TV Studio Production - Workshop Time!

Today we had a workshop in the TV studio just to get us all more familiar with the new equipment. We had been split in to groups so that we had more one to one time with the lecturers. We worked our way around all the equipment and had a chance to use the cameras and live editing equipment in the gallery. Throughout the workshop I made notes just to remind me of do's and don'ts and also new information that I did not previously know. Here they are:

• Set design should be appropriate for the item (guest). I got this from the film we watched that was made by MPS students a few years previous. They had a guest who was a dancer in the Rio Parade; so they went with sensual red and pink fabrics to make the set look like a 'boudoir'. 
• You should try to use props, etc to make the set look original and individual. This can help add that little extra to the shots without overdoing it. We spoke about the simplicity of Jonathan Ross and Chatty Man.
• Headroom is important - make sure the suitable headroom on camera is used depending on the guest. This was brought up because the dancer in the film we watched was wearing a head-dress which is obviously something you don't want to cut off.
• Plain lighting is probably best for any show, you can spice the colour up with whats on the set rather than the lights. A colour theme can be added in necessary but you shouldn't over use colour because then it won't look natural.
• The flooring in the shot should match the rest of the set. You don't want it to be just the studio floor, it should be dressed as part of the set and thought about before hand.
• When the guests do their demonstration, they should know, prior to the show, how long their demo is. We choreograph this with the camera work and script so they know how much material to prepare.
• On the set, there should be a demo area where the guests can move to to perform their piece. The size should obviously be thought about depending on the guest.
• The set shouldn't be too cluttered with props and design. For example, a book case in the background filled with books and decorations would be too busy for just a background piece. Keep it simple.
• It is necessary for there to be a story to tell. The guest should have content and information that they want to share; not just something they can do/show.
• The guests should be sent the questions beforehand so they can prepare what they might say in response to them. This will help the live recording run smoother.

We discussed what is available for us to use as part of the set already in the studio. Here are a list of props and set that we can use if need be:

1 arch flat

8 solid flats (8ft x 4ft standard)

Chairs

Table

Bar stools

Coffee Tables

Display unit

Covering and fabric for flats

And we are also allowed to paint or wallpaper the flats ourselves

A few other tips about the set and our show were then mentioned so I thought I would write them down because knowing me I will forget!

• Don't recreate a sitcom set (solid like a room)
• You can make the studio visable (most talk shows do)
• Lighting the back wall can add layers to the set behind the flats
• Be realistic but challenging
• Small details in the set don't work - bold is best
• No posters - too shiny
• Text isn't ideal - title sequence should cover this
• Presenters need to know what camera they are looking at

My Reflection

So today was extremely informative and useful for me. Working in the TV studio is always an amazing experience and we are privileged to be using it. When we were able to use the cameras, I could feel myself getting more used to using this new technology. I know that with more practice my shots will be smoother and steadier. I love using the cameras in the studio so I can't wait for our recording so that I can go from producer to camera person on the same project.

I got a chance to pretend to present just so the others could use the cameras; I really don't have issues with being in front of the camera because I have always performed since I was little. But when I was asked to say a few lines just so they could see what its like on camera; I felt so uncomfortable. My natural voice for something like a talk show is just something that I do not like to hear. Yes I have been in drama productions, but for most of them I was American! I assume I wouldn't be able to keep an American accent up for the rest of my life and so that's why I prefer to be behind the camera!

I am looking forward to the short segment that we have to do about making paper airplanes for kids. This will be a really good way to see our group dynamics and practice all of our roles as a team.

You Learn Something New Everyday

Having our fingers in all of the pies can really help you progress in the industry. It is best to know more about different things rather than just choosing a specialist subject.

Speak Soon!