Floor Manager
Multi camera floor managers make sure that the set, props and technical equipment is safe and ready to use and in the correct position prior to the filming. This is important due to the continuity needing to be shown through out materials such as live sport programmes, this would then make it flow smoothly and the cameras being positioned on the correct items needing to be shown. They also have a liaising and coordinating role which acts as a link between the director and many of the people involved in a production on the studio floor such as the camera operators or the runners. This means the floor manager can delegate roles for them to carry out. The floor managers roles and responsibilities are purely based around the ability to pass on the cues to the presenters and the guests to ensure the timings are correct and the broadcast goes smoothly. Without this it shows a lack of professionalism as it would look untidy. They also make sure the events go according to plan and that the people taking part know their roles, it is mainly studio based but may also include outside broadcasts depending on what is being film.
Camera Operator
A camera operator is a key part within the making of a production element due to them having to be on cue when operating the many cameras in use. They usually work with digital, electronic and film cameras for the directors by combining the use of complex technology with creative visual skills. The camera operator would usually be given a script which gives the order of the shots, this would be practiced within the rehearsal which is cued in by the director during the recording process. The skill lies within this role as they have to interpret what the director wants and act quickly and effectively to achieve so. They may be asked to proceed with numerous of jobs such as assembling, preparing and setting up the equipment prior to filming, This means they would need to be time efficient as they would rely on this individual. Also things such as finding solutions to technical or practical problems and studying the scripts so they have the correct camera angles. Within programmes such as TV soaps, they would rely on the camera operator to be able to flick between the cameras available to show the use of the scene being moved on and within a different scenery, this would not be achieved if one camera was in use. Live programmes such as the News sometimes use Robotic Cameras which spin around as the track they go along is visible, this then leaves the camera in control of all the shots and the footage being shown.
Runner
Runners are used to basically do anything the floor manager wants them to do, this is usually an entry-level position which the individual would then make their way up. This is mainly the most junior role based within the production department. They act as general assistants who work under the direction of the producer and the other production staff, they undertake whatever basic tasks which are required to ensure the smooth running process. Runners tend to be the most busiest individuals within the set as they get a wide range of responsibilities at once and are expected to have the correct attributes and attitude towards it. Their responsibilities are usually things such as tea making, transporting scripts and hire equipment, taking messages, looking after guests and getting everything in place. They are expected to have a positive and happy vibe about themselves even if they are doing basic jobs day to day. This role offers an opportunity to gain vital knowledge and experience of the production process, this allows them to view a wide range of techniques being used and the valuable networking opportunities. Runners require an organised persona so whatever someone needs they have it on them and give a good impression.
Lighting
Lighting technicians set up and operate lighting equipment for the production process, they tend to work across a wide range of programmes and may cover productions inside studios and outside on location. This means they would have to be equipped to be able to work in indoor and outdoor locations with the use of natural and artificial lights. This role is vital as this provides the right atmosphere to set the scene and evoke the audiences response. The work demands a high level of technical and creative skills as they are needed to follow a set of instructions that ensure that the correct desired lighting is achieved. This would usually involve carrying heavy equipment and being advanced to set it all up with the correct positions. They would have a script which would cue them in with the correct lighting and within the correct position. This is vital as this would give the production the correct touch to intrigue and audience and their expectations. They would be expected to be able to use the correct lighting requirements based upon the location, day and night.
Make up
A make up artist for a multi camera production is vital role due to them needing to ensure that the guests, presenters and performers have suitable make-up and hairstyles before they appear in front of cameras or an audience. They make sure that everything looks visibly fine before the cameras roll, they would then go onto the set when a scene has been completed to touch up any parts. Make up artists interpret the make-up requirements from the clients to produce both a technically suitable and accurate visible representation and a creative side to it. They would have to work the make up around the lighting due to the cameras being very highly technological advanced and can appear as clear as ever onto TV. Their work involves creating characters and images through the medium of the make up and the hairstyles according to the brief, they would have to be able to create anything the producer wants.
Rigger
A rigger is commonly known as a "cable basher" to the junior riggers, this involves helping the cameraman with hand held cable cameras by carrying the cable behind them. They tend to rig video, sound, power and triad cables behind the cameraman to lower the risk of falling over them. In the majority of sporting events the cabling is from the outside broadcasting truck "OB" truck to the respective camera, microphone and studio positions. With the use of OB's, the riggers usually have a HGV driving license for driving the trucks themselves or to support tender vehicles to events. Their job roles usually involve aligning and levelling machinery, attaching loads to rigs to provide support, dismantling equipment and controlling the movement of heavy equipment through different scenarios.
Warm Up Act
A Warm Up Act is individuals who keep the audience entertained and occupied whilst everything is getting prepared such as the cameras and the presents/guests with the make up artist. If the show that is being recorded is one which involves an audience with their responses, the warm up act would explain what to do and if they should create a response when something good or bad occurs. TV Game Shows such as Bring on The Wall has an audience within the background, this would mean the warm up act would provide the audience with the correct responses they should make. They are classed as an entertainment act before the main production, this means that they would need a positive and cheerful attitude as their role would be to make the audience laugh and less lethargic
Talent
Talent is someone who is shown on screen, who the TV show is based upon. This can include presenters, experts in their fields and also the general public. Depending on the TV show, this will differ on what kind of talent is being used within the production. Their job responsibilities and applications differ depending on the talents role, an individual who is an expert in their role would be highly knowledgable based upon their field.
Studio
Sound
Sound technicians within a multi camera production are a key element, these individuals tend to have a enhanced ability to record, amplify and mix or reproduce sound for the production. They then identify the sound requirements for the given production and then perform the appropriate actions to produce the sound needed. Sound technician roles can be split into two categories, these are: Production. This is where the the individual records all of the sound on set or on the location. The second one is Post-Production. This entails the balancing, mixing, editing and the enhancing or pre-recorded audio. Within this job role they would be expected to be capable of many things such as assessing the performance area and assemble and operate the necessary equipment. They would also consult with the producers and the performers to determine the specific sound requirements.
Vision Mixer
Vision mixers are relied upon to edit live programmes or as they are being transmitted. They use a variety of transitions methods such as cuts, mixes and wipes. They then join together images from various visual sources including cameras, VTR machines, graphic generators and digital video effects. They act as a second pair of eyes in the gallery for the Director. Vision mixers work on programmes that are either recorded live or pre-recorded in a multi camera environment. When the production is studio based the vision mixers work in the production gallery, on OBs (outside broadcasts) they are based in the mobile production gallery in the vehicle. They work closely with the director to interpret the script and discuss which transitions are required from shot to shot.
Autocue
Within a multimedia production, an individual would have the role of the auto cue. This is a computerised system which has the lines on screen which the presenters can read out. The auto cue operator follows the script and ensures that no matter how fast or slow you're talking, the auto cue keeps up with you and up with the script and the pace of the production. They would make sure the screen size is suitable for the presenters and the distance is further enough away. This then means less physical scripts are being used and seen on screen.
Director
The Directors role is the main key element as they are expected to do the majority of the planning camera angles and shot types etc. The director is in charge of the personal on the studio floor and gallery in which they work in tandem mainly with the producer, vision mixer and floor managers. A good director has the aspects such as being able to creatively work with the producer and translate it into visual aspects like the camera positions etc. They would be expected to organise all the other job roles into their key roles and make sure they are doing their role correctly and to the correct standard.
Producer
Producers play an integral role within multimedia production, they oversee each project from the conception all the way to the completion to make sure the material wanting to be produced sounds successful and well thought out. They are always on set and constantly a part of the production, all the way from start to finish their input is always valid. They may also be involved within the marketing and the distribution processes to make sure it is being advertised to their standard to attract the correct audience. Producers tend to work closely with the directors and some of production staff within the production, they need to apply directing skills as they would be in charge of all project operations and how well the end project turns out. They arrange financial situations for each project and are responsible for keeping the production within the allocated budget. They would need to have a creative level of input and their level of decision making needs to be high to work with the client and their brief. Their tasks include reading and researching anything to help their production from start to end.
Talent
Talent is someone who is shown on screen, who the TV show is based upon. This can include presenters, experts in their fields and also the general public. Depending on the TV show, this will differ on what kind of talent is being used within the production. Their job responsibilities and applications differ depending on the talents role, an individual who is an expert in their role would be highly knowledgable based upon their field.
Studio
Sound
Sound technicians within a multi camera production are a key element, these individuals tend to have a enhanced ability to record, amplify and mix or reproduce sound for the production. They then identify the sound requirements for the given production and then perform the appropriate actions to produce the sound needed. Sound technician roles can be split into two categories, these are: Production. This is where the the individual records all of the sound on set or on the location. The second one is Post-Production. This entails the balancing, mixing, editing and the enhancing or pre-recorded audio. Within this job role they would be expected to be capable of many things such as assessing the performance area and assemble and operate the necessary equipment. They would also consult with the producers and the performers to determine the specific sound requirements.
Vision Mixer
Vision mixers are relied upon to edit live programmes or as they are being transmitted. They use a variety of transitions methods such as cuts, mixes and wipes. They then join together images from various visual sources including cameras, VTR machines, graphic generators and digital video effects. They act as a second pair of eyes in the gallery for the Director. Vision mixers work on programmes that are either recorded live or pre-recorded in a multi camera environment. When the production is studio based the vision mixers work in the production gallery, on OBs (outside broadcasts) they are based in the mobile production gallery in the vehicle. They work closely with the director to interpret the script and discuss which transitions are required from shot to shot.
Autocue
Within a multimedia production, an individual would have the role of the auto cue. This is a computerised system which has the lines on screen which the presenters can read out. The auto cue operator follows the script and ensures that no matter how fast or slow you're talking, the auto cue keeps up with you and up with the script and the pace of the production. They would make sure the screen size is suitable for the presenters and the distance is further enough away. This then means less physical scripts are being used and seen on screen.
Director
The Directors role is the main key element as they are expected to do the majority of the planning camera angles and shot types etc. The director is in charge of the personal on the studio floor and gallery in which they work in tandem mainly with the producer, vision mixer and floor managers. A good director has the aspects such as being able to creatively work with the producer and translate it into visual aspects like the camera positions etc. They would be expected to organise all the other job roles into their key roles and make sure they are doing their role correctly and to the correct standard.
Producer
Producers play an integral role within multimedia production, they oversee each project from the conception all the way to the completion to make sure the material wanting to be produced sounds successful and well thought out. They are always on set and constantly a part of the production, all the way from start to finish their input is always valid. They may also be involved within the marketing and the distribution processes to make sure it is being advertised to their standard to attract the correct audience. Producers tend to work closely with the directors and some of production staff within the production, they need to apply directing skills as they would be in charge of all project operations and how well the end project turns out. They arrange financial situations for each project and are responsible for keeping the production within the allocated budget. They would need to have a creative level of input and their level of decision making needs to be high to work with the client and their brief. Their tasks include reading and researching anything to help their production from start to end.
