BCAT Resources

Classes are for those that want to use BCAT equipment to produce programs to play on BCAT's cable TV channels. To register for a class, call BCAT at 952-563-4980 or email bcat@BloomingtonMN.gov. You will receive a response confirming your registration.

Orientation

The orientation is your official introduction to BCAT. You will get a complete tour of our studio and edit suites, and have the opportunity to pitch us your show idea as you get acquainted with the BCAT facility, procedures and guidelines.

• One hour
• Required for all members
• Free

Studio Production

Studio Production class gets you inside BCAT's TV studio and control room. Learn the foundational operating skills of the studio camera, studio lighting, and control room.

• Two hours
• Required to reserve the studio and control room.
• $25

Digital Video Camera

Digital Video Camera class will teach you how to use our prosumer digital camcorders. Once certified you can reserve a camera, tripod, and microphone to take offsite. The course covers basic camera angles and techniques. Combined, the applied techniques will help you get great video in the field or anytime you use a video camera.

• Two hours
• Required to reserve field video cameras and tripods.
• $25

Digital Editing

In the Digital Editing class, you will get hands on experience with professional video editing software. You will learn to edit your footage together, add transitions, and create titles!

• 2x two hour sessions
• This class is required to use BCAT edit suites.
• $50

Portable Lighting

BCAT has 3 portable lighting kits available. In this class you will learn how to set-up and operate lights for video production. You will also learn basic 3-point lighting technique.

• By request only
• Required to use portable lighting kits.
• $25

Crew Class

In Crew Class, you will learn what it takes to be a crew member in any BCAT studio production. Crews can operate studio cameras and assist with studio productions.

• By appointment only
• Required for all crew members operating BCAT equipment.
• Free

What's Playing on BCAT

Upcoming shows

Operating Hours

Our operating hours are as follows:

• Monday - Thursday, 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
• Every other Friday, 2 - 7 p.m.
• Every other Saturday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

 (Subject to change) See Google Calendar for most up to date hours.

BCAT Reservations Schedule

This calendar shows when the studio and edit suites have been reserved, and when they are available for reservation.

• Membership Application
• Sponsorship

  To air a program produced outside of Bloomington, you will need a Bloomington sponsor.

• The referenced media source is missing and needs to be re-embedded.

  This form must accompany program submissions to certify that no advertising material or other commercial programming, lottery or lottery information, obscene material, sexually explicit conduct, material soliciting or promoting unlawful conduct, or indecent, slanderous or libelous material is contained in the program.

• Series Timeslot Application

  Apply to have your show play at a specific day and time each week.

• BCAT Membership Handbook

  The BCAT Handbook is your one-stop guide to participation at BCAT.

• Rules of Operation

  Everyone who works with BCAT should take a look at the rules by which we operate.

   

Producers must fill out a Program Submission Form certifying that no advertising material or other commercial programming, lottery or lottery information, obscene material, sexually explicit conduct, material soliciting or promoting unlawful conduct, or indecent, slanderous or libelous material is contained in their program. 

The easiest way to submit your show, along with an electronic version of the Submission form, is by using the City's Filedrop link (please read Airing requirements and specifications first).

Airing requirements

BCAT accepts half-hour and one-hour programs. Half-hour programs must not exceed 28 1/2 minutes in length. One-hour programs must not exceed 58 1/2 minutes in length. If you are interested in producing a longer program, please contact BCAT at 952-563-4980.

All DVDs should have either no menu or one menu for the program, and contain 1 second of black before and after the program.

Labels

DVDs must be labeled with the program name, exact running time and the producer's name and phone number.

Digital file format specifications

• Submit your show using BCAT's Filedrop.
• Contact BCAT staff if you need assistance.

Programs produced outside Bloomington

Sponsorship is required for programming created by non-Bloomington residents. To air your program on BCAT Channel 16, please list a sponsor who is a:

1. Resident of Bloomington;
2. Employee working in Bloomington;
3. Member of a Bloomington based organization; or
4. Student attending a Bloomington school.

• Visit the BCAT Forms page to download the Sponsorship form.

Click the link below to submit community information to our digital bulletin board. *Note: Commercial advertising is not allowed.

BCAT Bulletin Board Submission Form

More to come in 2026!

Stay tuned...

Visit RueShare to log in to the BCAT members area. 

If you haven't created an account, you can request access by filling out the registration form. Your request will be reviewed by BCAT staff.