DAY TEN – Bet Racing Nation – 8th December 2013

Today we had a crash coure on every thing in the sudio; from setting up the computers, to sound, to what we are and aren’t allow to do in the studio.

This lesson was for me, and Harriman wasn’t going to be here next week so wants me to control the adverts,as he taught me, but also for the rest of the team, so we could do everything he does between us.

 

Ally didn’t look over enthusiastic to be having this lesson, but it seemed because he thinks he knows it all already, but I have seen he doesn’t. I just focused on wht I was being taught, and appreciated Harriman taking time out of his day to teach us, rather than feeling patronised, as others seemed to.

 

My notes:

 

Set Up:

• Check TriCaster is on.
• Check Capture Box is on.
• AirBox (computer) is always on.
• TriCaster –‘X Robot’ = our account.
• Turn Sony control on, back left.
• Tricaster – select ‘Sports Tonight CU’
• Sony camera controller – click “power” to reboot and see if all cameras in the studio are responding and working properly. It is good to always reboot the mat the beginning of the day to make sure they are all working.

 

Computers:

 

• Check DDR1 (Digital Device Recorder) on computer.
• Compuer password – L0gm31n!
• Click CaptureBox programmes
• In programmes date area, check if correct.
• Make sure the “padlock” icon is RED, not black, as it syncs the changes made to the programme.
• Change  title (caps) to BETRACINGNATION_P1 (part 1) – when you stop capture at each break it will automatically change the last number, which will correspond to the programme section )part 1, part 2, etc).

 

Sound:

• We are responsible for sound- mixer ‘on’ switch at the back right.
• Mixer – yellow dials ‘floor speakers’, will already be turned on from the previous production, so need to turn them all OFF, to stop feedback for the panel when on air.
• TBU (Talk Back Unit) 1 and 2 to be turned on during phone calls so the panel can hear the caller.
• Mixer – far right dial to be turned on, it’s the final sound output. ‘Final’.

 

• Sennheiser true diversity receiver:
• Silver plugs our, black plugs belong to the Cricket team.
• All plugs are labelled, o plug into the matching port.
• Plugs 5 and 6 for us are BLACK
• Receiver – turn on, then check mics.
• Match the frequency on the mic to the number on the receiver box.
• Speaker floor cables go into ports 3 and 4.
• Talk back is the silver box (2^nd down).
• Test sound no later than 45 minutes prior to start of live show.

 

TVs:

• Mini converter SD1 to analogue. Connects TriCaster to the pre selected TV monitor.
• Wires – composite = sound
• HDMI = image and no sound

 

Phone:

• Pick up, dial number
• When connected, say hello and say to put on hold
• Dial R, and the extension 263
• The red buttom below the output TV will flash red. When red becomes solid, you can put the phone down.
• They are now connected.
• Turn their sound up or down.
• When finished, turn red button off on the SonyFEX.

    

 

PatchPanel (micro video hub):

• Has 16 inputs and 16 outputs
• Inputs = orange = source
• Outputs = blue = display
• Don’t touch the AB (AirBox) button.
• VM out – shows the programme out.
• TV in studio= ST Wallbox.
• Button 7 should have the horse racing on (on xbox box in the View Sonic Screen).
• At The Racing – channel 415.
• Racing UK – channel …
• The horse racing channels should be o TX5 or TX6.

 

 

 

After this lesson, Jon told me he was leaving early today, and I would be producing the show. This honestly came as a shock, to say the least. I didn’t know if I was ready, and felt a bit overloaded from this morning’s lesson. I told them I would give it a go, but if I made any large mistakes, that I wasn’t to be held responsible. They knew this, and said they trusted me, and wanted to give me the chance.

I was supposed to be assisting Ally, with me just doing the talk back, but I thought I’d find it hard keeping tracks of the times.

During the show I started off as little nervous, but Jon hung around. He asked if I wanted him to start, then me take over when he left, but I asked if I could start, with him watching and helping, so I could get used to it.

He took me aside and said he trusted me, that I need to stay calm, that I need to be clear, and that if I make a mistake, don’t panic, just communicate with the team, and tell Pete (via talk back). He said if I messed up with times, not to worry, its better I be 10 seconds off, rather than getting stressed, as I’d make more mistakes.

As it turned out, I did the entire show, with Ally not helping at all. I asked him to control the AirBox and click the ads, but didn’t even know how tot do it, even though he said he could, meaning we had a slight delay on the ads, and also couldn’t keep up with telling me how long we had left during the breaks until the shows was back live. Ally also tried to tell me what to tell Pete, but wasn’t reading the running order correct, and the VT he warned me of wasn’t going to play until the next hour, which messed me up. Not wanting to rant, I found his presence unhelpful and unnecessary, and unprofessional, as after a while he started to watch the football and call out. The pint is; that even though when I first started there he acted like he knew everything, he didn’t, and I should watch and judge people first, and not just take their word

Craig (sound), also helped me with Twitter, as Tommy (twitter corner on the show) had to leave early. Craig and I would read though the tweets off on Petes phone, and I would then feed them into his ear when he was off air. I did this well, not interrupting when he was talking or needing to listen to the others, especially as we never had to do this on the show before.

Another issue we had to sort was the running order, as there hadn’t been an ad break slotted in in between part 5 and 6. This had to be sorted, as it meant the show would have run for 28 minutes, but by broadcast standards and section cant run longer than 20 minutes without a break; which Harriman told me. During the 4-5 ad break, I told Pete this, and that his next section would be shorter, then I rearranged the times, adding appropriate time for a break, then working out how much time would be in part 6. We sorted this issue well.

Things I found difficult and messed up on where the race cards – the selections each member makes that have been made into a graphic that is shown on screen when they discuss them. I made mistakes because I found it hard concentration on time, the ad breaks, what others were doing and the content of the show. Also, I am not overly familiar with horse racing, so am not entirely sure what they have to talk about, or if they are discussing something interesting or I need to prompt Pete to move on. But I should hopefully pick this up in time, and as I pay more attention to the show.

G helped a lot, as he knew when they were talking about what, so could cue the cards and races for the ones they were discussing.

I think I did pretty well, especially as I had no training and it was live for 2 hours, a very quick 2 hours!

During the breaks I would go and talk to Pete, let him know any changes, any issues, and ask what he needed of me to be clearer or to help him more, such as talk louder into the mics, when he wanted to bring a caller in earlier than planned, or if there was something he no longer wished to discuss.

I enjoyed the role, but need to learn to stay calm, and just become more aware of the content, and other peoples roles, so I could give them enough time to do it and not cut them off or rush them.

DAY NINE – Bet Racing Nation – 5th December 2013

Last night when I arrived at the show, we set straight to work, as Jon wasn’t going to be able to arrive until 7pm, due to other work, with the show going live at 8pm.

Ed from university was here to help again, and was already setting up, by attaching the new posters to the set, for the background, which really help break up the large mass of green. Bablu also arrived to help today, and was really involved and easy to work with.

We set up again, and there were more lights, so it was easier and looked better today. We kept getting told off by Harriman for touching or moving things, yet were doing nothing different to which we have been shown before, by Jon or another member of the team. This shows how their communication is still not very strong, with nobody sharing information which they have received from Fiona (the Sports Tonight studio organiser) to others.

Harriman showed me how to cue the live stream and adverts today again, with me actually doing it, to get a better feel. The job isn’t too easy, but you have to keep on top of it. The main part for this role is during the breaks, and communicating how long there is until the show is back live. The programme runs automatically, because the times are already set p by Harriman, but you have to select the first ad break after each part. This is because he will set each live section to be longer than scheduled, just in case they go over. I was also showed how to add another live feed, just in case something goes wrong, and also how to deleted a live feed. I feel confident with teh system.

Harriman told me that in 3 shows time, he will not be here, so I will have to do the role. I do not feel there will be any problems, and he offered to be connected by TeamViewer (a remote access software) to help out and keep an eye on it.

During the show, I often asked Ed to go and check the live stream on the internet, to see if the show was airing properly, as we had an issue with it a previous week, and didn’t want an occurrance, especially as it was a big night.

Last night, John McCririck and Geoff Banks were on the show, so there was a lot more to sort out, with the team needing to be top of their game. With them came a small almost entourage, meaning the studio was busier, and they allowed them teas and coffees in the gallery. They were all friendly and dind’t get in the way, but they were constantly chatting during the sow, making ti harder to concentrate.

The show ran smoother than ever, with no problems, with clear sounds and better quality lighting. the content was a lot more interesting too, with John McCririck and Geoff Banks being lively characters. Billy Blakeman, the resident member, was quieter, as not such a large personality, but Jon would prompt Pete (host) to not concentrate too much on Billy, because the viewers were not there for him.

After the show, Jon mentioned that he felt Billy seemed a little bit of a third wheel, but Pete and tom (twitter corner, frequent member) that he seemed and looked OK, and that it was good exposure for him, which i agreed with.

Everybody was a lot more optimistic and happy with the show, with there being a lot of Twitter feedback.

I feel the team is still really developing, and in need of more skill. It seems to take a long time to get anything done, as either no one knows were anything is, or they don’t know what they can do or move, or how to technically sort things, which can be a little stressful. This does give opportunity to experiment and learn lighting or other roles myself, but it would be better if there were more experienced and knowledgeable people there. Such as the sound guy, who used to go to Greenwich: he arrived over an hour late, then just sat down, waiting to be told what to do, despite knowing, and knowing we are in a rush. he kept needing telling to do things, as he was slow, and when he was altering the slip mics on the guests, he didn’t ask then touch them; he would just walk over and grab the clip mics, which all seemed a little unprofessional and intruding.

I seem to be fitting in well, being able to take on more responsibility, and with more influence among others.

Photo by Jon Gale

DAY SEVEN – Bet Racing Nation – London 28th November 2013

On Thursdays, the show airs at 8pm, but I arrived early at 2pm, to help out in setting up.

Jon Showed me the running order and what each part meant. He spoke of

Peter gave me a brief history of the studio, how they started up around June and how they then recently had to move to the smaller studio due to costs, and of his hopes for sponsorship to start in the next month or two. Peter is very confident the show will take off.

I helped Jon in moving some set pieces, whilst Harry was rigging up the cables to connect the TV, but he was having a difficult time because the set hadn’t been designed for somebody to fit behind the pieces. Harry was also clearing up the studio some, but it is still a mess with cables everywhere, which i keep noticing people tripping over.

I did some research about horse racing whilst I wasn’t busy, looking at the effect on media and the media involvement in the industry. Then, I was asked to research names and contact details of  the Racing Editors of popular Sunday newspapers, for Peter, who wanted to contact them for the show. I seemed to succeed in this task pretty well.

By this time, some more Greenwich students had arrived, and to be helpful, I asked Ben Gross to help me, as he was left without a job. We worked efficiently and quickly together and compiled a strong list of contacts.

Jon then asked us to search for images of some race grounds to be used on the sow. He showed us how to search for images that had free clearance rights via Google advanced searches, and we looked up some images. The trying part of this task was that there weren’t too many nice images, because they are usually kept for paying companies etc.

Me and Ben were concerned that we could be held responsible if it turned out these images were not properly cleared (as forewarned by our tutor, Val), so we were sure to make it clear to Jon and the rest of the team the usage rights of these, and how they must be credited. I never saved or sent these pictures, but showed the page links, just to make sure.

During the show I double checked that the images were being credited properly, and Jon assured they would be, but when the images were on screen there was no credit, and neither was there one in the programmes end credits. So I have to hope that the steps we took were appropriate enough.

O the show, they often make calls to other tipsters or editors to speak to the panel, and as there was a problem with he system I had to phone Cathryn (the guest phone speaker) and let her know there was problems, and that we would let her know if anything changes. I asked when she would be free until, but she wasn’t, so I apologised. I communicated this with Jon and the call was cancelled, which didn’t effect the running order much, and he simply told Peter to fill in.

Jon offered me the opportunity to talk on the microphone, calling the times and communicating with Peter (the host), which I did find a little nerving, and difficult. I didn’t have much time to prepare, and Ally was trying to help before hand by explaining; but he had never done it before and wasn’t even reading the right times off the sheet.

I had to watch the clock on one of the monitors and update Pete on how much time was left until the next ad break, or to remind him to mention the competition or prompt him to ask for somebodies tips. I found it difficult to work out the timings so quickly, and felt pressured that I should know what to mention next, with Jon barely prompting me. I t was a good opportunity, as Jon was seeing how capable I was and letting me try the role out, but I felt it too soon as I didn’t even have the slightest, which disappointed me, but it was only my second day, and that is the Producer’s job I suppose.

What I found hard about keeping track of what needs to be done next is that I don’t know anything about horse racing, and don’t know the format of the show properly yet. So I therefore wont be able to prompt what is to be said next and how much time will be spent on it.

But I am paying more attention to what is spoken about during the show so that I can have more of an understanding about horse racing and what type of things the panel discusses.

There seemed to be just as many issues as there were last week; the phones were working then borke, so they had to cancelled a booked in phone call wih Catheryn (a frequent caller) which displeased her; the ear pieces that the show panel were wearing weren’t working for a while; the panel discussed the topics out-of-order to the schedule; and there were many visual problems.

I thought the lighting was wrong; it was uneven and some areas were too bright, meaning each member of the panel was lit differently, some being quite over exposed. And there was also use of blue lights for Tom (who sits separately in front of the green screen to work from Twitter), which made him look different from the others, but it was also unflattering.

They don’t seem to have much control over the set, with it effecting other productions and no body being in control of it.

At the end of the show I found out there was a problem with the quality of the web stream, meaning they had lost viewers, which explained their very low twitter comments.

DAY FIVE – Bet Racing Nation – 23rd November 2013

I found the studios easily, with Jon’s details clear. Upon arrival I met Ally (a previous Greenwich student whom I knew) and he let me in to the studio, where I firstly met Jon, and then Peter, who is the host and started the show. The studio was very messy, with thick cables everywhere and mess, cluttering the studio. I was told this was due to them having just moved into this studio, having down sized from next door, as it had cost £1,000 a day, so they were in the process of setting up.

Another group had been in last night filming live cricket coverage, and hadn’t left until 8:30, meaning we were already behind on setting up. Another issue was that the other group’s set couldn’t be moved, as they weren’t very “techy”, and wouldn’t be able to set up their shots again easily.

The set was small and incomplete, with some missing back ground panels, meaning they were going to have to reduce the size of their set further. They also couldn’t find the clip mics, and were having difficulty in other areas, so they had to call cut on that set up and changed to a much simpler approach, using the cricket group’s set, on a dirty couch with larger microphones. This set up was tight, uncomfortable, and boring, with their only being one wide shot, all against a green screen showing their logo (a cartoon horse holding a camera).

This set up rendered the Vision Mixer useless, which is how I felt during the first hour or so, simply watching and trying to help out where I could – mainly moving furniture- whilst they were rushing around.

There was another Greenwich student, Andy Smart, there, which I enjoyed, because I didn’t feel so awkward.

I helped Ally set up the cameras and tripods, sat in the seats so they could fame the shots whilst the panel hosts were off rehearsing, and fetched some water for the panel hosts.

There was a problem with one of the VT’s (which had been presented by one of the panel members), as he was sometimes not looking at the camera, not holding the microphone to the interviewee’s mouth so the sound was bad, it was out of focus at times and generally erroneous. The editor had been through and salvaged what she could, making it flow and look better, but the presenter didn’t want to show her cut version, because it meant their was lost content, and he didn’t agree that the was bad. The editor was upset because he name is attached to poor quality martial, and she argued that it was bad for the quality of the overall show, which I agreed with.

Pete came in to try and qualm the issue, and apologised to the editor, and offered that next time, if the presenter does not sit down with her and go through it, they would have to accept what ever version she provides, which I thought to be fair. What I did not agree with was what Peter kept saying, which was that; they are just beginning and still learning, and he wasn’t considering other peoples jobs. What I was considering was that they are trying to get sponsorship and a bigger budget, but if they don’t provide quality, then they won’t get that bigger budget, and people may not want to work for/with them.

Jon offered me to do the countdown, but as they were busy this never got to happen. He offered me to return next week, on Thursday, when they film at 8pm, but for me to arrive at 2pm so I can help and learn about creating a running order/schedule, so to benefit me and what I want to do. I told him of my availability, and how I wouldn’t be around any of January or much of February due to my filming, and he seemed to be OK, but slightly confused, as if I was wanting this as a full-time job. I asked about payment and at least travel expenses, and he replied that they would be able to start covering me from December, when they get more budgeting. As I am aware, they are not all getting paid, only travel, as they are just starting up. I will keep all my receipts and ask again in December. I also asked if I should bring my Mac along , which he said would be helpful, and I asked about them having Public Liability and about the university contacting them.

Jon said this will be a hands on job, and there will a lot of opportunity to learn. He said that we are free to try for any role we want, and just talk to who does it and they will help you. He also said that, “If you are better than someone else, you will get their job”. I found this a little confusing, as I am only there for work experience, but for now I will just see how I feel here to determine how long I will stay.

Speaking to Ally he said they are a good and close team, but they need to bring their talents together. I like the team, and don’t feel ‘beneath’ them at all.

 

About the show:

Bet Racing Nation, started up in June. A Daughter company of Sports tonight, created by the host, Peter Finch. The show is free to watch online or on Freeview channel 227. The panel consists of: Billy Blakeman, Luke Elder (or Tommy Marriott usually), Tom ‘Sandy’ Castle, and Peter finch, as well as guests.

John McCririck will be joining them for a few shows in December.

They will be getting sponsorship from Betfred hopefully.

They discuss racings, trainers, popular news, give tips on who to pick, and commentate with their opinions on live races.