Production Tips: Flawless Live Television Events

Every live televised event has its challenges. Whether you’re producing sports, news, gaming events, each has different, and similar demands. If you keep the following in mind during the pre through post process, it can be a flaw-free event and a fantastic experience for not only the audience, but your crew and stakeholders.

1. Plan ahead and create a comprehensive rundown of the event: This means taking the time to plan out every aspect of the event, from the content to the technical requirements. Creating a comprehensive rundown of the event helps ensure that everything is accounted for and that everyone is on the same page.

2. Hire experienced professionals for the technical crew and production team: Hiring experienced professionals ensures that the technical and production aspects of the event are handled by people who know what they’re doing. This helps reduce the likelihood of technical issues and ensures a high-quality production.

3. Select the right equipment and cameras for the event: The right equipment and cameras can make a big difference in the quality of the production. Make sure to select equipment that is appropriate for the size and scope of the event.

4. Conduct a site survey to ensure proper lighting and sound: A site survey helps identify any potential issues with lighting and sound, and allows you to make adjustments before the event.

5. Prepare contingency plans for possible technical issues or emergencies: No matter how well you plan, technical issues and emergencies can still arise. It’s important to have contingency plans in place to ensure that the event can continue even if something goes wrong.

6. Rehearse the event with the crew and talent: Rehearsing the event helps ensure that everyone knows their roles and responsibilities, and that the event runs smoothly.

7. Assign clear roles and responsibilities to the crew and talent: Clear roles and responsibilities help ensure that everyone knows what they’re supposed to be doing, which helps reduce confusion and mistakes.

8. Use a production script to ensure smooth transitions and timing: A production script helps ensure that the event runs smoothly and that everything is timed properly.

9. Have backup equipment on hand: Backup equipment helps ensure that the event can continue even if something goes wrong with the primary equipment.

10. Use a dedicated communication system for the crew: A dedicated communication system helps ensure that everyone can communicate with each other quickly and easily.

11. Use multiple camera angles to capture different perspectives: Multiple camera angles help provide a more dynamic viewing experience and allow the production team to capture different perspectives.

12. Use graphics and lower-thirds to provide context and information: Graphics and lower-thirds can help provide context and information to the audience, which can enhance their understanding and enjoyment of the event.

13. Use music and sound effects to enhance the viewing experience: Music and sound effects can help enhance the viewing experience and make the event more engaging and entertaining.

14. Use pre-produced video packages to break up the live content: Pre-produced video packages can help break up the live content and provide variety for the audience.

15. Use a teleprompter for on-air talent: A teleprompter can help on-air talent stay on script and deliver their lines smoothly.

16. Use a countdown clock to keep track of timing: A countdown clock helps ensure that the event stays on schedule and that everything is timed properly.

17. Use social media to engage with the audience and promote the event: Social media can help you engage with the audience, promote the event, and provide updates before, during, and after the event.

18. Use a delay system to allow for editing or censoring if necessary: A delay system can help you edit or censor content if necessary, which can be useful in live events where unexpected things can happen.

19. Use a live streaming service to reach a wider audience: Live streaming services can help you reach a wider audience, particularly those who are unable to attend the event in person.

20. Use closed captioning for accessibility: Closed captioning helps make the event accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

21. Use a green screen for virtual backgrounds or augmented reality: A green screen can be used to create virtual backgrounds or augmented reality, which can enhance the viewing experience and make the event more engaging.

22. Use a wireless microphone system for mobility: A wireless microphone system can help on-air talent move around freely, which can make the event more dynamic and engaging.

23. Use a control room to monitor and manage the production: A control room allows the production team to monitor and manage the event in real-time, which can help ensure that everything runs smoothly.

24. Use audience feedback to improve future events: Audience feedback can help you identify areas for improvement and make future events even better.

25. Have fun and enjoy the process!: Producing a live televised event can be stressful, but it’s important to remember to have fun and enjoy the process!

Logistics Gymnastics: Making it work

Technology plays a crucial role in logistics and supply chain management. Here are some examples of vital technologies used in logistics and supply chain management:

  1. Transportation management systems (TMS)
  2. Warehouse management systems (WMS)
  3. Global positioning systems (GPS)
  4. Radio-frequency identification (RFID)
  5. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs)
  6. Drones
  7. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)
  8. Big data analytics
  9. Blockchain technology
  10. Cloud computing
  11. Mobile devices and applications
  12. Electronic data interchange (EDI)
  13. Electronic logging devices (ELDs)
  14. Telematics

These technologies can be used for a variety of purposes such as optimizing routes, tracking shipments, managing inventory, and improving supply chain visibility. By leveraging these technologies, companies can enhance their efficiency, reduce costs, and provide better overall service to their customers.

Lights, Camera, Safety: OSHA and EHS Guidelines in Film and TV Production

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and EHS (Environmental Health and Safety) are regulatory bodies that set workplace safety standards for employees and organizations in the United States. These standards apply to all industries, including the film and television production industry. 

In a broadcast studio and on-location field, there are a variety of hazards and risks that need to be addressed to maintain a safe work environment. Potential hazards in a studio include electrical equipment, trip hazards, and heavy lighting equipment, while dangers on-location could include extreme weather conditions, heavy camera equipment, and dangerous stunts.

Production companies and studios are responsible for implementing safety measures to ensure the health and safety of their employees, cast members, and crew. This includes providing proper training, protective equipment, and ensuring compliance with OSHA and EHS standards.

In addition to safety, the production process requires extensive planning and organization, from casting to filming to editing, in order to create a successful project. The studio or production company typically provides the infrastructure for the entire process, including equipment, crew, and facilities, as well as hiring key personnel such as directors, writers, and producers.

Overall, the success of film and television production depends on strict adherence to OSHA and EHS guidelines, effective planning, and the ability to work efficiently both in the studio and on-location.

To comply with OSHA and EHS guidelines and ensure a safe and healthy work environment for its employees, a film and television production company typically provides the following infrastructure:

1. Protective equipment: This could include hard hats, safety goggles, ear protection, gloves, and other equipment that can provide protection to the crew against potential hazards.

2. Emergency equipment: Fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and other equipment could be provided to handle potential emergencies on the set.

3. Rigging equipment: For lighting, sound, and cinematography, specialized rigging equipment is necessary. The company should ensure these rigging systems are inspected and maintained regularly.

4. Controlled access: Entrance to certain areas on the set, such as building exteriors or areas with hazardous materials, should be restricted in order to ensure the safety of the crew.

5. Safety personnel: The production company should also provide trained safety personnel during all phases of filming to identify hazards, address possible risks, and ensure that OSHA and EHS guidelines are being followed.

6. Training programs: The production company should provide training to all crew members on emergency procedures, safe work practices, and the proper use of protective equipment and rigging systems.

These are just a few examples of the infrastructure that a film and television production company may provide to comply with OSHA and EHS guidelines. The specific measures taken would depend on the location, scope, and nature of the production.

The specific training programs that a film and television production company should provide to its crew members in order to ensure compliance with OSHA and EHS guidelines include:

1. Hazard Communication training: This program covers the methods used to inform employees of the presence, hazards, and location of dangerous chemicals on the set.

2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) training: This program covers the proper use of PPE and how to select, fit, maintain, and wear the equipment.

3. Rigging and Lifting training: This program covers rigging techniques, how to lift and move equipment safely, and proper use of fall protection systems.

4. Emergency Action Plan (EAP) training: This program covers the response procedures for emergencies or accidents on the set, including medical emergencies, fires, and natural disasters.

5. Electrical Safety training: This program covers electrical safety protocols, how to identify electrical hazards on the set, and safe work practices when using electrical equipment.

6. Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) training: This program covers general EHS principles and practices, including hazard recognition, accident prevention, and the safe use and handling of hazardous materials.

7. Site-Specific Safety training: This program covers safety protocols that are specific to the filming location, including location-specific hazards, safety procedures, and emergency protocols.

Overall, the specific training programs required by a film and television production company depend on the nature of the production, the equipment used, and the filming location, and should be designed to address the unique hazards and risks associated with the production.