Nasir Anthony Montalvo

Portfolio

Portfolio

,

Hands-On Training with Analog Video (HOT-AV) Program | Bay Area Video Coalition (BAVC)

Learn more about the HOT-AV Program >

Grant
Training Program
2024 – 2025

In 2024, I was selected to participate in the Hands-On Training with Analog Video (HOT-AV) Program, an intensive preservation education initiative led by the Bay Area Video Coalition (BAVC). The program provides emerging and community-rooted archivists with practical experience in caring for aging and at-risk analog audiovisual materials.

As part of the program, I was shipped two professional-grade analog video preservation kits and completed training that included:

  • Cleaning and caring for analog decks and playback equipment
  • Understanding signal flow and machine calibration
  • Reading and interpreting waveform monitors and vectorscopes
  • Identifying and diagnosing tape errors through live signal monitoring
  • Best practices for safe playback, transfer, and preservation workflows

Following my training, I facilitated a 6-week group course and trained five other participants, sharing preservation fundamentals, troubleshooting practices, and hands-on maintenance techniques.

I was awarded a grant for my participation and contributions to the cohort.

One of the earlier sessions in the course, where I learned to disassemble a VHS player and clean it.
A gif of me analyzing an old Garfield movie for video errors.
During one of the courses I led; training others how to disassemble and reassemble a VHS tape.

It’s essential for media makers and preservationists to reflect or have experience with the stories, cultures and artistic practices that they are engaged with.

BAVC Website