Forms
Forms, who needs ‘em? For a medium which depends so heavily on images and sounds, you'll soon find that there is a lot of emphasis on print--specifically forms to organize your thinking and working. There seems to be a form for every occasion. From talent releases, to script paper and storyboards, to FAX requests.
I know what you're already thinking:
You're told that forms must be filled out, but you have a sneaky suspicion
that nobody will ever read them.
Forms slow you down. In the time that it takes to get through the paperwork,
you could have completed the project.
While there may be grains of truth in the above sentiments, reality is that
forms are necessary for efficient communication, teamwork, and for the organization
of your thoughts and work. They force you to plan more carefully, to consider
other options, and to approach the task more logically.
While forms will change over time and from city to city, market to market, get used to them because you'll be seeing some variation of them for as long as you're in the biz!
NOTE: Blank forms will be provided for your use. Please photocopy them before using and retain the master, working only from your copies.
Script Paper
Traditionally, television scripts are prepared using a 2-column format with video descriptions on the left side of the page, and audio on the right. Depending on the format of the program; news, interview, etc., the audio portion will vary from fully-scripted (every word spoken is written on the script), to semi-scripted, or even an audio outline.
NOTE: In broadcast script writing you will use a computer and software
called ScriptMaster® for the preparation of 2-column scripts.
Camera Shot Sheet
Camera shot sheets are prepared from the finished script and are simply a breakdown for each camera position, listing each camera's shots in order as they appear in the script. For instance, for a 4-camera studio shoot you would generate four shot sheets--one for each camera.
Editing Log
The editing log is an essential part of preparation for post-production. Before you can begin to edit video, you must have a clear understanding of the video and audio contained on your source videotapes. Rather than watch and listen to your videotape and then attempt to recall from memory, the editing log sheet allows you to jot down in and out points of all of your visual and auditory material, making notes as to the usefulness of individual shots or sound bites. The use of SMPTE time code makes editing logs all the more effective. Since time code is an absolute frame reference, all references to in or out points is an absolutely reliable reference for finding that material again once you begin editing. S-VHS tapes recorded in either of our camcorders or in our record VTR will be recorded with time code. Both the playback VTR (AG-7650) and record VTR (AG-7750) will read time code or control track. For logging at home, a VHS copy of your S-VHS source tapes can be made with a visual time code readout on screen. Using this VHS window dub allows you to log your tapes, with the accuracy provided by time code, in the comfort of your own living room (I love this business!).
Storyboard
The storyboard is a visual, shot-by-shot depiction of your project. Critical frames are sketched, much like a comic strip, so that others (clients, crew, financiers) can share, and hopefully approve, your vision. Storyboards are commonly used for spot advertisements, promotional spots, and movies. I've also included a "photo-board". This is created after-the-fact from actual frames from the project. In this case it is not used for pre-production but rather for promotion after the project has been completed.
Fax Request
This has nothing to do with facsimile machines. The fax request is a form used to request facilities (fax) for television production. Fax requests at KTSC-TV are forwarded to the production manager and chief engineer for approval. Once the fax request has been approved, you know that the studio, control room and/or equipment requested is available for your use at the day and time requested. Although first-come, first-serve is SOP, critical projects may bump others deemed to be less important.
Download the KTSC-TV fax request form as an Excel file
Equipment Reservation Form
The equipment reservation form is used to reserve location gear (camcorder, lighting, tripod, etc.) and editing suite time. It is simply a more streamlined fax request that requires that you answer a few questions about your progress to date on the project under production.
Talent Release Form
The talent release (sometimes called consent and release) form is a legal document that once signed gives the television station or production company the right or permission to use the name, voice, and/or picture of the person signing the form. A properly signed form prohibits the signer from later stopping the broadcaster/producer from using the material, or from suing the same for its use. Following is a fairly generic example of a talent release form. One thing that should be noted--the more general the form the more likely that one form can be used for multiple applications. However, the more specific the form the more likely that it will hold up in court if challenged.
TALENT RELEASE FORM
Talent Name:___________________________ (please print)
Project Title:___________________________
For value received and without further consideration, I hereby consent to the use of all photographs, videotapes or film, taken of me and/or recordings made of my voice and/or written extractions, in whole or in part, of such recordings or musical performance
on _______________________ 19 ____
(month) (day) (year)
by ________________________, representing (insert production company/station here) and/or others with its consent, for the purposes of illustration, advertising, or publication in any manner.
Talent Name________________________________________ (signature)
Address: ________________________________________________________________________________
Date: ________/_______/________
If the subject is a minor under the laws of the state where modeling, acting, or performing is done:
Guardian:____________________________ (please print)
Guardian:____________________________ (signature)
Address: ________________________________________________________________________________
Date: ________/_______/________
Download in MS Word format
Floorplan
The floorplan allows you to sketch the approximate locations of sets, props, cameras, talent, etc. This overhead view makes it easy to consider distance, angles and other factors that may be crucial to setting up your production. At KTSC-TV, some of the studio is occupied by semi-permanent sets that remain in place for extended periods of time.
Return to CSU-Pueblo Television Production Handbook home page.
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