This week, Paul Holtz’ Class on Demand will release two must-have training DVDs, bringing to 103 the number of different software and hardware tutorials COD has produced since 2003.
Last year the Hoffman Estates-based company, virtually anonymous locally but recognized globally, shipped 75,000 DVDs that enable creative professionals to stay abreast of the ever-changing technology within their field.
“We call in the top experts in each field from all over the world to demonstrate how the pros use the technology to make a living,” said Holtz, who founded Christie Video Communications in 1984.
He casually started Class on Demand 10 years ago while personally training professionals for the Pinnacle Alladin and GeniePlus as an adjunct to his production business?”before people took training seriously”?to keep up with new and constant-evolving technology.
“The Alladin training was so successful that People kept asking me if we had training on other popular software and hardware. And after saying ?no’ three or four times, I saw an opportunity there,” Holtz recalled.
By 2003 when it became obvious the tail was now wagging the dog, Holtz focused exclusively on technology training and closed Christie.
Class on Demand tutorials are sold as bundles with the software and hardware products from 20 major manufacturers with whom the company has strategic partnerships, and through dealers and its web catalog.
Prices run from $40 to $150 for 2-to-10 hour tutorials. Fifteen to 20 new titles are produced each year to keep pace with new or updated technology.
Some 50 experts under contract come to tape at COD’s studio
