March 31, Boothbay Region TV and Media Center (BRTV) welcomed videographer, editor and producer Lang Sheppard as the new station manager. His career includes freelance editing and camera work for the PGA tour, CBS Sports, PBS Hawaii, Women's Tennis Association and surfing competitions, among others. 

Sheppard lives in Jefferson with wife Heather, a Maine native. The couple moved to the area a few years ago from Florida after living in Hawaii for 20 years. "With COVID, a lot of freelance work was shut down," he told the Register. I wanted to take on something full time so I inquired with BRTV and they happened to be looking for a station manager." 

"I worked in community tv before and felt this position would be great for me." The first show he covered as station manager was "Open Mic @ The Opera House." Sheppard was amazed at the turnout.

Under his management, the station will cover school sports, town meetings and events including BRHS graduation, vintage boat parade, Claw Down and Fishing for Fashion. He also welcomes ideas for new shows. 

Sheppard is pleased with BRTV's state-of-the-art equipment and is excited to use it. "It's in my wheelhouse for sure. This is a great community. We have great stories and a lot of history," he added. "I'm glad we have our own channel." 

Sheppard wants to see how BRTV can be made "a little bit better." He praised the fine work done by his predecessors Cody Mitchell, Jonne Trees and Ryan Leighton.  

Mitchell serves on BRTV's board of directors with Darrell Gudroe, Trees, Eric Bertelsen and Robin Jordan. "We're extremely excited to have Lang join us," he said.

Covering an outdoor event requires manpower, Sheppard explained, so he is looking for more volunteers to help shoot, edit and appear on camera. Robert Jordan volunteers as cameraman as does Chris Armstead, who will shoot the Memorial Day parade and who shot the Y-Arts performance. 

Sheppard is looking for people interested in editing or learning how to edit. He added, "We can always use stills in video so volunteer your photography if someone is handy with video or knows photography." Those interested in volunteering can contact Sheppard at 508-9486 or studio@brctv.org 

How long does it take to edit a 30-minute show?  "Typically it can be edited in an afternoon. I like to use two or three cameras. You have to get the three cameras to match and color correct. There's a lot to it that people don't realize."

When time permits, Sheppard can also provide video production services from his company, Stunt Dog Productions.

BRTV has a license as a PEG (public education and government) media station serving Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor and Southport on Channels 7 and 1301. Sheppard said PEG stations operate all around the country. BRTV programming can also be seen online. 

Described on its website, "Boothbay Region TV inspires, educates, and facilitates video and filmmaking, not only in the Boothbay Region but across the state of Maine. Our content (includes) live and archived government, local event coverage, talk shows, short films, performances, and regional promotions."   

In 2002, BRTV formed as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Mitchell explained, "Some funding for the station is based on franchise agreements between the towns and cable companies." Additional funding is through business sponsorship of programs and private donations. 

Sheppard said he feels fortunate to become BRTV's station manager. "This is something I love to do. I feel very welcomed by the community. We're looking forward to shooting events this summer. Tell your friends and family about us."