In 1993 the Freer Gallery of Art began researching production scenarios for the execution of a prototype visitor orientation program. At that time we were complete novices with interactive technology. Now, in the fall of 1995, by a series of incremental (and by no means entirely premeditated) steps, we are viable multimedia authors. We are able to accurately evaluate, plan and budget proposals and we can demonstrate credible expertise to potential hnding sources. We accomplished this by abandoning commercial multimedia production values and committing to a relatively miniscule investment of museum time and money. It is hoped that this account of our development from helpless novices to capable producers will be helphl to other small museums who are considering new technology ventures.