week one
During the first week we were divided into small groups and from these small groups we each assigned our self a role i choose technical manager. I worked along our post-production manager to make sure that our VT were film able. Also we discovered which round we would be making for the live show, ours was the music round.
Week two
The second week was more productive I helped film the VT inserts for the music round and I even starred in some of the videos. I set up the editing software in the right format and assisted where I could. Also this week we as a group came up with a good set idea which we called culture city.
Week three
During week three i found myself with nothing to do alot of the time so I asked the set designers if i could help paint the set, they agreed. I painted the sky on all of the flats and helped create the rope bridge on the main set piece. Later that week I painted the lights in the building for the set to make it seem more realistic as a cityscape in Silhouette.
Week four
This week we finished off the flats and began rehearsals using the last groups script. We each rotated at different roles within the studio, this was really fun as it gave us the chance to have ago lots of different roles. I started on camera and found it really easy to get the hang off. I then asked if I could direct because its something i really like doing and I hope to become a director after i leave college. This proved very fun and I really enjoyed having a go at directing.
Week five
This week we spent everyday doing rehearsals, I got to have a go at vision mixing and sound operating. Both roles I enjoyed and found no difficulty performing but I still wanted to direct during the live event as directing I enjoyed the most. Mid-week i had ago at DVD operating but found it tricky to do and messed up a few times during rehearsals. We finally found out which role we be doing in the live show and I was picked to operate the camera one and three. I was very disappointed not to be picked to direct the quiz show but I didn't complain because I knew the show had to go on and complaining that I didn't get the job role I wanted wouldn't help make a good show and it might of meant that my classmates would think differently before picking me to direct next time. We filmed the quiz show live at the end of the week, I did my job well and was praised for my good camera work i felt happy that they liked my effects but I still felt down about not directing the show.
I also asked Stuart Hilpert if I could use some of his pictures on my blog as his hand writing was neater than mine and also because he had pictures of our set.
Monday 8 February 2010
Sunday 7 February 2010
What we learned from Techical rehearsals
From these technical rehearsals we learned that our buzzers sounded too similar and we had to find a replacement for one of the buzzers. we argreed to instead to have a dog toy ball that made a squeaky noise, and a bell. Another problem we discovered was that our VT weren't in the right place on the DVD and this meant we had to edit our script and running order.
However we also found that the technical rehearsals helped us improve all our skills at framing and changing from camera shots, it also help us get sound levels just right and when to cut from the VT inserts back to the studio which improved how well did in the LIVE shoot.
However we also found that the technical rehearsals helped us improve all our skills at framing and changing from camera shots, it also help us get sound levels just right and when to cut from the VT inserts back to the studio which improved how well did in the LIVE shoot.
Rehearsal and recording practice
Before we recorded our quiz show as we did a few rehearsals. for these rehearsals we each took it turns to be guests and we run through how the show would work.
It was important to do these rehearsals to work out if we had techincal problems or anything wrong with our questions like them being too easy or if it was going to be possible to have buzzers in our quiz show.
Recording practice allowed us to pull together as a group as well, giving us more comfindance that our show would work.
It was important to do these rehearsals to work out if we had techincal problems or anything wrong with our questions like them being too easy or if it was going to be possible to have buzzers in our quiz show.
Recording practice allowed us to pull together as a group as well, giving us more comfindance that our show would work.
Scripts
The script is most important thing for the quiz show it contains techincal information for the director and DVD operators to look at, as well as the dialogue of the host and information about vision and audio inserts lengths for the Sound, DVD operators and for the assistant director to keep track off on behalf of the director.
The script also mention which camera shots will be used for opening of the show, as well as listing all the AD LIB shots the director is looking for in the rest of of show. the layout of a TV script is that all audio used reguardless or wither its from the host/guests or from VT inserts always goes on the right hand side of the script. And all vision information goes on the left of the page, this is because it makes the script easier to read for director, assistant director, floor manager and DVD operator. When ever the director calls cut it means that vision mixer cuts to that camera as listed in the script. If its a VT insert that the director has to play next in the script he calls roll VT instead.
below is our example of a TV quiz show script.
The script also mention which camera shots will be used for opening of the show, as well as listing all the AD LIB shots the director is looking for in the rest of of show. the layout of a TV script is that all audio used reguardless or wither its from the host/guests or from VT inserts always goes on the right hand side of the script. And all vision information goes on the left of the page, this is because it makes the script easier to read for director, assistant director, floor manager and DVD operator. When ever the director calls cut it means that vision mixer cuts to that camera as listed in the script. If its a VT insert that the director has to play next in the script he calls roll VT instead.
below is our example of a TV quiz show script.
Planning and lighting the set
We went about plaining the lighting by placing the set in the studio and using five people around it to represent our four guests and host. We discovered that the best way to light the set and our host/guests was to use 3 point lighting.
3 point lighting is when you have a key light that tends to be a powerful spot light (tungsten light) aimed at your subject, this creates a shodow down one side to counter this you have fill light facing the other side of the subject (cool lights). After you lit the subject add another spot light (tungsten light) behind the subject to bring the subject out from the background, this sometimes creates a halo effect on the top of their heads if the subject is a person, however this fine because brings them out from background which looks better on camera.
3 point lighting is when you have a key light that tends to be a powerful spot light (tungsten light) aimed at your subject, this creates a shodow down one side to counter this you have fill light facing the other side of the subject (cool lights). After you lit the subject add another spot light (tungsten light) behind the subject to bring the subject out from the background, this sometimes creates a halo effect on the top of their heads if the subject is a person, however this fine because brings them out from background which looks better on camera.
Planning and designing a set
We as group were very indecisive about how to design our set, we each split into smaller groups and came up with ideas. In each group we had a set designer who would draw up our ideas, hhowever each of us came up with drawings which we handed to the set designer. The set designer then got to gether with the other set designers and came up with a final idea.
The final idea was called Culture City. The design was to paint a city scape onto the flats (wood boards) and connect them together to create our set. the colours we used were greys, blacks, purples and dark blues to make it seem that it was nightime in the city. We also added additional colour in the form of bright yellow and orange to represent the lights from the buildings, however we only did this for two of the flats to create depth in the set and make it seem that some buidings are further away than they really are.
The final idea was called Culture City. The design was to paint a city scape onto the flats (wood boards) and connect them together to create our set. the colours we used were greys, blacks, purples and dark blues to make it seem that it was nightime in the city. We also added additional colour in the form of bright yellow and orange to represent the lights from the buildings, however we only did this for two of the flats to create depth in the set and make it seem that some buidings are further away than they really are.
Talk backs and their use
Talk backs are used by the camera crew, DVD operator.
The DVD operator uses the talk backs to tell the director that the inserts are ready to played from the DVD once the director is ready.
The camera operator's use the talk backs to report any technical problems or suggest shots to the director.
No one should use the talk back unless it is really needed because the director needs to be able call out shots to each of camera operators, the DVD operator should wait for a moment when the director is quite before saying DVD ready to allow the director time to think and ensure that they cut to DVD ready only when its ready. Camera operators should press the talk back button and then wait for the director to talk to them as the director might be in the middle of picking shots and too busy to answer the camera operator, so its just more polite and professional to allow the director to talk first.
The DVD operator uses the talk backs to tell the director that the inserts are ready to played from the DVD once the director is ready.
The camera operator's use the talk backs to report any technical problems or suggest shots to the director.
No one should use the talk back unless it is really needed because the director needs to be able call out shots to each of camera operators, the DVD operator should wait for a moment when the director is quite before saying DVD ready to allow the director time to think and ensure that they cut to DVD ready only when its ready. Camera operators should press the talk back button and then wait for the director to talk to them as the director might be in the middle of picking shots and too busy to answer the camera operator, so its just more polite and professional to allow the director to talk first.
Planning audio coverage
We plan to have all the guests connected to wireless radio microphones that the sound operators could control via the sound mixing desk and adjust as the guests raise and lower their tone of voice.
We also want to connect a radio a microphone to the host also.
As well as radio microphones their will be another two microphones hanging off the grid to pick up audience applause and cheers. All the camera crew will on be headsets (cans)connected already to the cameras. the floor manager will have a wireless radio headset so that they can move about freely and still convey insruction given from the director to the guests and host.
The director and DVD/Sound operator will have access to a monitior where they can talk back to the camera crew or where DVD/Sound operator can talk back to the director and floor manager.
We also want to connect a radio a microphone to the host also.
As well as radio microphones their will be another two microphones hanging off the grid to pick up audience applause and cheers. All the camera crew will on be headsets (cans)connected already to the cameras. the floor manager will have a wireless radio headset so that they can move about freely and still convey insruction given from the director to the guests and host.
The director and DVD/Sound operator will have access to a monitior where they can talk back to the camera crew or where DVD/Sound operator can talk back to the director and floor manager.
Planning camera placement and shots
As stated on the floor plans post, we will have cameras 1 and 3 performing mirrored images both getting over the sholder shots and two shots, along with over the sholder two shots and clean medium close up single shots of the guests.
Camera 4 will be using the jib arm to create interesting wide shots and camera 2 will be looking for medium close ups of the host and 3 shots of the host with either A and B or C and D.
All camera have the option of moving the PED or CRABING left or right camera 1 and 3 can TRACK in or out if they needed.
Camera 4 will be using the jib arm to create interesting wide shots and camera 2 will be looking for medium close ups of the host and 3 shots of the host with either A and B or C and D.
All camera have the option of moving the PED or CRABING left or right camera 1 and 3 can TRACK in or out if they needed.
Floor Plans and techical information
Camera one and Camera three will be getting over the sholder single and two shots of either guest A & B or guests C & D. These camera will also be looking for clean two shots and clean singles.
Camera two will be getting clean medium close ups of the host and three shots of either the host and A&B or host with C&D.
Camera four will be looking for interesting use of the Jig arm for wide shots and five shots.
Further techincal information below this time more clear and easier to read:
Programme Rundowns
The programme rundown is basicually a running order for the show, its alot like script as it contains all the a list of all the VT inserts as well as the lengths of each insert and when that insert is played in the show.
The reason we have scripts and running orders is so both the director and the DVD operator know when to cut to a VT insert and know eactly which insert will play for that part of the show.
The reason we have scripts and running orders is so both the director and the DVD operator know when to cut to a VT insert and know eactly which insert will play for that part of the show.
Directing and Director calls
The director uses the floor manager to direct the guests and the host on his behalf while he focus on the camera crew. The director speaks to each camera operator one at a time and asks for them to come up with shots and he checks wither they look good via the vision mixing control desk. the director may also step onto the studio floor and further director everyone but usually lets the floor manager worry about that job.
While talking to the camera operators the director might ask them to perform either a PED, a crab or tracking.
crab - this call is made by the director to the camera operators and means that he wants them to move either left or right, e.g. crab left (move left)
PED- this call is again made by the director and this means that he wants the camera operator to move the shot either up or down e.g. PED UP (move the camera up)
tracking- this call is made the director to the camera operator and means that he wants them to either move towards the guests/ host or object or move away from them e.g. tracking in (move towards them)
Another director call is roll VT this means that both the DVD operator and the Vision mixer know its come to run the DVD player and play the VT insert, the vision mixer should wait a second after hearing this instruction before cutting to the DVD player to allow the DVD operator time to press play on the DVD player.
While talking to the camera operators the director might ask them to perform either a PED, a crab or tracking.
crab - this call is made by the director to the camera operators and means that he wants them to move either left or right, e.g. crab left (move left)
PED- this call is again made by the director and this means that he wants the camera operator to move the shot either up or down e.g. PED UP (move the camera up)
tracking- this call is made the director to the camera operator and means that he wants them to either move towards the guests/ host or object or move away from them e.g. tracking in (move towards them)
Another director call is roll VT this means that both the DVD operator and the Vision mixer know its come to run the DVD player and play the VT insert, the vision mixer should wait a second after hearing this instruction before cutting to the DVD player to allow the DVD operator time to press play on the DVD player.
DVD and inserts
Operating the DVD is the most crucial part of the quiz show, as it contains all the VT inserts and opening and ending credits along with any stings for the question titles that we made for our quiz show. The DVD operator has to make they play the right insert at the right time for that part of the show that the insert is required.
When making inserts they should all be same screen ratio 16:9 and all the same file type PAL. Another thing to remember is when making inserts try to make them about 7 seconds in length, 1 second of black at the beginning 5 seconds of video and another 1 second of black at the end. This is because it allows the director and vision mixer time to cut to the VT insert and cut away from the insert a little easier as there is room for error should any happen during live filming.
When making inserts they should all be same screen ratio 16:9 and all the same file type PAL. Another thing to remember is when making inserts try to make them about 7 seconds in length, 1 second of black at the beginning 5 seconds of video and another 1 second of black at the end. This is because it allows the director and vision mixer time to cut to the VT insert and cut away from the insert a little easier as there is room for error should any happen during live filming.
Camera shots and moves
For the quiz show we decided that the main camera shots we would use:a wide shot or 5 shot (WS) medium shot/ clean two shot(TS/M) over the sholder two shot(OS/TS) over sholder (OS) and single shot of the host medium close up (MCU) and if possible a medium close up of one the guests (MCU)and lastly 3 shot of either two guests with host (3S)
Cameras one and three will be on the guests, theses camera will looking for (OS/TS), (OS), (TS/M) and (MCU)
Camera two will be the host's camera they will be looking for (MCU) and (3S)of the host and two guests
Camera four will be looking to use the GIB arm to create interesting (WS)
Cameras one and three and two should also think about crabing left or right, using the PED to up or down or tracking towards or away from the guests or host to improve their shots
Cameras one and three will be on the guests, theses camera will looking for (OS/TS), (OS), (TS/M) and (MCU)
Camera two will be the host's camera they will be looking for (MCU) and (3S)of the host and two guests
Camera four will be looking to use the GIB arm to create interesting (WS)
Cameras one and three and two should also think about crabing left or right, using the PED to up or down or tracking towards or away from the guests or host to improve their shots
Signal flow (video and audio)
Audio
directional microphones hanging from the studio grid follow an XLR cable into the studio terminal outlet box (STOB) from here they connect to RACK. the RACK then follows a line in cable to the sound mixer. the sound mixer has lots of different faders which separate each microphone and other sound sources so that they can be individually controlled. You can create a balance mix of the microphones to make sure their not distorted by moving each fader either up or down on that sound source until its the right level to be broadcast, you can test the sound source via speakers or monitor. this each have independent adjustable sound controls. the speakers allow to to perform a quality test this involves using your ears and adjesting faders until you reach the sound quality your looking for. the line out/ programme out cable then plugs into what ever your recording onto in our case HDD.
On the sound mixer their is also a VU meter that is used to see the output sound DB. If the sound output is too quiet you wont be able to hear very clearly on your recording source, however if its too load you will get distortion. the VU meter has coloured lights showing you the DB range these colours are red, orange/yellow and green. Green being quieter sound and red being loader sound. the perfect DB range is from -12 to +9 with 0 DB being the best output recording.
Video
camera plugs into a adapter box usually uderneth the camera which then follows a cable back into the studio terminal outlet box (STOB). this then is also connected a RACK which connects all vision sources into the vision mixing machine. thats four inputs from the four cameras and one input from the DVD player. The vision mixing machine has lots of buttons each representing either a camera or the DVD players input and shows these on a small LED screen with the input channel marked next to the LED screen. it also has another screen at the end of the button which shows black. when ever using the Vision micing maching always start from black and end in black to prevent input showing from other vision source that isnt needed. the Vision mixer operates the vision mixing machine and tests the quality of the vision with their eyes. Once the vision mixer is happy with a vision source they can press the button that represents that vision source which in turn will put that vision source online which then travels out of the vision mixing machine via a output cable into the HDD.
directional microphones hanging from the studio grid follow an XLR cable into the studio terminal outlet box (STOB) from here they connect to RACK. the RACK then follows a line in cable to the sound mixer. the sound mixer has lots of different faders which separate each microphone and other sound sources so that they can be individually controlled. You can create a balance mix of the microphones to make sure their not distorted by moving each fader either up or down on that sound source until its the right level to be broadcast, you can test the sound source via speakers or monitor. this each have independent adjustable sound controls. the speakers allow to to perform a quality test this involves using your ears and adjesting faders until you reach the sound quality your looking for. the line out/ programme out cable then plugs into what ever your recording onto in our case HDD.
On the sound mixer their is also a VU meter that is used to see the output sound DB. If the sound output is too quiet you wont be able to hear very clearly on your recording source, however if its too load you will get distortion. the VU meter has coloured lights showing you the DB range these colours are red, orange/yellow and green. Green being quieter sound and red being loader sound. the perfect DB range is from -12 to +9 with 0 DB being the best output recording.
Video
camera plugs into a adapter box usually uderneth the camera which then follows a cable back into the studio terminal outlet box (STOB). this then is also connected a RACK which connects all vision sources into the vision mixing machine. thats four inputs from the four cameras and one input from the DVD player. The vision mixing machine has lots of buttons each representing either a camera or the DVD players input and shows these on a small LED screen with the input channel marked next to the LED screen. it also has another screen at the end of the button which shows black. when ever using the Vision micing maching always start from black and end in black to prevent input showing from other vision source that isnt needed. the Vision mixer operates the vision mixing machine and tests the quality of the vision with their eyes. Once the vision mixer is happy with a vision source they can press the button that represents that vision source which in turn will put that vision source online which then travels out of the vision mixing machine via a output cable into the HDD.
Studio Protocol and practice
In the studio there are stick protocol that must be followed:
no running in the studio because the cameras have long cables that trail along the floor and could become a trip hazard.
no food and drink in the studio because they could spill and this in turn could damage the cameras and microphones and cause a risk of being electrocuted.
No messing about on the (cans) headsets, only talk if its really needed, dont use the (cans) for general communication as their each connected to each other on the same radio wavelength and this wavelength is for the director and floor manager to give instrucyion which they would be so much harder with a conversation going on in the background.
Only allow people in the studio who are really needed for the production as their is only so much room in the studio and it is better to have only the proper people in the studio during the production.
no running in the studio because the cameras have long cables that trail along the floor and could become a trip hazard.
no food and drink in the studio because they could spill and this in turn could damage the cameras and microphones and cause a risk of being electrocuted.
No messing about on the (cans) headsets, only talk if its really needed, dont use the (cans) for general communication as their each connected to each other on the same radio wavelength and this wavelength is for the director and floor manager to give instrucyion which they would be so much harder with a conversation going on in the background.
Only allow people in the studio who are really needed for the production as their is only so much room in the studio and it is better to have only the proper people in the studio during the production.
Multi-cam Production terms
DVD ready- means that the DVD operator has set up the DVD player ready to play the next insert. the DVD operator makes this call to the director so they knows that the next insert is ready for once its needed.
Floor ready - means that everyone in the studio is ready to go so that director knows when to start the show, this call is made by the floor manger.
crab - this call is made by the director to the camera operators and means that he wants them to move either left or right, e.g. crab left (move left)
PED- this call is again made by the director and this means that he wants the camera operator to move the shot either up or down e.g. PED UP (move the camera up)
tracking- this call is made the director to the camera operator and means that he wants them to either move towards the guests/ host or object or move away from them e.g. tracking in (move towards them)
Floor ready - means that everyone in the studio is ready to go so that director knows when to start the show, this call is made by the floor manger.
crab - this call is made by the director to the camera operators and means that he wants them to move either left or right, e.g. crab left (move left)
PED- this call is again made by the director and this means that he wants the camera operator to move the shot either up or down e.g. PED UP (move the camera up)
tracking- this call is made the director to the camera operator and means that he wants them to either move towards the guests/ host or object or move away from them e.g. tracking in (move towards them)
Crew roles and Responsibilites
Producer- its the producer role to fund the quiz show and hire the crew and talent also its their job to find good guests for the show.
Director- its the director job to make sure the shows comes together, during production its them who are in charge, they decide which shots to use and when to cut to inserts.
Assistant Director- its the assistant director to keep track of all the insert timings and to aid the director with which shots to use.
DVD operator- its their job to play the DVD inserts when the director asks them too and its job to make sure that the right inserts are played at the right time.
Vision mixer- the vision mixer is in charge of cutting to the camera feed the director has asked for as well as cutting to any DVD inserts feeds. its also their job to perform any shot transitions that the show requires or when asked to do so by the director.
Sound operators- its the sound operators job to make sure that all sound from DVD inserts are working and that all guest microphones are working and does not cause distortion. They have to carefully alter the sound levels show that wither the guest or load or quite their voice can still be heard.
Floor Manager- The floor manger works alongside the director and is their representive on the studio floor, its their job to make sure everyone in the studio knows what going on and they also inform the guests of any microphone tests that have to be made or express any problems the director wants everyone aware off.
Assistant Floor Manager- its their job to work alongside the floor manager and make sure that audience know where to sit and know when to cheer, clap or boo to the action taking place. They also have to keep track of the score that each team has and make sure the host knows who winnings.
Camera Operators- its the camera operators job to come up with good framed shots as well as an interesting mix of shots for the director to pick from.
Assistant Camera Operators- its the assistant camera operators job to help move the camera for the camera operator and to hold the cables connected to the camera so that the camera operators dont trip over them.
Director- its the director job to make sure the shows comes together, during production its them who are in charge, they decide which shots to use and when to cut to inserts.
Assistant Director- its the assistant director to keep track of all the insert timings and to aid the director with which shots to use.
DVD operator- its their job to play the DVD inserts when the director asks them too and its job to make sure that the right inserts are played at the right time.
Vision mixer- the vision mixer is in charge of cutting to the camera feed the director has asked for as well as cutting to any DVD inserts feeds. its also their job to perform any shot transitions that the show requires or when asked to do so by the director.
Sound operators- its the sound operators job to make sure that all sound from DVD inserts are working and that all guest microphones are working and does not cause distortion. They have to carefully alter the sound levels show that wither the guest or load or quite their voice can still be heard.
Floor Manager- The floor manger works alongside the director and is their representive on the studio floor, its their job to make sure everyone in the studio knows what going on and they also inform the guests of any microphone tests that have to be made or express any problems the director wants everyone aware off.
Assistant Floor Manager- its their job to work alongside the floor manager and make sure that audience know where to sit and know when to cheer, clap or boo to the action taking place. They also have to keep track of the score that each team has and make sure the host knows who winnings.
Camera Operators- its the camera operators job to come up with good framed shots as well as an interesting mix of shots for the director to pick from.
Assistant Camera Operators- its the assistant camera operators job to help move the camera for the camera operator and to hold the cables connected to the camera so that the camera operators dont trip over them.
Studio Equipment ands its functions
studio terminal outlet box ( S.T.O.B)- this is where all the camera, microphones and aditional lighting or sound devices can be connected too. It suppies power to everything that connected to it.
Microphones- they are used to pick up any sound in studio thats needed for the show.
camera- their are four camera which are on PEDS which can be moved around, its the cameras that pick up any vision needed for the show.
cool lights (florescent tubes) and tungstun lights (spot lights)- they light the studio and any backgrounds as well as light the guests and host. this are all connected to lighting grid which is hung from the roof. lights can be both added or removed from the lighting grid. The wires from each of the lights is carried across the lighting grid and then connects into a dimmer pack.
A Dimmer pack is where the lights are connented too, its function is to generate the high amounts of power the lights need to operate.
A DVD player is used to play any inserts needed for the show.
A lighting desk is needed so that you can control the light intensity and decided which lights to use via the dimmer pack
a sound deck is used so that you can control the sound level in the studio and prevent distortion from load sounds or voices.
a vision mixing desk is needed so that you can control which camera feed to use and so that the director and the vision mixer can see all the shots being made by every camera.
the red light that says "on air" this is needed so that people outside the studio know not to enter the TV studio when its in use for production.
Microphones- they are used to pick up any sound in studio thats needed for the show.
camera- their are four camera which are on PEDS which can be moved around, its the cameras that pick up any vision needed for the show.
cool lights (florescent tubes) and tungstun lights (spot lights)- they light the studio and any backgrounds as well as light the guests and host. this are all connected to lighting grid which is hung from the roof. lights can be both added or removed from the lighting grid. The wires from each of the lights is carried across the lighting grid and then connects into a dimmer pack.
A Dimmer pack is where the lights are connented too, its function is to generate the high amounts of power the lights need to operate.
A DVD player is used to play any inserts needed for the show.
A lighting desk is needed so that you can control the light intensity and decided which lights to use via the dimmer pack
a sound deck is used so that you can control the sound level in the studio and prevent distortion from load sounds or voices.
a vision mixing desk is needed so that you can control which camera feed to use and so that the director and the vision mixer can see all the shots being made by every camera.
the red light that says "on air" this is needed so that people outside the studio know not to enter the TV studio when its in use for production.
Sunday 31 January 2010
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