Lights, Camera, Action

For 9 weeks in the fall of last year I attended production classes at our local community television station - https://www.piscatawaynj.org/departments/pctv/index.php. It was a lot of fun to learn what goes on behind the scenes of a television show or movie and I gained a new appreciation for all those involved with making the magic happen on our screens.

       We started with an introduction to the studio and basic equipment and then each week got hands-on experience working cameras, handling the video and sound boards, working the teleprompter (surprisingly the toughest to do without a lot of practice), acting as floor manager and even taking a shot at directing. The last sessions focused on editing, which was fascinating as it gave us a glimpse into how all that rough footage is assembled into the final product.

       Early in the first class, our instructor, the station GM, George, told us we would from that day on watch movies, sports, and TV shows differently. That certainly is true for me as I immediately started thinking about camera angles, the number of cameras used, scene switches and especially how documentaries were filmed and edited. I also now pay much more attention to continuity – the art of making sure things like hair, drinks, cigarettes, etc. are consistent through multiple takes of a scene that are edited together later. When you notice a drink getting fuller or a cigarette ash changing length unnaturally as a scene unfolds chalk it up to a miss by the continuity team. Spotting those little things makes watching a show or movie more fun – at least for me.

       One of the most eye-opening experiences was being in front of the camera in a mock live newscast. This required reading from a teleprompter, which is challenging enough when you know the text coming up (we didn’t know the text in advance). I now understand why newscasters and others reading a script live sometimes have incorrect inflection or show emotion inconsistent with the text. When you have to focus on reading, the brain takes an extra split second to register the context.

       After completing the first level class we were invited to participate in a second level class in which we will create and produce a news show of our own so we can learn that side of the business. I’m very much looking forward to that experience. We also were encouraged to volunteer at the station (its community TV so most of those involved with broadcasts are volunteers) to handle various positions. For the first show, I opted to shadow a taping but due to a low turnout of volunteers I wound up as a camera operator. It was cool to be part of a real show, and I got my first TV credit.

       Next up was a live broadcast with the mayor and Santa in which kids could call in to speak with Santa. For this one, I sat in the control room to see how all the pieces come together from the director’s point of view. It was fascinating to watch the director and team react to the little hiccups that occur in a live broadcast. Totally different from the show we taped the week before. Evenyone handled their parts with poise in the midst of some chaotic moments, and the show was a success. The few glitches on the production team’s side were used as teaching moments to ensure things run smoother next time, with notes made on adjustments to pre-production procedures.

       I’m looking forward to working on future shows and learning more about the various roles such as floor manager, video board operator, sound board operator, and taking more turns behind the camera. Remote taping / broadcasts offer more opportunities to volunteer and learn.

      This is yet another thing that was not even remotely on my radar, but I am enjoying immensely. I came upon the class by accident while channel surfing for a show I follow on the station – “Not Just Rock n’ Roll”. I stumbled upon a show about volunteers and reached out to find out about opportunities. Once again, stepping outside my comfort zone to try something new  has opened up a host of possibilities. Not only is it fun, but the class and volunteering on shows are great learning experiences, and learning new things is vital to keeping our brains healthy and for continued growth.

www.RetiredandInspiredat55.com  01-20-2025