone that would, contact me at amandas (at) matamedia (dot) org. I look forward to hearing from you!
