As Live Production | My Role in the Production

After finding out which show idea we would be developing, it was time to apply and interview for jobs in the production.

The panel had chosen Katie and Melissa's idea: Steal the Style - a fashion chat show.

I was initially interested in an editing role, which led me to consider looking at the role of vision mixer as well.  This is not something I had considered previously, however I am a keen editor and would like to pursue a career in editing.  Therefore I feel it would be interesting to try vision mixing as it derives similar skills as editing in a live setting, which I am not yet familiar with.

I feel the interview went well and I am happy that I got the roles of VT sound, VT editor and Vision Mixer.  This meant that I will be busy throughout most of the pre-production period and on the actual day of production.  I have worked as a sound op before, and as an editor many times, but vision mixing is new to me, so I will focus a lot of attention towards researching this.

Here are the basics of vision mixing:

• Vision mixers edit programmes live, joining together visuals from various sources such as the studio cameras, VTs and digital effects.
• They work very closely with the director and they are the 'second pair of eyes' in the gallery.
• Vision mixers must be able to react quickly to potential changes in the running order and multitask between cutting shots and listening to the director's instructions.
• A vision mixer must have an eye for good visuals, be patient and good team working skills, as well as the confidence to deal with unforeseen circumstances.

(http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles/318_vision_mixer)