THE MAGIC OF THE TV CONTROL ROOM

When you are sitting at home watching television or getting ready to appear as a guest on a show the chances are you are not thinking about HOW the TV show actually gets on the air.  So here's a mini tour of all the bells and whistles found in most television control rooms that make any show look and sound good. This backstage pass is courtesy of MNN's digital express studio.

LIGHTS, CAMERA AND ACTION

As a producer working at CBS News, a union shop, I never got the chance to use the equipment.  I usually worked with a cameraman, audio man, a director, a technical crew and an editor to achieve my creative vision and they pushed all the buttons.  But in this studio control room I work as a one man band controlling all the equipment.  In the above photo  I am sitting directly in front of the video switcher which carries the video picture from camera to switcher to master control (to air) or digital video recorder.  Above the switcher is a monitor and camera.  Below the camera is a robotic camera controller which allows you to frame your shots and save them to memory.

AUDIO MIXER: Can You Hear Me Now?

A TV show can have the best video but is a FAIL if you can't hear what a guest is saying.  So set your audio.
Bring up speaker fader
Press tone button
Raise the master fader
Check the record decks
Set Mics
Set Roll-ins

                                                       

                                                                          Roberto races against the clock to give us all the information.

ROLLING IN VIDEO: You Looking At Me?

Once you have your audio set, put your video source in (mini DV, DVCAM, or DVD) to record your show.  If you want to learn how to be good on television, record yourself and watch the tapes you make. Watch how you sit, the pace of your conversation, and your energy level. Show the tape to someone whose opinion you trust and ask for a critique. If you want additional help consider media training and give me a call. If you are ready4Air and want TV placement or  have a program idea for your own TV or web show let me know.   Follow Debbie Mitchell on Twitter @TVProducerDeb or contact by email at ready4airtv@gmail.com.