Fundamentals of TV Production
- Camera operators fill just one of the many roles involved in TV production.television cameraman image by itsallgood from Fotolia.com
Television production is a broad term that covers the great many jobs that go into making a TV show. Everything from the original concept and creation of the script, to the addition of music and graphics to the final edited piece fall under the category of TV production. Making a television show can be exciting and rewarding, but the hours are long and it is very hard work. - Producers play a fundamental role in a production, from beginning to end. Several different types of producers exist for each production. An executive producer creates the entire concept for the show, either on her own or by reading manuscripts and fielding ideas. She also secures the money for a project and oversees its distribution. She then hires and supervises the writers, the director and the entire production team. Beneath the executive producer is the producer, who is on set daily to oversee the production and report to the executive producer. Segment producers oversee a specific section of a production; this is used often for news programs and shows shot on location in several segments.
- Once a producer has an idea that is approved by a network or studio, she will hire a writer. It is his job to transform the concept, book or manuscript into a script for television. The writer is responsible not only for the storytelling and dialogue, but he will also create a shooting script. This script contains all of the action and shot sequences. He will collaborate with the producer and the director and the script will often undergo several rewrites to reflect everyone's vision. The director is hired by the producer as well; as the script is being formed, it is the director's job to translate that script to the screen by envisioning each shot and creating a clear plan to film the script.
- Once the script is set and the producer and director have cast the actors in the roles, a crew is hired to fulfill the many different roles involved in a single production. A cinematographer, also called the DP or director of photography, sets up each shot according to the director's vision. She ensures everything is perfect for the director to get the shot the way he wants it. Other crew members work hard to set up each shot. These roles include microphone and camera operators, sound engineers who mix sound at an onsite sound board to get perfect levels, and lighting designers and gaffers who move and set up lighting equipment for each individual shot.
- Once a TV show is shot and "in the can," much work is left to be done. This crucial stage is called post-production. One of the most important roles in this stage is the editor. The editor chooses which takes to use of a certain scene, where to edit from scene to scene and is greatly responsible for the look of the final product. Along with the editor are other post-production roles such as the sound editor who is often responsible for everything from music soundtrack to sound effects, to the dubbing of actors' voices. Graphic artists are also used at this stage for credits and any onscreen words, often used in news programs.
