What is the show?
The show which we are using (and whom the producer is) has been announced. The winning show is called 'What You Sayin' produced by Helen Welsh (well done!) which is a modern debate show targeting the audience within the 16-25 year old boundary.
But what is it about? The show consists of 4 on the panel - 3 diverse and opposite panelists and one enthusiastic presenter. As this targets a younger generation, the debates will focus on arguments to conform to this audience. For example, graffiti. Nonetheless, below is Helen's script which she presented to our course leaders:
Once we were all briefed about what the programme is about, we then begun brainstorming as a team, until we came across what our topics will be, which are:
- Grafitti: Is it art or vandalism?
- Body Image: Does Photoshop have a large effect on young people?
- Politics: Do young people vote, if not why?
- Domestic Abuse: How both male and females are effected by domestic abuse
What's my Role?
Several days after Helen was announced the producer, we were all then allocated our roles. The role which I was given is.... Lead Studio Camera/VT Operator!
I was reasonably happy when I was given this role - although I originally aimed to be a director, I wasn't too fussed if I wouldn't achieve it as I only went for it for the challenge. In fact, I knew I were to be a camera operator... But it's much more thrilling knowing that I am the lead!
So what exactly does my role consist of? Below are the key aspects of which I will be undertaking in the following weeks:
- Lead camera for at least one VT. However, I feel that it would be responsible to attend to all VT's (even if I'm not lead camera) to enable our team can film at our full potential, and additionally to help if need be.
- Lead camera in the studio. This means that I must make sure that all cameras are interlinked and have the same outcome for the gallery, making sure they are all the same. This generally means I have to supervise all cameras for all rehearsals and the final production.
- Be positioned as the lead camera for the show. As we will be using our studio jib, it is likely that I will be placed on this as this is commonly the lead camera.
- Potentially helping the directors and producers with scripts if need be, to help to give advice and getting the maximum potential of the cameras.
Getting Used to the Studio
Throughout our year group, most of us haven't worked in a studio actually on set or any job role which is higher than a runner, so this is all something reasonably new. So to begin with, once we were all assigned our roles for the production, we were given a brief exercise down at the studios.
This exercise was a script found online which is based at a studio, which we had to quickly learn and then begin rehearsing - as if we were actually going to shoot the script. This consisted of all camera operators to follow signs from directors as to where to position the cameras, camera shots and so on.
To me, this was a lot to learn in a short space of time. First of all, all camera operators were given a headset which fed back into the gallery, enabling us to hear and communicate with the producers and directors. Secondly, as we will be using two types of cameras, the Sony EXs and the Sony PMWs, we then had to link all the cameras together so they looked the same in the gallery. For example, the same exposure. This took quite a long time which you think would be quite an easy task but it proved difficult to get it perfect! All the cameras had to have the same F stop, shutter speed, frame per second, SDI output, etc. Which, after the exercise, I realised I had to create a document having a list of requirements to make all the cameras match, saving time for rehearsals.
At first, I was originally using the track and dolly, as this rehearsal was to get used to the studio environment and to see whether the track and dolly would be useful for the studio. However, both directors, Andy and Chris, couldn't seem to find much use for it, therefore decided to stick with the jib instead of the T&D.
Introduction to the Jib
The second day down at the studios was similar to the first as it was taking time to get used to the studio set up. However, after the second day, it was evident that most of us were getting used to the studio - the directors were allocating more than 2 shots for each camera operator and were running a smooth show with the pre-script, me (and other camera operators) were changing camera positions easier, and generally everything was running faster and smoother. Hans, our studio supporter, was beginning to shape the studio differently by adding in ideas for the directors to use, such as different and alternative camera positions to make sure we were getting every shot possible.
Below is a shot of the Jib which I'll be using:
 |
| The Jib without the camera. 2 Sand bags are used - one for the base of the tripod to secure it, then one on the crane to enable the balance of power and weight when moving the jib. |
Nonetheless, today I was introduced to the jib - the first time I've used one. Ferg taught me how to set up and break down the jib, making sure that the base of the tripod is stable and more importantly that the camera is secured firmly. Nonetheless, I begun by generally getting used to the motion of the jib - moving it up to down, left to right, and so on. Initially I found myself getting used to the jib quicker than I thought - I felt confident with the responsibility and knowing how to set up and break it down. Additionally, I could allocate how much power and weight on either end to my desire - this was simply done by balancing a sound bag on the crane of the jib, so I could have the sand bag close to bring more weight to me, or vice versa.
The cameras which we will be using for our pre-shoot and final show are:
- 4x Sony EXs
- 2x Sony PMWs
Below are some images of the setup we had, where you can see where the panelists are positioned and the cameras
 |
| To the right of the centre - 2 Sony EX cameras |
 |
| The centre of the stage - the panelists |
 |
| To the left of the centre - 2x Sony EXs and 1 PMW |
 |
| Facing the centre - The Jib (Which I'm operating. A Sony PMW is used) and the other cameras which have already been listed |
This isn't anything like our final setup - this is just for our pre-script rehearsals whilst we get used to the studio. More photos will be shown once we have our official set-up!
All in all, I feel like I'm coming to grips with the jib and the studio lifestyle in general. I will be undertaking research into interesting jib shots, as well as looking at previous years work to see how the jib was used.
0 comments:
Post a Comment