Member Profile:
Marcos Costa

Written by Eleanor Pye

An active member for more than six years, Marcos Costa is one of SCAT's hidden gems. Although he himself is never seen in front of the camera, many of Marcos' productions are regular staples in the SCAT broadcasting schedule. That would make him one of the most popular unknowns in the local community.

A native of Brazil, Marcos moved from South America to Somerville eleven years ago. He had his own video equipment, but wanted to become more proficient and professional with how he chose to videotape the world. Marcos' first exposure to public access began at CCTV in Cambridge when Marcos responded to an ad looking for help on a Portuguese show. While actively volunteering at CCTV, Marcos learned through his church that SCAT offered the same services but was right in his hometown of Somerville. To Cambridge's dismay, but our gain, Marcos quickly signed up as a member of SCAT in the Winter of 1992.

However, looking back, Marcos' church may have had alternative motives! "Three, four months after I joined, I went through all the classes," Marcos explains, "and then my pastor asked me to take care of all the equipment for my church." Marcos soon took over the video production of the church services at the Assembly of God on Washington Street. An incredibly active church with a membership of about 1000 people, Marcos oversees the coverage of three weekly services at the church as well as organizes the equipment reservation and cablecast schedules through SCAT.

But his contributions do not end there. Every Saturday, Marcos works with a group of young people from his church to produce two more programs. It's enough to fluster even Marcos sometimes. "I have two shows here--No, now I have three", he says with a laugh, "On Saturdays, I finish one, (then) start another one--live." The live hour-long program, Joven Cristao, features topics ranging from gospel music to discussing upcoming church events. Immediately following that show is a 30-minute live call-in program entitled, Voz do Evangelio.

Feedback from the shows have been very positive, even though Marcos never hears it first-hand. The programs' hosts are recognized and stopped regularly in the market or on the street. "It's very exciting to hear news (from the hosts about the show)", Marcos says, "because I never hear anything because I never show myself on TV." The programs' popularity are evident also in the weekly church attendance. "People come to the church to see what's going on," Marcos explains.

So, the next time you're in SCAT on a Saturday, say "Hi" to Marcos Costa. He is a great example of a successful community producer. Not sure what he looks like? Don't worry. He's the one with the biggest smile!

Somerville Community Access Television
90 Union Square, Somerville, MA 02143
Phone: 617-628-8826 | Fax: 617-628-1811
Email: info@access-scat.org
(Need Directions?  Click HERE.)