STUDIO: SET-UP WORKSHOP

With our shoot day looming over the horizon we needed to have a go at the set-up with cameras and actors. This was very good as it made us aware of a few problems that need to be addressed before too late. Here is the short video we filmed to give us an idea of where we are at:

           

Issues to address: 

1. The Sidekick - in the practice above we have our presenters sidekick sitting right next to them. After doing research into shows that use a sidekick as an element of the program I have noticed that the general way to do it is to have them off screen only coming in when they are needed.                                                                                                                                                                                              The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson which is no longer running the host Ferguson leaving in 2015, makes great use of 2 sidekicks one a talking skeleton in a suit and the other a silent horse. In the clip above they find a great way to use the skeleton to read the mind of the horse. Even thought he uses sidekicks they are off screen so the main interest is the host, but to aid comedy the sidekicks can come in at any point. We have already made new plans to change this and will have our nerd off screen.
2. Technically the things to look out for were shot sizes and too much headroom as seen in this shot below
                                                 as opposed to this better framed shot below which leaves less empty uninteresting space for the audience.
   

As VT editor this was an exercise for me in itself as it gave me a feel as to what the role of the vision mixer will be, all be it with a bit more time to compile the shots. We had the right shots that would be needed close ups of each person, 2 shots for each pair and a wide safety shot. The role of the director will be to make sure these are interesting and eye catching so the vision mixer will be able to cut together whats needed. Although these are not specifically my roles it is still good to know hoe each element is coming to be.