Factual Programme Research - QI

• "Comedy quiz show full of quirky facts, in which contestants are rewarded more if their answers are 'quite interesting'."

• QI was created in 2003 by John Lloyd and was hosted by Stephen Fry until 2016 in which Sandy Toksvig took over.

•  The show follows  the motto that "Everything is interesting if looked at in the right way" 
• Average Run Time 30 Minutes for a normal episode 45 Minutes for a XL episode
• Produced by Talkback and Quite Interesting LTD
• Initially broadcast from BBC 4 then then moved upwards to BBC Two then BBC One, now it currently is broadcast from BBC 2 HD
• Mainly Improvisation 
• Filming lasts for 2 hours per episode, then cut down into 30/45 Minute episodes
• 15 questions asked only half of that is actually used in the final show.
• Jimmy Carr, Bill Bailey and Phil Jupitus appeared in every season, 
• Filmed at The London Studios
• Studio set up the morning of the Recording
• Uses 7 cameras to film an episode
• Technical Reheasal begins with full cast and crew at 14:00
• Show begins at either 16:30 or 19:30 and filming is typically finished at 22:00

In regards to Arch Roomies there is not much I would take from this show as the entire premis is different as our idea is a studio drama and QI is a quiz show, however I do like the way that the show actually lasts 2 hours ans is cut down into a shorter episode.

In regards to Steal The Style, the way the comedian s bounce off each other with their improvisation works well, these moments are what makes the show good. I think for the show improvisation should be key, also in terms of graphics and sound effects, in QI there are no scores appearing on the screen, however on the large screens behind them they have the graphics pop up. They also are key in some comedic moments such as superimposing Stephen Fry or Alan Davies onto the picture, they also sometimes do split screens for example in one episode a painting from the victorian age looked strikingly similar to Alan Davies.

Studio Workshops - Graphics

In our workshop today I was introduced to the programme I would be using to overlay the graphics to the live feed.

Motion 4 

My first experience with motion was not a good one, I found when I uploaded the graphics to the computer which was being used the programme would crash frequently, after some trial and error we found that the issue was the the graphics were animated.

When it was just a still image the programme was fine, however when the image would move the programme would stutter heavily or crash. This was dissapointing as I had animated the graphics to slide in and out from the edge of the screen. I made a note of the format that I had rendered the graphics and begun rendering different formats for our next session. I also tried creating the graphics within Motion 4 itself, however I ran into the same issue as before. It would have been an issue in anycase as if I was only able to create graphics on that machine it would drastically reduce the time I had available to create the graphics.

At home I found relatevly little information of the best formats to use for Motion 4, the ones I did find was to use Apple Pro Res 422 as it keeps the quality. I didnt really want to lower the quality of the graphics as that wouldnt look good on a professional project such as this.

I couldnt even download Motion 4 onto my mac to practice as they have a new version out now and there is no legal way to get the older version that I found.

Graphics Op and Style Bible Research

What is a Graphic Operator?

"Graphics Operators will either work in the studio control room, for an in-studio broadcast, or in a mobile truck, for live event production.   They are responsible for producing suitable accurate graphic captions across a variety of live productions and OB events, for example, the captions on the news or live scores for a football match. Graphics Operators can also be responsible for creating full screen graphics like charts and graphs, depicting statistics about a sport, team, or news event.

Graphics operators will often have a degree or HND in broadcasting, television or video production.  Successful graduate applicants will often have relevant work experience either via internships or student broadcasting.  Prior experience working in the MCR environment will also be beneficial."

http://broadcastgraduate.com/what-is-a-graphics-operator/

JOB ADVERTS

SKILLS REQUIRED

• ability to use / understand graphics technology, e.g. VizRT, Aston, Clarity, TOG and Chyron
• accurate and fast typing skills
• visual acuity – Graphic Operators must be able to organize information in an easy to understand format.
• excellent attention to detail,
• strong communication skills
• able handle pressure well as their work is often in live conditions
• the ability to think ahead, spot trends and predict what they will need to add next

• Continuing education to keep up with rapidly changing technology

Graphics Operator, live sport broadcasting, Wimbledon - £20-£22,000

We are looking for an enthusiastic, tech-savvy individual with a passion for sport and technology to work as a Graphics Operator on major sporting events for well known clients such as; Premier League Productions and ATP Media.

This position will suit someone who has recently completed a degree in a relevant subject area (technology, broadcast media or sport) and is keen to immerse themselves in the world of live TV sport broadcasting. Full training will be given.

This role requires regular weekend work and out of office hours.

You will bring:

• The ability to acquire technical skills and understand bespoke applications quickly
• Computer literate and thoroughly confident with Windows operating systems
• A good knowledge of all sport, especially Premier League football
• Candidates should be intelligent, enthusiastic and inquisitive and be comfortable working in a high-pressure live broadcast environment

Graphics Operator Motion Graphics
ESPN  426 reviews - Bristol, CT 06010

Working at ESPN is unlike anything else. That’s because we’re always finding new ways to interact with fans – however and wherever they connect with sports. When you have the latest technology, game-changing ideas and world-class talent on your team, every day is extraordinary. http://vimeo.com/87306754 The ESPN Creative Services Graphic Operator is one of five functionally unique groups whose complementary responsibilities and skill sets combine to create ESPN's on-air visual identity. Minimum of one year of on-air graphics systems controller experience in a major market or at the network level is desired. Experience using VizRt, Chyron, ROSS, Trio, Photoshop, ENPS is preferred Able to catalog logos/headshots and custom graphics and Sales elements Understanding of live production control room (PCR) etiquette and overall professionalism 06010 883 Middle StreetResponsibilities : Maintains quality of ESPN’s on-air product for daily/nightly Studio and Event productions. The Controller, or “Graphics Operator”, executes graphics on a basic level using ESPN developed playout applications for remote and studio productions. Ensures the accuracy and timely preparation of graphics assigned to productions Required to work flexible hours and days as production assignments dictate including weekends, nights and holidays Able to effectively communicate across the organization to report technical problems. Must also be able to clearly articulate source of problems in defective equipment reports. Maintain administrative records including shift assignment reports and other required documentation. Basic Qualifications : Strong understanding of Windows-based applications for live productions Candidates must be highly motivated, willing to work all shifts, weekends, some holidays and must demonstrate the ability to work under pressure to meet ever-changing deadlines Must be accurate spellers and possess strong communication skills Must have familiarity with Sports. This includes College and Professional teams – names, logos and franchise players Required Education : High School Diploma or Equivalent Preferred Education : Bachelor’s Degree in Communication, Multi-Media, Digital Design, Graphic Design or Animation desired. Graphics & Playout Operator QVC  829 reviews - London Keeping millions of global customers engaged through entertainment 24 hours a day, seven days a week takes the insight, intelligence and ingenuity of a global team of switched-on media professionals. We are QVC. The world’s biggest broadcaster-retailer and the 2nd largest online retailer. Always on - and on a mission to change the way the world shops. Right now we have an opportunity for a for a Graphics & Playout Operator, working within our Live Broadcasting team at our state of the art Media & Commerce Centre based at Chiswick Park, West London. Think you’re up to the challenge? In this role, your time will be split between live and non-live studio operations and show preparation. You will be responsible for operating QVC’s specialised on screen Graphics system and video server that provides editorial content for our live shows. You will ensure that the graphics are accurate and aired at the correct time, whilst logging any discrepancies or irregularities. Office & Preparation… To organise, check and correctly prepare all product iGraphics and video assets ready for live broadcast transmission, rehearsals and recordings To ensure your Production Directors have all the relevant show, product and recording information for the shift Gallery Operations… To be accountable for live playout of product iGraphics and other supporting graphics at the correct time using QVC’s on-screen graphics system To be accountable for playing out supporting video assets at the correct time using QVC’s content playout system To ensure the graphics are accurate, up-to-date and the graphic output is maintained in the correct style, in accordance with company guidelines To be successful in the role… Preferably, you will have a recognised qualification in media, television or demonstrable experience operating graphics within a live gallery environment. Due to the large amount of graphics that we put to air on an hourly basis, the successful candidate will also display a high level of literacy and computer proficiency as you will need to get to grips with the company’s graphics system very quickly! Attention to detail, ability to keep a cool head in a hectic environment and a real passion for working within a team are also huge requirements. You’ll need to have a knowledge of and keen interest in live television operations and be interested in new developments. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is looking to start their career in a Live Broadcasting environment. At QVC we see it like this, you spend a third of your life in work, so work happy* Live better

"A brand bible establishes the voice and personality of a company, as well as who the public will see, and it governs every aspect of communication from the company. The brand bible is the basis for all interactions on behalf of a company – personal communications, social media, advertising and design. While a brand bible focuses on many things, it primarily focuses on design.'"
https://mayvendev.com/blog/how-to-build-a-brand-bible-visual-style-guide

My take on the Role

My role appears to be the creation and maintaining of the graphical and design elements of the show, I expect to be creating the graphics for the show such as Logo's, Lower Thirds, Stings, Social Media and website assets. My job role will also include the act of playing out the graphics on screen, for example this would be things like scores or lower thirds which come up during the show.



I would need to be able to quickly change or create graphics on the day of the shoot to reflect things like scores, or even to adapt to the ever-changing story of the show.

The style bible would require me to create and maintain a document which serves as a set of guidelines for what the style and tone of the show will be, this allows for a third party to come in and create graphics or assets for the show which follows the style and tone of everything beforehand. This would include things like fonts, sizes and colour schemes using colour codes rather than names so the creator can get the exact same colour that I did.

I expect to role to be difficult in the fact that I will need to create many graphics for the show, I have never done something which so much graphical work however I believe it would be within my abilities to create the graphics and the Style bible is a good way to keep things consistant within the production.

Idea Generation - Arch Roomies

My idea for Arch Roomies came from my interests in shows such as The Big Bang Theory and Friends, these are shows which primarily show the antics friends get up to when they are living together, I wanted to do something similar to this but I needed to come up with something that would be new and relevant to todays interests.

I was reading an article on the popularity of the superhero genre and the idea came to me to mix the two together, I came up with the plot line that there would be a hero and a villain who are arch enemies, they detest each other and are always out to capture or defeat the other.

However when they are their normal selves they are room mates, neither knowing that each other is their sworn enemy. As roommates they are best friends and the villain often acts like the older brother to the hero, helping him pay rent, sort out bills and generally helping him with his life.

In this way we see the characters in a different light, whereas the Hero is good and the Villain is bad in their home lives we actually see that the Hero is a bit lazy and the Villain is kind hearted and has his reasons for his criminal behaviour.

I want this idea to be a sitcom with the main focus not being on their alter-egos but being on their real  personas. Showing the super-powered as normal people who struggle with everyday life and tasks, whether it be paying bills or unclogging the drain.

In most modern superhero genres we dont see the average joe side of the character, we only see them shooting lasers/doing backflips/looking cool whereas in our show we could show the suave super villain gagging as he has to unblock the toilet.


The two characters I came up with are Jason and Sam, Jason is a salesman of some kind who is able to make a sale no matter what, whereas Sam is seen as a bit lazy and almost perpetually unemployed.
JASON                    VIPER


In reality Jason is the Villain Viper who uses his powers of persuasion to rob and manipulate people into doing crimes, He can charm a person into unlocking a safe or even into outright handing over their valuables.

Sam's Alter Ego is Duke Hammer a super strong hero who leaps at an opportunity to help those in need, the majority of the time though he does more harm than good but after a run in with Viper which resulted in him being controlled he seeks him out with a vengeance.

SAM        DUKE HAMMER



They both live together in a rundown flat, for although Jason is a successful salesman he sends all of his money to the hospital for an unknown reason, He tells people he owes someone money to avoid scrutiny. Sam keeps losing his job due the fact he keeps running off to save the day.





This is the design I had in mind for their apartment, however slightly smaller with broken or damaged furniture, the programme I used to put it together  did not have any secondhand furniture as its primary use is to plan a redecoration.

Mrs Brown's Boys - Sitcom Research

Creation -

• Created, Starring Writer Brendon O'Carrol
• Produced in the United Kingdom by BBC Scotland.
• Informal Production style
• Production mistakes and improvisation is kept in for comedic effect
• First Episode released in 2011

Format

• Informal Production style
• Production mistakes and improvisation is kept in for comedic effect
• Follows a Script
• Breaks the Forth wall

Set

• Open at the front, allows the cameras and audience to see in.
• Lit from above via studio lights.
• Cameras are on a dolly system to allow easy movement.

What I will take

I will take the open layout of the set, with the front wall missing allowing the audience to see in, I will also use the system of dollys to allow easy movement of the cameras. I also like the way the show is self-referencing, I find this adds an essence of comedy that is not in most shows.

The sets are interesting as they do not use cutaways, they only use the three sets you see from the audience's perspective.

Big Bang Theory - Sitcom Research

• Started September 2017
• Filmed before a live audience
• Produced by Warner Bros.Televison and Chuck Lorre Productions
• Current total of 12 Seasons running up until 2019
• Average of 22 Minutes Run Time
• Multi-Camera Setup
• Inspired Spin-Off Series of Young Sheldon
• 18-49 Age Demographic
• 3rd Season reached CBS's highest rating show.
• During 4th season became TVs highest rated comedy
• Last season averaged 19 Million Viewers
• Won Peoples Choice Award for favorite Comedy

In terms of set the show takes place mainly in Sheldon and Leanords apartment with scenes also taking place in their place of work, Penny's Apartment, Raj's Apartment, Howards Home, Amy's Apartment and the Comic book shop.

Most of these locations are within the studio, There is also clever use of a single set which connects the boys apartment to Penny's a single corridor set is used to show three levels of floor.



In the show they have a common scene which has the characters climbing up the stairs discussing the topic, seemingly progressing upwards, however in actuality when they reach the top of the stairs they cut and then redress the set to make it look like the next floor. This is an interesting concept as it allows for the effiecient use of space and materials to show multiple areas.

Friends - Sitcom Research

Friends is an american sitcom that was released in 1995, it ran for ten seasons and is widely known as one of the be

• Started 1995
• Finished 2004
• Average Run time 21 Minutes
• Distrubted by Warner Bros. Television
• Ran for 10 Seasons
• Cult Status
• Created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman
• Finale was watched by 52.5 Million American viewers
• Nominated for 62 Primetime Emmy Awards
• Started with mixed Reviews
• Huge cultural impact

Friends is a sitcom which follows the lives of six friends living in new york, the show features the antics the group get into in their daily personal and professional lives.



The show is generally split into two main locations, Monicas Apartment, The Coffee Shop and often travels to Joey & Chandlers apartment or Ross' Apartment, this mirrors what I would like to do with Arch-Roomies in having one main location being their apartment and then using cutaways to move to a different location whilst the set has changes and the actors can have a wardrobe change.

It also encompasses what I would like to do with the dynamic between the two friends and the stories each episode follows, The average friends episode lasts 20 minutes allowing for a shorter narrative, what I would like to do with Arch Roomies is similar but also containing a wider story arc that is playing out in the background and throughout each episode.