Broadcast Flashcards
Above the line definition
People who drive the show’s look and feel
Below the line definition
Technical people who set up and operate equipment
Above the line - positions
Producer Director Associate Director Broadcast Associate Talent Runners
Below the line - positions
Production Mixer - A1 Audio Assist - A2 Sub Mixer Technical Director Cameramen Video Replay - Tape Ops Video Ops Graphic/Font Ops Chief Engineer - EIC Maintenance Engineers
Producer
Responsible for overall content of show. Interacts with on-air talent (communicates cues) and various below the line crew
Director
Calls camera shots, tape replays, music cues - direction of show based on producer’s vision. Preps crew with cues ‘stand by on X’s mic…’ then gives the go ahead ‘and open his mic now’
Associate Director
Responsible for timings of show elements such as features, video packages, and they interact with broadcast centre for commercial counts to and from break. They do countdowns for when the show is going on air/off air or when a pre-recorded segment is about to end
Broadcast Associate
Mainly responsible for the content of the graphics
Talent
On-air personalities - host of a show, announcers
Runners
Do the leg work in getting items, a gopher
Production Mixer - A1
Mixer, person behind the show’s main audio console. Responsible for organising the audio aspect of a show. Decides mic placement and what mics are used. Etc
Audio Assist - A2
Handles tasks outside of the audio control room to carry out A1’s plans. Installs cable and hardware - mics & headsets - makes sure everything is properly connected with control room
Sub Mixer
When a lot of audio sources are happening, a submixer works in a separate audio control room, premixing certain sources for A1.
Technical Director - TD
Responsible for switching the video portion of the show; video equivalent of audio mix engineer. Handles tech aspects related to video portion of show. Sits next to director and takes cues from him/her as what camera to put on air, etc
Cameramen
Responsible for capturing the visual live action so a director can cut it live into the show or provide footage for replays
Video Replays - Tape Ops
They talk w PD if they have a great shot to replay, and then wait for Dir to cue them when it should be played
Video Operators
Responsible for troubleshooting any issues related to getting signal from camera back to production truck
Graphics/Font Operators
Responsible for creating and inputting text or graphical info that is inserted into a show, aka font or score machines. Graphics are layered over the main video in process aka keying
Chief Engineer - EIC
In charge of the tech operation of the facility and leader of maintenance engineers, ensuring all equipment operates properly
Maintenance Engineers
Repair and maintain the video and audio equipment
Production Control Room - PCR
PD, Dir, TD, AD, PAs, and variety of execs sit in this room. Wall of video monitors showing all available video sources
Audio Control Room - ACR
A1 workspace. Houses audio console, monitoring and external processing. Main speakers for program mix, and smaller speakers used for isolating the PD and Dir calls, and then other speakers for PFL
Tape Room
Tape Ops workspace. Houses monitors and remote controllers for video playback machines. Mostly non-linear tapeless systems. Audio feeds are recorded and played back from this room
Video Room
Where video techs shade cameras and has most accurate video monitors available
Remote Trucks
Rolling version of conventional production environment
Atmosphere
Similar to live sound - there is no take 2. Things must happen immediately, problems must be solved quickly, and things can change at a moment’s notice
Urgency
Live broadcast follows a defined schedule and you must be ready when show goes on air - it will not wait for you
Thoroughness
Be thorough in setting up, complete job in timely manner so if there are any changes, additions, or failures, there is time to address them
Preparation
Find out everything you can about the show before showing up. How many talent, how many tape machines, will there be a remote coming in, etc. PREP IS KEY
Documentation
Map of the show. Show starts with tech book prepped by tech manager which has all requirements of the show (# of cameras, video playback devices, on-air talent. From tech book, A1 creates audio book
Stress Management
High tension and emotions because you only have one chance to do it right. Think calmly!
Personal Interaction
In order to work well, a good working relationship with PD and Dir. Communicate well, and be cordial with fellow technicians
Command Respond Release
For A1, learning to listen to several audio sources, including Dir/PD, etc while you mix is critical. Learn to filter what you need/don’t need. Hearing a command from PD/Dir, responding to command, releasing that command once executed, and moving on to the next command is critical
