Pre-Production-Introduction to Broadcasting-Lecture Handout, Exercises of Mass Communication

Download Pre-Production-Introduction to Broadcasting-Lecture Handout and more Exercises Mass Communication in PDF only on Docsity! Introduction to Broadcasting – MCM 411 VU ©Copyright Virtual University of Pakistan 108 LESSON 37 PRE-PRODUCTION In broadcasting the production process comprises of three clear stages – pre production, production and post production. Although the success of a program depends on an integrated outcome of all the three areas, most people believe that it is the first stage which matters the most in determining the program’s success. Here below we shall examine various aspects of pre production. Brain Storming Every time when it strikes to radio or TV producers to initiate a new program, it follows a series of brain storming sessions. A new program may be a brain child of one person; it is never possible to execute it without making the whole production team to understand the entire idea with great clarity. Scripting a new program When an idea to launch a new program is matured, the author of the idea is supposed to write one-liner in most comprehensive manner and in a fashion that other people should also visualize the program in the same way – never an easy task. And the author also needs to mention details like the duration, purpose, and periodicity of the proposed program. Approval No program on radio or TV is possible for the purposes of broadcast unless it gets approval from the higher authorities, usually a program committee comprising senior people which scrutinize the new venture from all possible aspects before stamping its approval. The committee may reject the idea, or may ask questions as to why this program is required and who would be responsible for certain things – in line with the policy of the broadcasting house. Writing Script Once approval to launch a program is granted by the authorities concerned, the program manager of the particular station which wants to run the show, appoints a producer to handle the new program. The first task of the producer is to get script for the program written by a professional script writer. The producer may arrange some sittings with the script writer to bring him home the concept of the whole exercise so that the script focuses on points for which all this pain is being taken. docsity.com Introduction to Broadcasting – MCM 411 VU ©Copyright Virtual University of Pakistan 109 The script must be in hand before to think of other issues because it is the script which all other people, involved in the program, must be following. Anchorperson Most radio or TV programs require anchorpersons, the talent who must carry out the proceedings of the program, if the program is not a radio or TV play. Talk shows, discussions, quizzes, interviews or any other disc jockey programs need a talent to help accomplish the show. The question mark is always; should it be male or female, young or mature, novice or seasoned, ordinary or literary, OR single or double. Again! not an easy choice. Timings A radio listener or TV viewer might not have realized, the decision on timing to air a program takes lot of time. Usually electronic media has three categories of timings – ordinary hours : from morning to 6 O’ clock in the evening, prime hours; from 6 pm to 10 pm and thereafter the late night programs. Prime time hours are usually allotted to programs which have the potential to earn revenue through advertisements, or could be sold out to private productions. Now; if the new program has earning potential it may find time during prime hours, otherwise it would be settled somewhere in ordinary program hours. Budget All the more important aspect of any new program is to discuss and decide its cost – per program or for the whole quarter or any other period of the year it may continue. It is essential that the program is cost effective otherwise the whole idea, however nice it may sound, could be dropped all told. The cost is worked out on the basis of payment to script writer, anchorperson, other talents involved, technical facilities and the publicity if required. In or outdoor The nature of the program is also seen from the facts whether it is an indoor (studio based) or outdoor show. This is more important in case of TV broadcast for making a program which has completely or some of its elements done outdoor means a very different dimension, more money, staff and risk of delays is very likely due to unseen factors. Out door shootings usually cause an unexpected increase in the budget of the program which may lead to more complications as the program makes progress. If there is an element of outdoor shootings, a producer must talk to the relevant authorities about all these matters at the stage of pre production to avoid any uncomfortable situation in the days to follow. docsity.com