How to make a studio program
A short video examining the print material associated with COM 357
Overview:
This 5 minute video is designed to serve as a tool in the basic understanding of
how to create a director’s script for COM 357. This is not a “stand alone video”,
but it is to be used along with other print material such as a sample treatment,
floor plan and storyboard. Together, these elements are to be used to aid every
COM 357 student in understanding how to create these print materials. The host
and guest of this show serve as the catalyst for the discussion on how to create a
director’s script. The guest presented in this video has successfully completed
the COM 357 class as he presents his knowledge about the subject. The host is
a seasoned professional and has hosted several shows like this such as; “How to
light the studio correctly”, and “The in’s and out’s of the switcher and audio
mixer”.
Purpose:
The information provided in this video is to be used during the entire semester of
COM 357 as a compliment to the course. With the aid of this tool, it is believed
that the user of this information will understand how to correctly write a script for
class as well as design a floor plan, storyboard and treatment. This information is
valuable because it can be applied to virtually every studio assignment in this
course.
Audience/Length:
The primary audience for this project consists of any currently enrolled Western
Michigan University student taking the COM 357 class under the instruction of
David Evans. It can also include audiences that are just interested in studio
production and how to create a script. The length of this project is approximately
5-10 minutes in length.
Genre:
This is a basic small-scale studio talk show. The content is both educational and
informational with a specific audience in mind.
Format:
There are several elements that make up this show. The contents of this program
are comprised of 9 still stores, a short videotape roll-in, and a studio card. The
studio card is actually an oversized example of a script. The still stores are
arranged in order for ease of access.
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The show will begin with an opening graphic of the show. The host will then
question our special guest about specifics of TV studio director’s scripts. As the
guest explains the script there will be intermittent transitions to still stores and the
studio card to help accentuate his point. Close to the end of the presentation,
there will be a short video presented that further explains key concepts. At the
conclusion, the narrator will give contact information where the viewers can
obtain more information on TV studio scripting.
Crew/Participants:
For ultimate flexibility, the crew members should consist of 3 camera operators, 1
floor director, 1 audio operator, 1 technical director, 1 director, 1 stillstore
operator, 1 CG operator, 1 VTR playback, and 1 talent coordinator. Talent will
consist of 1 host, 1 guest and a narrator.
Set Considerations:
The set design is aimed at trying to obtain a homey look. The lights should be as
soft as possible. The guest will sit on a couch as the host sits in a comfortable
chair. There will be plants and greenery to frame the set well. Three flats will be
set up, one of which will have a prop window so that it seems as though it looks
out to a landscape. Each talent participant will have a glass of water prepared for
them if they wish. The primary set pieces will be elevated on a riser so that the
participants are closer to camera eye level.
There will be two lavaliere microphones for each talent participant. The narrator
will speak into a handheld microphone which will be set up on a stand and off of
the set.
For more set details, please review the floor plan included with this treatment.
Other considerations:
Release forms of the talent and the roll-in video have been obtained. Copies can
be provided upon request. Also on file are the resume and background
information for both the talent and the guest and can be provided upon request.
The taping of this program is planned to take place at 3:00pm, 2/03/05. The
studio will be set up 2 hours prior to the taping of this program by our behind the
scenes crew which consists of a lighting director, sound engineer, and set
constructor. Talent and crew are required to be on the set ½ hour before taping
for relay of specific details and a short rehearsal. Expected completion of this
project will be at 4:00pm that same day. For contact information on any cast or
crew members please call me and I will pass any word along to them.
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