What’s In A Video Shoot? May 9th, 2007
Have you ever been part of making a TV show?
Have you ever wondered what the people in the long list of credits at the end of movies do? Here at the Malaga Media Center, long before the anticipated week arrives, people are busy with a number of preparatory activities.
Preparation…
The presenters write scripts, often up to thirty, 25-minute programs for one week of shooting. They make decisions about the content of the programs and the style of presentation, consulting with others involved. The technicians must check all equipment to see that it is working properly, so that the switcher or monitors do not stop working during the shoot. Other crew members prepare the set and lighting, making sure the colored lights are not too bright or too dull. They check the sound, so that the microphone levels are correct. New clothing must be bought for costuming in colors that don’t make the faces of the presenters fade out when the spotlights are on.
The ladies in charge of hospitality prepare guest rooms, making them comfortable for cast and crew who come from other places. The workers are tired at the end of the day and need a good place to crash. The hospitality team plans and purchases food for meals to serve each day that will keep the staff on their feet.
Shoot Week…
During the actual shoot week, the on-camera presenters constantly work on the scripts, fine-tuning the text or presenting it in a slightly different way than planned. The director gives instructions through earphones to those working the cameras:
“Move in a bit closer.”
“Pan out a little more.”
“Camera 3, you’re on.”
A native Arabic speaker listens closely to the presenters to make sure everything is clearly presented in an understandable manner.
During breaks, the make-up person must touch up facial make-up that may become shiny due to perspiration caused by the very hot spotlights. Presenters change their clothes to give variety to the different programs, and they munch on healthy snacks which are provided to give them some extra energy. Also during the break the air conditioning system must be turned on to lower the heat level in the studio. It can’t be running during the actual shooting time, because it can be heard in the background. The spotlights raise the heat level which can be draining on those in the studio.
The work continues…
Once the shoot week is over, the work doesn’t stop just because the extra help has gone home. The MMC staff then has to begin the editing process. This takes many, many man hours before the programs are finally ready to put in the mail to the broadcasters. It is always a wonderful day when the tapes are finally on their way, and we know that they will soon be on TV in the homes of thousands of North Africans who may otherwise have no contact with the Gospel message.
This is only a brief summary of what goes on at MMC during the preparation of a video series. It really is very much more involved than this space allows for description. The wonderful thing is that you are a part of this venture. With your prayers and gifts, each home in North Africa that sees the programs, each person that responds by writing to MMC, each one who makes a decision for Christ is part of your partnering with us here. Thank you for being a vital part of the ministry of The Malaga Media Center. This is Kingdom work and we covet your continued prayers on our behalf.