This week our form was divided into small groups of 4 and given the chosen topic; ours being "Television". Within our group we had to undertake a job consisting of being either the content producer, post-production producer, technical producer or an art director. I chose to undertake the art directors job. Once comfortable within our jobs the group came together and we discussed what content will be included in our round. The quiz is made up of 5 rounds; Television, Film, Internet, Music and a Quickfire round. I brainstormed the questions for our round and Laurie carried out some research collecting ideas for how we will present our clips. For example, One of our questions being "How many boxes are used on the television programme Deal or No Deal?" The clip was designed to show a VT insert of the host and studio (showing the boxes). For a more enthusiastic vibe we chose to play soundtracks, distinctive phrases etc... to allow the audience and contestants to interact with the show.
During this week the Art Director's arranged a meeting. Our first meeting took place in John Dempsie's lecture where we brainstormed ideas and collected feedback from the class. Resulting in this, scale diagrams were made of what the set would look like. It was very important to have a scale diagram of the studio in hand because as an art director I needed to know the correct measurements in order for the set to look accurate and for the crew, contestants and audience to feel comfortable and safe. One of the most important hazards to be aware of was the emergency exits. As an art director it is my job to make sure they are clear at all times.
When finalising our design it wasn't easy due to many heated discussions taking place because many people had their own ideas so eventually we came to a fair compromise. We tried to include everybodys suggestions and found that our final idea was most effective.
The first week was all about communicating our ideas across, designing and working effectively as a team. I found this week quite intense due to many heated discussions between the Art Directors.. Overall, the work was successfully achieved. Our group completed the television round efficiently and produced good ideas.
Week Two
This week the Art Director's concentrated on arranging the set and pencilling the final design onto the boards. We had to think more in depth about the set, the colours; what shade of blue was being used, the camera crew; how much space will they need to operate, the talent; colour of clothing they should and should not wear?, the lighting, the audience etc... subtle yet important needs had to be considered.
I felt not much was achieved during this week, due to our designing being complete. Because of this, the group used their spare time updating their blog and experimenting with Cameras kindly assisted by Peter in the TV Studio. I found this a lot of help to me because I had never really used and understood all the equipment until I experimented with it. I didn't feel very confident on the cameras because I was worried about messing up the shots and not reacting quicker enough to Peter's demands. However, I am glad I made us of the time because I learnt alot more when hands on.
Week Three
The Art Director's had a more constructive week because we got our hands dirty and cracked on with designing the boards. Our first task was to paint the flats with a base coat being white. This task was enjoyable because the group as a whole all helped out, completing the task more quickly. The slow part was waiting for the paint to dry. Due to the slow pace our day finished early giving us time to work on our blogs.
The next morning, painted on another coat, took down some brief notes and pencilled on our design. I as an Art Director would've chosen not to pencil on the design over the base coat, I would've drawn over the final shade because the final flat would look more effective. There was a slight delay due to not having the blue paint which meant the Art Directors were unable to continue with their design so Jess and I went to Homebase to buy some. The shade of blue we chose was ideal and showed up very effectively on camera. This task again was helped out by all and completed efficiently. The only disadvantage was working in the editing suite it wasn't the most practical room to work in due to the expensive software, the carpet floor and the small space. Due to the restricted space not all the flats could be completed. Therefore we did some note taking on editing and helped out other class memebers with their roles.
During this week, many problems occured.
The panels were not big enough, leaving large gaps showing the black curtains. This didn't look very effective on camera.
The television stand was not higher enough to fit in the hole cut out to show the VT inserts. In order to fix this problem the bottom of the panel was cut off. Which was a disadvantage on camera because it wasn't the same height as the other flats.
After painting the blue onto the panels, the shade appeared alot lighter on camera which was a shame.
Jon Saward allowed us to chose 3 roles which we would be interested in carrying out on the day of recording. I asked for Vision and Audio mixing. I didn't feel confident within myself to be positioned on camera however as the day arose that was the position I was assigned to.
Week Four
The final week was upon us, the set still needed last minute tweaks but eventually it was finished.
This week we did a lot of rehearsing, I was positioned on camera 4 throughout rehearsals and helped out as one of the talents. Even though I was disappointed that I didn't try out any other roles, I managed to get the hang of camera 4, experimenting with different shots and movements. I was assigned as the assistant which enabled me to ped and crab the pedistool. Peter gave our pair informative and useful feedback during one rehearsal the movement of the camera wasn't quite right due to crabbing and pedding whilst in shot. Resulting in this, the movement of the camera became more restricted only carrying out one technique during each shot.
Our main aim was to capture the audience within out shots, crabbing the camera at the beginning of the show and at the end. During the show we kept stationary using a WS focusing on the talent and host. It is vital that when the tally light shows the camera is kept still. Which I found confusing when first operating because the beginning shot entailed us to move. However I soon understood the basics.
Lights, Camera, Action!
The day had finally arrived. The crew was nervous, a few hiccups occurred during run through but with persistent and clear communication, problems were solved in no time. The most important thing to do if there is a problem on cam is to inform the director immediately therefore he can let the floor manager know how long he needs to clear up the issue. This saves time and keeps crew, audience and talent informed. Resulting in a smooth rehearsal.
Once lunch was over it was showtime, we had to overcome our nerves and let the show begin. The floor manager seated the talent making sure they were comfortable and suited on camera. Followed by a mic check, reassuring the talent and host could be heard at an equal volume.
Next to bring in was the audience. The audience seated one to a chair and were informed when to applaud. A very important detail to run through is health and safety. It is vital that before the show airs the audience are informed of how to act in an emergency. This is the floor manager's responsibility to do so. Once the talent, audience and crew are comfortable in their positions. The director will report to floor manager when the show will air.
The show ran smoothly with a few minor hiccups along the way. However, I think we should all be very proud of the hard work thats been put in. It is very impressive to think neither of us have worked on set before as art of a crew and to achieve a succesful live tv event deserves a pat on the back.
I am glad that I experienced a go on the camera however I would've liked to have been part of vision or sound. I am pleased with the work I produced within my role and I had helpful and encouraging feedback from the director.
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