Chapter 4

Review from syllabus

Introduce and review ▪ interview segment criteria

Interview segments will be conducted in the format of a panel show

Panel Programs▪ Aka “Talking heads”

Starting point for many directors Very popular programming to produce▪ Also the cheapest

Ability to shoot a panel program▪ Makes working in other formats easier

Preparing a panel program Preproduction – routine or rundown The ground plan and setting The seating arrangement

▪ One host & One guest▪ One host and multiple guests

Production – rehearsal:▪ Timing the program▪ Shooting options

Postproduction, editing-transcript

Panel program Set up Three cameras are used to shoot

participants▪ Camera to shoot host▪ Camera to shoot guests▪ Camera to shoot wide shot (middle camera)

a Panel/Talk Show

Producing a TV panel/talk show Can be tough Requires the ability to multi-task

7 steps will be reviewed to prepare a successful talk show

Decide on a format Some shows feature a variety of hosts

interacting with guests & each other▪ Like "The View“

Other shows have one host▪ Like "Ellen or Oprah”

For show themes that revolve around politics or social issues ▪ Two or more co-hosts or multiple reporters

and hosts can highlight different views & keep the commentary balanced.

Hire a host Audition several prospective hosts▪ Rate each one on poise, intelligence,

personality & looks▪ Base choice on a host's familiarity with your

theme Attractive, yet uniformed hosts will be

obvious▪ May result in a loss of credibility & viewership

Booking guests Plan in advance & do research as a

producer Do pre-interviews over the phone or in

person Check the credentials of potential guests ▪ Brief hosts on the guest's book, movie, CD or

business.

Set the show length and segments When producing a daily/weekly show on

the air▪ Producer & Directors▪ Must act quickly & decisively

▪ Determine the length of each segment & don't run over

Learn how to write and edit Last-minute changes in reports, other

show, or segments▪ May require quick rewrites & edits

Be familiarize with video-editing software like Final Cut, Premier & Avid

Recruit a professional staff/team Good producers▪ Hire the best writers, cameramen, directors,

etc▪ To help the show run smoothly

▪ Know when to take care of a situation themselves▪ And when to delegate authority

Handle stress well When dealing with guests and hosts▪ Tempers can flare & controversy will emerge.

Know how to deal with conflicting ego types▪ And when to cut to commercials

Have contacts to get last minute guests▪ If a scheduled guest cancels.

Resets Doing resets is like being a good party

host▪ Introducing new arrivals so they feel welcome

The ideal reset ▪ Is a brief & compelling restatement of “the

what & why”

Be sure that you have appropriate rights to use copyright protected material on all platforms on which you distribute the program