Director Notes

Taking on the responsibility of directing a show is one of the most difficult and stressful jobs associated with getting a show recorded. There are many tasks and details that you must attend to, many of them quickly and or simultaneously. The production crew is your team, and as such it is important that you take charge as team leader making sure that all the positions are covered by someone who understands his or her part in the process. Some volunteers will be filling a position for the first time and will need your assistance and patience in doing a good job.

Preparation

• Meet and speak with each crew member and give instruction as needed.
• Check lighting
• Check audio
• Check supplemental input materials such as Powerpoint presentations or other inserted media
• Be sure everyone “speaks the same language” Ready, Standby, Take, Live, Zoom, Pan, etc.
• Place discs into DVD recorders

Showtime

• Que up Titles
• Que up intro music
• Set Background for start (usually black)
• Prep opening camera shots
• Quiet on the Set
• Roll Media (allow 8-10 seconds) check that counter is progressing
• Fade up audio
• Roll titles
• Take opening talent shot
• Cue talent
• Ready C.G. operator with lower thirds
• Set up camera shots
• Encourage and assist your team all the way to the end
• Check with floor director visually and audibly as needed throughout the show
• Have lots of fun
• As time runs out, que up closing credits
• Que up closing music
• Roll them
• Fade to black
• Finalize and label the discs.
• Hold a post production tech meeting to celebrate, appreciate, learn and look for ways to improve next time.