Week Two

This week we got the opportunity to shoot and record a short three minute interview segment using a three camera set up. As well as using Q-Lab software to insert a video that was referenced during the interview. Then the vision mixer cut back to the studio and to the opposing reaction shots of the presenter and guest respectively. Camera one focused on the guest, camera two maintained the master shot, in wide angle that held both the presenter and guest as the focal point. Whilst camera three focused on the presenter.

I was already familiar or rather aware of Q-Lab. The software is essential for modern broadcast television. The name of the software, cleverly defines what the program is used for. Q-Lab or Queue – Lab? Its function is to queue up media for display through various designated outputs.

Going through the process of demonstrating how to alter the preferences and settings was very useful. My experience in film making has largely been self-taught though video tutorial sessions such as Video Co-Pilot. Technology, in terms of both software and hardware has changed greatly since my first introduction to the conventions of filmed media.  http://www.videocopilot.net/

I have knowledge of making films. Yet, the production roles behind the scenes of broadcast television were completely alien to me. This week, I got the opportunity to be a Production Assistant. We ran through the production script a few times i.e. the sequencing of prompt words, which trigger action and response from the crew.  It was my function to relay information from director and producer through the headset I was wearing to the crew in the studio. At times, the role felt somewhat redundant. There would perhaps be a more efficient way of doing things. By having the director or producer wear a headset to communicate directly to the crew. But efficiency wasn’t the point. We were learning the ins and outs of all the production roles. The repetition of the production script was a good way of memorizing it, even though at times I felt like a parrot mimicking the prompt words I’d just heard almost free of any independent thought. I was acting as part of a machine that worked in tandem with all of the other parts. It was important to get the process right, because if we didn't and we actually were broadcasting live and made an error it could place our careers in jeopardy.  The repetitive process of rehearsing the production script reminded me of a scene from The Green Mile.