Live studio roles

During our recent sessions with Paul we have learning about live studio roles and who operates what. As well as this we have also filmed out own eight minute live TV show which has prepared us for a shortly upcoming projects which we will be filming in the studio.

Below are the many roles which have to be undertaken on a live TV set.

Director

The director is in charge of the production and he directs everyone on the set what they are needed for. As well as this the director is also in charge of the camera crew in which he directs them and tells them what they need to film and how he wants it to look. The director is open to advice from all other departments like the sound , camera and lighting crew. However he/she has the sole decision to do what they want and they can choose whether to take their advice or not.

Producer

The producer is in charge of the overall production and how everything runs. They are in charge of managing the cast and crew and to make sure that everything is running smoothly and that everyone knows what they are doing. The producer is the most important person on the set and he/she has authority over the director.

Camera operator

The roles which the camera operator or most of the time operators is to make sure that the cameras are functioning properly and that they are pointing towards the set in which they are in charge of filming. Their role is to also make sure that they are connected in properly to the editing room so that the vision mixer can switch all the different cameras during the recording.

Vision mixer

The vision mixer works in the editing room and their role is that they have to make sure that all the cameras are connected to the screens and so that when the cameras start rolling they can switch the cameras which will  record different angles at the correct appropriate time. For example so that when a host is talking on a talk show the camera which is pointed towards the host is the camera which is recording on the vision mixers screen so to make it look better and more professional.

Lighting operator

The lighting operator is in charge of all the lighting rigs on set and they have to make sure that they are in the right place so that all the correct lighting is pointing on the set so that the visuals look as good as they possibly can. The lighting operator also needs to make sure that the lighting rigs aren't in shot and that they don't cause a health and safety risk to the cast and crew.

Lighting mixer

The lighting mixer works with the operator making sure that the levels are perfect and that they are bright enough or dark enough on set so that all the transitions and visuals look good. The lighting mixer can tell the lighting operator to move a rig if there isn't enough light on someone.

Script writer

The script writers job is to make sure that the cast know what they are saying so that there is no silences or awkward moments. They can also be there if anyone needs any prompts. They also organise the talking schedule for the live show.

Artistic director

The artistic directors job is fairly similar to the directors job however it is more of a precise role. Their role in the production is to manage how the production actually looks and by that I mean that they are in charge of make-up, set design and costume. The artistic director has to make sure that is all look aesthetically pleasing and that it all fits into the scene.

Runner

The runner works closely with all members of the cast and crew and their role is to run around doing what people say and what they are asked to do. Their job mainly consists of grabbing pieces of props, getting a script for someone or passing a message to a crew member. There are countless more jobs for them and without them things would not run so smoothly.

Floor manager

A floor managers job is to stay in charge of the studio floor and making sure that everyone is doing what they are supposed to and that there are no problems. As well as making sure that everything is easily accessible and safe. They work very closely with the director and producer as well as the visual/lighting editing room.

Cast

The cast are the people who are brought into the production to star in front of the camera. They are in charge of performing and being directed by the director. Usually for a live studio show like a game , quiz or talk show they can say what they want within limits however sometimes a script writer is brought in to guide them on what to say.

Sound operator

The role of the sound operator is to make sure that al sound is picked up from the sound rigs and relayed back into the editing room so that there is no technical difficulties and that everything can be heard correctly.

Sound mixer

The sound mixer works alongside the sound operator and they work in the editing room. Their role is that they have to make sure that the sound sounds ok in the editing room and on the recording. They can tell the sound operator to move on change around the sound if it does not sound good or clear. They also work with the producer to make sure that their is a sound check in which all crew have to be quiet while the cast talk and test the microphones to see if any changes need to be made.

Health and safety manager

The role of the health and safety manager is to make sure that everything on set is safe and easily accessible. They make sure that there are no risks and that any possible ones are minimised. The reason they do this is to make sure that the production runs smoothly and that no complaints or court action will be made.