week 2

During the second week, we were learning all about the camera work and the role of the floor manager. Przemek invited a girl from the third year, who was a great director and floor manager the previous year. She was keen on helping us and giving us all the tips and adive. She was also just a really friendly person, and having her on set that day made me more comfrotable. 

Firstly, Przemek reminded us about all the roles that he introduced us to, the previous week. He also talked more about the  Q-Lab software.

Then, he said that the aim for this week is for us to know what the 'as directed' sequence looks like and that in that day's recorded programme we should use a lot of camera shots. He tought us some new camera angles and shots, and we got to know more about the camera movement. 

Next, he described the role of the floor manager. He went into depth with this role, and walked us through everything. From the FM's responsibilities to its' perks. 

The floor manager (FM)/stage manager (SM) is the director's primary representative and contact on the studio floor, in the broadcast booth, or on the field of play. The FM may be used to cue performers and direct the floor crew. In the studio, the FM is responsible for general studio organization, safety, discipline (e.g., noise control), and security. (Millerson, 2012)

Then, we were all assigned the roles. Przemek wanted me to be the floor manager, and I could not be happier, since it was the role we were focusing on that week. 

During the recording of the interview, I found my role quite difficult. At first, I could not even do the count down on my fingers. I noticed how important the relationship between the director and the floor manager is. I constantly had to let the director know about everything that was happening on the floor. The ability of multitasking is the skill that every floor manager should have. I had to listen to other cameramen, to the interviewer and our guest and also to all that was happening in the gallery. 

After we were done with the programme, Przemek gathered us all downstair and showed us the recorded product. We talked about the camerawork and the specific shots that we had learned at the beginning of the lesson and that we succesfully used in this task. Przemek was generally pleased with the outcome. Just before the end of the class, he asked us all seperately about our role and experience, and I gladly said I was happy with my performance.

Bibliography:

• Millerson, Gerard and Owens, Jim (2012) Television Production, CRC Press