J. Michael BrowningWhen 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!