Week Three

NOTE FOR EXAMINERS CONSIDERATION

THE REASON WHY THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT GAP BETWEEN WEEK TWO AND WEEK THREE IS DUE TO BREAKDOWN AND REPLACEMENT OF MY DSA SUPPLIED LAPTOP. IT TOOK A LONG TIME TO PROCESS THE INSURANCE CLAIM, WHILST NO LOANER UNIT WAS SUPPLIED. BECAUSE I HAVE THREE CHILDREN AND WORK PART-TIME AROUND MY STUDIES I COULD NOT FIND SUFFICENT TIME TO UTILIZE THE LIBRARY COMPUTERS. THIS HAS BEEN THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY I HAVE HAD TO UPDATE MY BLOG SINCE REPLACEMENT LAPTOP ARRIVED.

AUTOCUE

I was assigned the role of autocue operator for our news themed production. I didn’t volunteer for the role, I was assigned it without any direct or indirect input from myself. However, I still undertook the responsibility with enthusiasm and dedication. Once the script was loaded onto my screen it became fun, learning how to effectively operate the autocue. The principal feature of the autocue is a little toggle, or wheel which allows for the autocue to scroll up or down at required speed. It is a small job, but the entire dynamic of the production in essence hinges upon the ability of the autocue to function properly. I as the operator had to get a sense of the speaking/reading rhythm of the presenter, as to not scroll to slow or too fast. If I scrolled too quickly the presenter would read to quickly rushing through the material as a result. To slow and the pace of the production script would fall apart. It was vital to keep a consistent rhythm in time with the presenter. To ensure that they were confident in delivering their performance to the best of their abilities.

This session reminded me of this scene from Anchor-man which in a comic way highlights the importance of the autocue in news broadcasting. The sabotaging of the autocue was a pivotal plot point in the film. Which demonstrates why a presenter cannot be unequivocally dependent upon the autocue. Whilst also drawing attention to the fact that the autocue operator must work to a high ethical standard but more importantly they must work in tandem with the presenter.