Producers
A television producers main responsibilities include planning, casting, release/distribution and writing. The producer basically oversees the whole production alongside the director. The producer would use most of the equipment in the production as they oversee the whole production. Must be able to communicate with everyone on set including director, camera operators, editors, writers and floor managers. Producers often use special terminology for things on set to make it as easy and not as time consuming.
- “Boom” = This means they’re seeing the microphone dipping into the shot on accident.
- “Apple Box” = A box that has various purposes. It can be stood on, sat on, have equipment rested on it, and comes in multiple sizes (full, half, quarter, and pancake). The name Apple Box comes from the early days of film when they would use old apple crates for various purposes on set.
- “Sticks” = Tripod.
A producer is very important on set as they are in charge of almost every part of the production. They also set and control the budget for the shoot.
Camera Operator
A camera operators main responsibility is filming. They would have to be very well equipped with cameras on set and would have to be able to use a multi-camera setup. They would be working very closely with the producers and directors so they would need to be able to communicate with them. Camera operators often use radios to communicate with others.
For example:
- “10-4” = Message received and understood.
- “What’s your 20?” = Where are you?
- “ETA?” = What is your estimated time of arrival.
- “Take 5” = Take a 5 minute break.
- “Switch to (channel number)” = If you need to have a longer conversation or talk one to one you can switch to a channel dedicated for one-on-one conversation.
A camera operator is integral to a production as they are needed to film anything. A camera operator must be able to catch the directors vision.
Autocue Operator
An autocue operator is responsible for controlling the teleprompter on studio shoots and some location shoots. They would have to have a teleprompter and should be educated on how to use it. They would have to work with writers and camera operators mainly. They most have very good communication with the writers so they know what to put on the autocue. An autocue operator is only really used in studio shoots and occasionally location shoots therefore is not really important however if its for the news or something of that sort they are very important to make sure the show can run as smooth as possible.
