'AS LIVE' PRODUCTION: Job Role Research

If our pitched isn't commissioned, we have to interview for different job roles within the production. To prepare for this, I did some research into some of the different roles. The ones that stood out and interested me were the vision mixer and camera operator. 


Vision Mixer
Vision mixers edit a live show as it is being broadcasted, by "using a variety of transition methods, such as cuts, mixes, wipes and frame manipulation" (Creative Skillset, n.d.). They can be seen as the director's 'second pair of eyes' in the gallery. 

Vision mixers work on shows that are "either transmitted live, recorded as live or pre-recorded in a multi-camera environment in studios or during Outside Broadcasts (OBs)" (Creative Skillset, n.d.). When based in a studio, they work in the gallery, and on OBs they are based in the mobile production gallery in a OB vehicle.

When recording, vision mixers work with the director to "visually create the programme" (Creative Skillset, n.d.). They must be able to multitask as they need to cut from shot to shot during a live interview and need to be listening to the producers instructions at the same time, at the same time as setting up the next transition on the effects bank, and at the same time as listening to the production assistant's countdown to the next item. Running orders on news programmes are able to change at any second, vision mixers need to react quickly and accurately to rapidly changing demands. They often work from "more than one visual source, e.g. when adding graphics with the required name, location and date, to relevant shots" (Creative Skillset, n.d.).

http://www.live-production.tv/studio-production/production-studios/mmc-studio-36.html

Why might this role suit me?

I think this role might suit me because I enjoy editing the most in making a film and this is essentially the editor of the 'live' show world. I am also up for learning something new as I have never tried this role before. 

Camera Operator

A camera operator works with "digital, electronic and film cameras to produce required shots by combining the use of complex technology with creative visual skills" (Prospects, n.d.). They work under the DoP and may be supported by a camera assistant. In a studio, the camera op follows a script which gives the order of shots. 

Responsibilities

- assemble, prepare and set up equipment before filming
- planning shots
- practice the camera moves required for pre-arranged shot
- study scripts
- find solutions to technical or other practical problems
- be prepared to innovate and experiment with ideas
- work quickly 
- take sole responsibility in situations where only one camera op is involved in the filming
- keeping up to date with filming methods and equipment
- repair and maintain equipment
- demonstrate a good awareness of health and safety issues

https://www.hdwarrior.co.uk/2014/04/10/thoughts-on-the-blackmagic-studio-camera-from-richard-crowley/

Why might this role suit me?

I have always been interested in cameras, photography and making the shots look good therefore I think I will be good in positioning the camera and getting a good angle/shot. Using a camera was essential in our past uni projects and I have used different types of cameras over the last year and a half so I also have good experience with using them. I am willing to work with the DoP and would have no problem in taking instructions from the director / producer.

References

- Creative Skill set  (n.d.) Vision Mixer. Available: http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles/318_vision_mixer. Last accessed 15th Jan 2018.

- Prospects. (n.d.) Television camera operator. Available: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/television-camera-operator. Last accessed 15th Jan 2018.