Simple Steps to Produce a Travel Show

When it comes to broadcast and digital media production, I've produced just about every type:

• Full-length documentaries
• ENG, VOV, VSOT, radio packages.
• Interviews – studio, remote, on-location
• Travel Shows
• Podcasts
• Training/How-to videos
• Travel Shows
• Press conferences, to include multi-lingual that required the integration of translation headsets.
• Multi-camera live events, ceremonies, concerts, etc …
• Spot production, radio, and television.

Production techniques vary depending on available resources and expected end product. Give me an iPhone and an objective, and I can produce just about everything above.

However, I am skilled in:

• Studio and on-location lighting
• Multi-camera setup (HD cameras, DSLR, point-and-shoot, GoPro – give me an Ikegami and some sticks, and I'd be a happy camper)
• Audio – multi-channel, mult box, wireless, on-camera
• Production switchers – Roland, TriCaster, etc … Give me an hour with any other model/version, and I'll have it up and running.
• Live streaming – the above production switchers offer a great way to stream live to the internet. However, desktops, laptops, mobile devices can also be used.

Post-production is an area that I truly enjoy and have ample experience.

• Adobe Premiere, Apple Final Cut Pro, Avid (where I first learned to edit), Sony Vegas (as a last resort)
• Adobe After Effects, Apple Motion (if the former isn't available)
• Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Gimp, Lightroom, Aperture, and an assortment of mobile platforms
• Adobe Audition, ProTools

Getting my start in broadcast news has allowed me to take minimal equipment with minimal information and produce a quality product in a minimal amount of time. While it's great to have a big budget and an ample amount of time to go through all the phases, I pride myself on doing more with less.

While I direct all aspects of broadcast creation for digital and traditional platforms, let's talk about producing a basic travel show.

Pre-Production

• Location is determined
• Theme is set
• Budget is set based on location, i.e., Travel, entry fees, food
• Location contact is made with local nationals to schedule escorts, access, permits, etc …
• Site visit conducted if feasible
• Treatment is written, reviewed, revised and approved based historical data of the determined location and target audience
• Rough storyboards are created based off of location and script
• Shot list is created
• Gear is inventoried, and additional equipment is procured through Purchasing & Contracting if required
• Transportation is arranged
• Host pre-shoots greetings and sign-off (On-location versions are done as well)

Production

If all the above went well, then most of the on-location shooting (barring weather, etc …) should be straightforward.

• B-Roll is shot
• Stand-ups are shot
• Interviews are conducted
• Nat sound is recorded for all significant scenes
• Additional greetings and sign-offs are shot at multiple locations

Post-Production

Now, this is where all the hard work pays off.

• Video is logged and imported
• Rough cuts are completed
• Timeline is laid out with show intro and outro
• The script is edited to include any changes and voiced.
• Timeline is finalized with audio included
• Nat sound, interviews, music beds, and stand-up audio is mastered
• Transitions completed and color treatment applied
• Product is reviewed and changes made
• Final cut is exported and ready for delivery

The above is quick and to the point. However, there are challenges at every step that require additional attention, troubleshooting, problem-solving, and more. No single production ever goes 100% according to plan. However, it's those scenarios that I thrive in. Finding a solution, adapting and overcoming obstacles, and making it happen … even when others have given up – that's what I genuinely love about this job!