U23 Brief

CREATIVE AND MEDIA PRODUCTION LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA

Multi Camera Techniques Unit 23 LO1; LO2; LO3 Sarah Wilson & Adam Jones Date Issued: 14th September 2015 Final Deadline: 23rd October 2015 Tabs to create: U23 LO1; U23 LO3; U23 LO3

Aim and Purpose This unit aims to develop understanding of multi-camera television formats, and to develop skills in multicamera production techniques. Learners will also gain an appreciation of how the multi-camera process integrates with other production skills and gain valuable experience of studio management, multi-camera directing and studio floor techniques.

Unit Introduction The term ‘multi-camera production’ covers a wide range of specialisms and skills in the moving image industry. It is applied in situations as diverse as live broadcasts of sports events and concerts, TV productions such as game and chat shows, and the provision of screen displays for corporate conferences.

This unit enables learners to develop the knowledge and skills fundamental to this sector of the industry by undertaking the study of professional productions and applying that knowledge in practical multi-camera productions. The unit introduces advanced technical skills in the use of sound and vision equipment and the essential working practices and conventions of successfully working in a production team.

A good grasp of these skills provides the foundation for working in specific technical and production roles in the industry, from studio producer to sports camera, and on programmes as diverse as soap operas, comedy game shows, music festival broadcasts, local news magazines or Premier League football matches.

The technical and team-working skills developed can complement and develop those from other units in preproduction, video production and production management as well as providing learners with opportunities to gain new specialist skills such as vision mixing and floor management.

The unit mirrors professional practice in providing the opportunity to practise production skills in a tightly time-constrained environment requiring commitment to working at the highest possible standards.

Guidance: Create tabs on website Unit 23 U23 LO1 U23 LO2 U23 LO3 Referencing: Please make sure all research is referenced – any work being plagiarised will fail http://www.wikihow.com/Cite-a-Website - Guidance can be found here

Unit 23 LO1: Understand programme formats that use multi-camera production Deadline: 25th September 2015

LO1 Aim: Comprehensively explain multi-camera production programme formats with elucidated examples and consistently using subject terminology correctly.

Task Description: This learning objective aims to develop an understanding of multi-camera television formats. You will learn how and why multiple cameras are used for certain formats of television shows through the studying specific examples.

You will be required to analyse a number of productions such as chat shows, game shows and live sports events to determine what the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques are.

Your work will be presented in the form of [INSERT] and should comprehensively breakdown the use of multicamera techniques in two studio productions AND two live events.

Task 1 Live Events Watch the filmed examples of Live Events on Vibe Productions/Unit 23/LO1 Draw/ create a diagram of a live event. You can do this on paper and scan it in, or create a diagram in PowerPoint.

The live event could be a sporting event, stadium show, festival or stage production.

Imagine you were to film this whole event. You would want a variety of shots coming from multiple cameras.

Mark on the diagram where the cameras would be placed. Draw what the cameras would see in their viewfinder.

Create a PowerPoint titled Unit 23 LO1 Write a short paragraph for each camera, justifying why you would place it there.

Save this to your memory stick.

Task 2 Studio Productions Watch the filmed examples of Studio Productions on Vibe Productions/Unit23/LO1 Draw/ create a diagram of a studio production. You can do this on paper and scan it in, or create a diagram in PowerPoint.

The studio production could be a game show, chat show, panel show or studiobased drama.

Imagine you were to film this whole event. You would want a variety of shots coming from multiple cameras.

Mark on the diagram where the cameras would be placed. Draw what the cameras would see in their viewfinder.

Create a PowerPoint titled Unit 23 LO1 Write a short paragraph for each camera, justifying why you would place it there.

Save this to your memory stick.

Task 3 Analysing Multi-Camera Productions TV Studios America is launching a new apprenticeship scheme. The scheme allows UK based media students to work in American for 10 months during their gap year in their LIVE TV studio department.

In order to pass the first round of applications the studio executives would like applicants to demonstrate their understanding of studio based productions.

You will need to explain when a multi-camera production would be appropriate and why. You will need to present the information clearly in a PowerPoint, with indepth detail, interesting images and embedded video clips.

Choose TWO live events and TWO studio productions and evaluate the multi camera production focusing on the reasons in the list below

You will need to include; Example Two examples of a live event

Two examples of studio productions

Done

Sports Concerts stage productions public events game shows chat shows news magazines studio-based drama

You will use these examples to describe and analyse the following reasons for multi-camera use Reasons Coverage of action Communicating meaning to the viewer Visual style Maintaining viewer interest Constraints of studio or location environment Multi-camera simultaneous recording

Done

Assessment Criteria 

Learners will cover a wide range of studio and outside broadcasting multi-camera productions, in such a way as to evaluate the application of the production techniques.

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Using carefully chosen details to illustrate their points, they will compare, assess and discriminate between the examples they look at, justifying points made with supporting arguments.

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They will draw out of an example precisely what it is about it that exemplifies the point it illustrates.

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Technical vocabulary will be secure and used correctly and confidently at all times.

This provides evidence for U23 P1; M1; D1

Hand in: ‘How To’ PowerPoint must be uploaded onto your blog.

Tab: U23 LO1

Deadline: 16:00 - Friday 25th September 2015

Unit 23 LO2: Be able to plan a multicamera production Deadline: 9th October 2015

LO2 Aim: Plan a multi-camera production to a quality that reflects near-professional standards showing creativity and flair and working independently to professional expectations

Task Description In order to produce a near professional standard multicamera production, precise planning and pre-production is required. As with any production, planning can make the difference between success and failure. With this unit in particular, it is essential as you will only have one opportunity to record your live show.

Ideas, scripting and inserts all need to be planned and completed before any rehearsing or recording can be completed, so it is important to stick to the tight deadlines!

It has been broken down into manageable 15 tasks to help you manage your time effectively and to ensure you are fully prepared for your show.

Task 1 Production Roles Undertake research on the different production roles available in the multi-camera production area. Complete this section of the pre-production booklet, filling in every box.

Task 2 Interview Roles Complete the following section explaining each group member’s role for every interview.

Task 3 Mind Map Complete a mind map detailing as many different show content ideas as possible. These should be developed on as much as possible with multiple strands coming from each idea.

Task 4 Programme Format Breakdown what is going to happen in each segment of your show.

Who will be interviewed? What will be discussed? What will happen? Who will be on screen? Add research of at least 2 different shows where the presenter has a similar style. Define the video style of your show and include relevant images of shows you would like to emulate.

Task 5 Script Write a full script for your show, fully formatted and making it clear who is to be reading each section.

Task 6 Timed Script Using your final script, now add in times for everything that’s happens/is said. This includes all questions, any sounds/music that may be played. This ensures your final production is well timed and there are no ‘dead spots’. Remember to rad this aloud to a timer to check – do NOT just guess. It will show.

Task 7 Links How will each interview or segment be linked?

Task 8 Inserts What clips, images and quotes will you insert during the show?

Task 9 Equipment List What equipment will you need for your entire production? This includes any additional recording you will undertake outside of the studio.

Task 10 Set Design Draw a plan of your set. Mark on the position of lights, cameras, props and Greenscreen backgrounds. Add in photographs of your final set, including props etc.

Task 11 Lighting Design Take photos of the lighting set up for your show. You must show how the following will be lit: -

The presenter introducing the show Interviews (this may differ between each interview) The end of the show

Add notes to the photos to explain the setup.

Task 12 Studio Management Plan Label the blank diagram to show the positioning of the following: -

The main studio The control room The storeroom The editing suite The main office The position of your cameras Up to four microphones Where each assigned role will be allocated (i.e. Director, Vision Mixer etc.)

Where you will keep interviews before they come on the set. A green room should be comfortable with sufficient seating for all your guests. Any noise of their chatting should not be heard on set.

Task 13 Location Recce You must complete one of these for the studio and every location in which you film any pre-recorded segments.

Task 14 Risk Assessment Complete the risk assessment highlighting all risks that may occur in the studio or during any pre-recorded segments.

Task 15 Shot List Use your timed script to write a shot list. You will need copies of this to go to your Vision Mixer.

Assessment Criteria 

Contributions to the planning of the team production will be consistently positive and helpful, and the ideas that they put forward will, as often as not, be the ones that are taken up by the rest of the group.

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Planning and production documentation will be produced to nearprofessional standards.

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Learners will show creativity and imagination in the way they develop ideas, and their ideas and plans will therefore move beyond the conventional. Though they might still be working within recognisable generic conventions, they will use the conventions creatively and with occasionally surprising results

This provides evidence for U23 P2; M2; D2

Hand In: ‘Pre-Production Booklet’ to be completed and uploaded to your blog

Tab: U23 LO2

Deadline: 16:00 - Friday 9th October 2015

Unit 23 LO3: Be able to perform an operational role in a multi-camera production.

Deadline: 22rd October 2015

LO3 Aim: Perform an operational role in a multi-camera production to a technical quality that reflects near-professional standards working independently to professional expectations.

Task Description: After all that learning, planning and pre-production, it’s time to demonstrate what you now know! This learning objective is where you finally get to get into the studio and produce a multi-camera production. Whether it’s a chat show, a game show or something else, the key to achieving a high grade here is through rehearsals.

Each group will have a rehearsal slot and it’s essential you make the most of this time. You will become more familiar with the equipment and also the structure of your show.

You will have ONE chance to record your show. This learning objective will not just allow you to demonstrate your production skills, but also your planning, time management and people skills – all of which are transferrable throughout the rest of the year. Very little, if any, editing will need to take place after the production is filmed, so practice will make perfect.

Task 1 Pre-recorded filming

This is when you should film any inserts and pre-recorded footage or download any pre-existing footage for your show. All footage must be fully edited, exported and burnt to DVD before your show. Timings should be added to your scripts.

Task 2 Rehearsals

You have to rehearse your show prior to you filming it.

During rehearsals you must bring: - Props - Location shoot on DVD (if possible) - Costume - Guests (if they’re free) - Your questions / script Cue cards

Task 3 Live Show

Turn up at least 20 minutes before your show goes live in order to set up the studio, turn on the vision mixer, set up the autocue and get your guests ready for the live show.

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Make sure set is correct Have your cue cards Check autocue is working Cameras set up Check sound is working Check vision mixer is working Guests are there The vision mixer has the timed script You know what is on the inserts Lights are set up

Assessment Criteria 

In relation to technical skills and the handling of equipment, learners will demonstrate near-professional standards.

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Learners will be capable of working autonomously and effectively.

They will be able to work on their own initiative, without constant support or supervision, and will give the work their full commitment.

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They will work positively and cooperatively with others, responding to instruction positively. In other words, they will act as would be expected of them in a professional context.

This provides evidence for U23 P3; M3; D3

Hand In: ‘Multi-Camera Production’ to be uploaded to your blog, either direct or via YouTube.

Tab: U23 LO3

Deadline: 16:00 – Thursday 22nd October 2015

Resources Textbooks Baylis P, Freedman A, Procter N et al – BTEC Level 3 National Creative Media Production, Student Book Baylis P, Freedman A, Procter N et al – BTEC Level 3 National Creative Media Production, Teaching Resource Boyd, A – Broadcast Journalism: Techniques of Radio and TV News, 5th Edition Holman T— Sound for Film and Television 2nd Edition Jarvis P – The Essential TV Director’s Handbook Kindem G and Musburger R – Introduction to Media Production: From Analog to Digital, 4th Edition Millerson G – Video Production Handbook, 4th Edition Roberts-Breslin J – Making Media: Foundations of Sound and Image Production, 2nd Edition Journals Broadcast Websites www.eyefish.tv/production-guide – a site that offers a series of generalised guides to television production

Grading Criteria