Studio Production: All Rehearsals with Del

Rehearsal Day 1

This rehearsal was a very important one as this was the first time we were given our first scripts. This was also the first time we were assigned to our cameras that we would be on for the actual TX day. This is also the first time that we would attempt to do our first run through of the show. After receiving the script I became unhappy with the camera I was on because it was stuck on mostly MCU shots and I felt disappointed because I thought as Lead Camera I would've been given shots that were challenging but Del reassured me that the shots were not final and things will most likely be added as the practice went on.

What happened?
- The camera crew had to come in extra early because this was was the first time that we would be rigging up on our own. In the other master classes, the equipment was already rigged up so this was an experience.
- We used a variety of stand ins for practice. This was good as we were able to get a variety of responses
- Running through the shots was very helpful, it was a great learning curve trying to work out the logistics of camera placements.
- We didn't get to go through the whole script but it was very useful going through the blocking and learning the script and rounds even more.

In the end I was much happier with the camera I was on because I was able to delegate with Del and the Director with shots that can be added to enhance the show, I felt much confident by the end of the day and realised that there wasn't any need to worry. 

Rehearsal Day 2

For this rehearsal we moved into studio 2 which is where our show will be taking place. We decided to rig up as accurately as possible, The director and producer (with the help of other team members) used their measurements to create a fake set as accurately as possible to allow us to get a practice that imitated the real set up. 

Photo by ellie

Photo by Ellie

Photo by Ellie

Photo by Ellie

What Happened?

• Rigging up the cameras went much quicker than usual due to the previous practice we had during the masterclasses. I was happy with our progress with this as it showed that we are able to improve as a team. During this session I felt as though I gained greater knowledge on how to set up properly and also making sure our lines were in properly. Usually Alex would do this for us but being left to do it on our own was a great learning experience.
• We were finally able to set up the white balance properly and efficiently. This is due to the aid of researching as well as trial and error. I believe that this was the first time as a group we really went through the menus on our cameras and made sure they were set properly. With the aid of the research (down below) we were able to make this work; 

Research into matching cameras

"A problem arises if there are strong, dominant colors in the scene or (with some cameras) if different light sources illuminate the camera and subject matter." - Cyber College, 2017

This is a problem that we had throughout all of our master classes and especially in our first rehearsal where we had a lot of natural light coming from the studio door which was opened. So it was good that we were able to eliminate this factor first.

- colour temperature describes the apparent warmth or coolness of light. 

• Simply, the lower the color temperature, the warmer the image. 
• Roughly speaking, 2500-3500K represents the reddish, orange-y hues given off by tungsten bulbs, 
• 3000-4000K is the oranges and yellows of sunrise, 
• 5000-6500K moves away from the yellows into the blues of clear daylight,
• 6500-8000K is like the blues and greys of overcast daylight 
• 8000-10000K is like the darker blue-grey of shaded daylight. 
• If a shot is too blue and needs warming up, the colour temperature is likely too high.

(information from VideoMaker.com)

We needed to know this information about the light because it gave us a good indication of what to adjust and which direction to adjust it. In the studio our colour balance kept ranging from 3200k to 4100k so once we got this sorted we were ready to go.

• During this rehearsal we realised a variety of contingencies for props and their placements. We worked out the best place to place to place the podiums and had to consider the heights of the contestants/tables because this would alter our shot types too. 

Photo by Ellie

• Another important part of this rehearsal was how many shot changes there were as well as shot additions. As Lead Camera operator I had to make sure that I noted down the changes on my script because this would make the rehearsal process much more efficient. Below is an example of my script changes that I noted down during the show; 

Here is the first draft script that was given in rehearsal 1

Here is the second draft script where the changes were now embedded into the new script and new notes were added



Rehearsal Day 3

During this day there were two things going on at once. The re shoot of the Trivia VT as well as rehearsals so as VT  Producer and Lead Camera I was unable to be at two places at once. This was the first time the host came in for rehearsals in the studio. This was important as practicing with him was essential as it would give up better practice of what it will be like. 

What happened?

• The first task consisted of all camera operators rigging up equipment and making sure it was all ready to go when the re shoot was finished so I assisted with this. The set up was quick just like the previous rehearsal days.
• There were 3 rehearsal shows that took place on this day. The first one was not so good and it ran over by around 7 minutes. This was expected since this was the first time the host was able to familiarise himself with the set and the cameras
• The second rehearsal show was a lot better, we only went over by a minute or so and that was due to the fact we had a fire alarm go off at the start.
• When looking at my shots, I realised that I had stable 2 shots, softer singles in round 1, and for the split screen part that was added, I managed to get it straighter than before. It was very tricky trying to remember the and learn the quick changes as I didn't have time to keep looking at the script. This meant that I had to now create camera cards so I can look at it on the move.

Below is the first set of camera cards that I created. I preferred to write them down as it made me remember exactly what would be happening; 

Camera cards are a standard procedure for camera operators and I finally understood why because it was so handy. I finally started feeling like a professional being able to look at my shots on the move.

• The next step would be to create better camera cards and try to remember all the little changes that was made.

• Continue to create a professional working environment and continue to master the shots given to me.