Jim Owens

Chapter 2 – Personnel

Understanding how the remote production goes together requires the understanding of the role of each of the participants, their responsibilities and how they interact. Responsibilities vary with the production company, station, network, and event. People are often required to wear multiple hats in a production.

The Television Media

Traditionally television directors and producers knew how their final program would be viewed, generally on a 19″ television set. Today there are many options including standard definition (SD), high definition television (HDTV), Internet, cell phone, and even a personal digital assistant (PDA).

Planning the Production

The planning process is always much more time consuming than the actual production process. In fact, some have stated that 99% of a producers time is spent planning or in pre-production, leaving 1% for the actual production process.

Television, Computers and Sports

Roone Arledge, innovative television sports pioneer, said that television tools such as instant replays, slow motion and even superimposing the names of the players on the screen after a good play, were called gimmicks when they were introduced. The computer invasion into television production that began years ago with the character generator, continues to grow. As directors and producers continue to look for tools and techniques that will lead to a more informed viewer, they are increasingly turning to computer based, viewer enhancement tools.

What Is Remote Production

Remote or outside broadcast (OB) production can be defined as a multi-camera production occurring outside of a studio context. Remotes come in all sizes. A small remote may consist of a two-camera production operating out of a small production mini-van. A big remote may include 20 or more cameras including a blimp shot and point-of-view (POV) specialty cameras.

Pre-production and Set-up

Pre-production or production meetings are an integral part of the production process. Usually run by the producer, these meetings should include representatives from each area including:

Chapter 11 – Milestones in Sports Broadcasting

In the early 1920s it was called visual listening, audiovision, telectroscopy, telephonoscope, raduo, electric vision, and radiovision. Finally, television seemed to be the name everyone accepted. The name television comes from “tele” (far off) and “vision” (to see).

Mobile Unit/OB Van

A mobile unit, often referred to as a remote truck or outside broadcast (OB) van is a mobile television control room. Mobile units come equipped with a video switcher, intercom, graphics, audio, record/playback decks, and all the engineering equipment required to maintain a quality signal.