This course introduces you to the evolution of media from analog formats to contemporary digital workflows. Through hands-on exercises and practical examples, you will explore legacy film, video and audio formats. Learn how analog media is preserved through digitization and understand the archival practices that support long-term access.

We’ll cover essential concepts including file formats, codecs, metadata, media management, storage, quality control professional deliverables. By the end, you will have a technical foundation for preserving, managing and preparing audiovisual content for archival, broadcast, streaming and exhibition.

For course support, contact ap@edmaker.co.

Online classroom includes: 

• Access to live guest speaker sessions

• Recordings of live sessions

• Resources for people just getting started with verification

• Discussion groups for peer support and connection

The series is hosted by Yvette Reyes, director of AP Learning, and Erika Yeomans, archive researcher at the Associated Press.

Live sessions start on Feb. 25, 2027. You can join live or watch recordings at your convenience.

Register now for the early bird rate of $107.48 per person. The early bird discount expires after Jan. 14, 2027. Standard rate is $160.83. For course support, contact ap@edmaker.co.

Discounts

Group discounts
Send your team to a course to learn together and receive group discounts. You’ll receive world-class instruction and high-touch customer support.

— 3 to 4 registrants: 10% off per person
— 5 to 10 registrants: 15% off per person
— 11 to 20 registrants: 20% off per person
— 21+ registrants: 25% off per person

You can access group rates at checkout.

AP member discounts
AP members may email ap@edmaker.co to request a member discount.

Program

All live sessions take place on Zoom, 2-3:15 p.m. Eastern. You can join live or watch recordings at your convenience. The online classroom includes all session recordings, asynchronous discussions and other resources.

DAY 1 – FILM AND FORMAT

Preservation, Restoration and Postproduction

Thursday, Feb. 25, 2-3:15 p.m. Eastern

Session 1: Film Preservation Fundamentals

Explore how historical films are preserved for future generations while balancing restoration, digitization and long-term conservation.

We’ll cover:

• The importance of preserving motion picture film and understanding film stocks, including 8mm, 16mm and 35mm.

• Film deterioration, restoration techniques and conservation best practices.

• Digitization strategies and examples of restored films from archival collections.

Speaker:

Session 2: Understanding Digitization and Postproduction Files

Learn how media moves from acquisition through postproduction and delivery. Understand the technical decisions that affect quality across broadcast, streaming and archival workflows.

We’ll cover:

• Legacy and digital media formats, including Beta, VHS, 16mm, 35mm and contemporary file formats.

• File formats, codecs, frame rates, resolutions, file sizes and media format conversions.

• Quality control and professional deliverables for broadcast, streaming and theatrical exhibition.

Speaker:

DAY 2 – ANALOG TO DIGITAL

Capture and Archiving 

Thursday, March 4, 2-3:15 p.m. Eastern

Session 1: Choosing Film vs. Digital

Learn how to evaluate when film or digital is the right choice for a story while understanding the workflows, processing, and practices that ensure high-quality content.

You’ll learn:

• How to determine whether a story is best suited for film or digital capture

• Creative, technical, and logistical considerations when making camera and format decisions

• How processed film is delivered to publishers in digital formats for online and print use.

Speaker:

Session 2: Archival Storage and Media Management

Discover practical methods for organizing, preserving and protecting valuable media collections using professional archival standards and best practices.

You’ll learn:

• Preserving paper records, photographs, printed materials and ephemera. 

• Organizing and managing digital records, hard drives and cloud-based files.

• Long-term storage strategies for institutional and personal media collections.

Speaker:

Questions? Email ap@edmaker.co.

Produced in partnership with Edmaker Online Learning