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Live TV - operating


Niall Chadwick

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I recently spent 5 days working at the Gadget Show live in birmingham, in the Gaming zone.

 

Due to some technical issues, our wireless didnt work and I ended up having to use a tie line. Which made things rather interesting.

 

Looking back at the footage, Im still wobbly and floaty in certain areas. And on some occasions, being to close to the stage and having an MC who liked to walk back and forth made for some ugly panning and rather shocking framing :(

 

But I was wondering if any has some advice they could offer me for covering live events? Dos, donts, guidance etc.

 

I do have some of the footage on youtube, but its a bit too embarassing to show to the pros :)

 

Many thanks

 

Niall

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One of my new favorite little things for Live TV is a 2.5" LCD for PGM, because you can stick it right on top of your monitor, you'll always know when you're on, and believe it or not it works great for framing with graphics if required. Nevermind the 4:3 aspect, and most HD cameras can internally downconvert at least once. Pick the brand of your choice, but here's the general idea: http://www.markertek.com/Digital-Video-Production/Video-Monitors/LCD-Video-Reference-Monitors/Delvcam-Monitor-Systems/V2500.xhtml?V2500PAL

 

Another must is a lightweight, flexible jumper as Adam mentioned. 6ft usually does the trick. The fiber variety will cost you the most, at about $700 from Mohawk last I checked.

 

That's all I need to cover my bases, the rest is just luxury..

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Here's a little program monitor Rob Vuona turned me on to; the BOYO 3501 3.5" LCD. You can find it online for about $70 +/-. I had Terry West wire it for the video / power out on my sled so it's an easy solution. It's light enough that I attached it to the end of the monitor with a strip of 3M Dual Lock super velcro type tape.

 

Robert

 

steadicam_monitors.jpg

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As long as I have seen steadicam used for live TV most operators have had Tally, program monitor, zoom and focus. To attempt otherwise will only limit what the steadicam can do. I recall working with a video guy from another country and he commented that most US TV Steadicam operators couldn't hold focus. This is especially true in HD.

 

JA

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Blimey!

 

Thanks guys

 

I was only using a pilot at this event, but all this info is great to know. :)

 

If interested, gallery can be found at :

 

/nerd-mode I warn you, its a professional computer gaming event. And yes I'm in there.

 

I'm the one that looks like a sack tied in the middle with a steadicam strapped on :)

Edited by Niall Chadwick
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