Vision Mixer (notes)

• Works with director
• Cuts the shots onto the screen
• Vision mixing desk - buttons respond to different cameras
• Left hand - cutting
• Right hand - general set up, adjustments
• Live shows - easy to miss shots - instantly onto TVs
• Always watches monitors - there are preview screens for each camera
• Rehearsals, check shots, ins/outs
• Have to be able to work under pressure - quick reactions
• Abbreviations
  - pvw: preview
  - pgm: program

Video Team:

• Vision mixer
• Camera operators (live shows)
• Robotics camera (pre-recorded shows)
• Director
• Pre-production team

Cables-transmission

Composite video

- analogue

- one cable

- 480i 576i resolutions

- RCA, BNC, SCART

ASM - Assistant Stage Manager (notes)

Stage Management Hierarchy: SM > DSM > ASM

What does an ASM do?

•          Works with SM & DSM
•          Organises crew
•          Moves set
•          Props -something handled or used by an actor but not worn or part of set
•      Make/hire/buy props

Different Scenarios:

ASM on Tour: goes with the show that travels from venue to venue

Not tied to theatre, tied to show
Employed by theatre companies to work for them (West End)

Repertory Theatre: eg. National Theatre can put multiple shows at once, ASM works for all shows, several plays over a short period of time
Producing House: (Salisbury Playhouse) – produce own work

Receiving house: (Mayflower/Pavilion) shows come to theatre – ASM with touring company + ASM at theatre – theatre ASM shows touring ASM around, shows problems, work closely

Skills and Qualities:

•          Organised – noting down
•          Communication skills
•          Confidence
•          Focussed
•          Efficient
•          Hard-working
•          Calm/patient
•         Adaptable to various scenarios
•          Quick-thinking/problem-solving
•          Physically fit – especially touring ASM
•          Independent but also team-worker
•          Comfortable in close proximities
•          Able to be quiet
•          Listen and follow instructions
•          Knowledge of show

Phases of performance: Planning > Rehearsal > Performance > Post-performance

Sound Roles

·         ‘Bad sound is impossible to hide’ – Mr. Hawkins

Mamma Mia – Behind the scenes

• Fabian Petersen – Head of sound
• Responsible for everything sound related in the show
• Sound check (90 mins) – all mics, loudspeakers
• 3 people – 1 at mixing desk, 2 on stage
• 40% technical, 60% artistic
• Mix vocals and band
• Live band (hidden)
• Keep music live – artistic integrity, flexibility
• How to get there – degrees, work experience

Behind the Emerald Curtain

• ‘Sound does more than just amplify the performers’ voices’
• Tony Meola – Sound designer
• ‘Bring the show out to the audience’
• Helps tell the story
• Wireless mics – under costume in elastic belt pack – medical tape on back of ear or neck
• Controls how loud, how it sounds, on/off
• Tries to make it sound like the voices are coming from the stage, and orchestra from orchestra
• Lots of speakers so not always on full vol
• Dynamic – loud/quiet
• Knows what’s too much/too little
• Present all night – no breaks
• Mix sound when no music – dialogue
• Needs to know all cues
• Lifts last consonant (long running shows)

Lighting Designer

  Reads script and comes up with own ideas for basic lighting

·         Works with director and set, costume, and sound designers to enhance and share ideas and views

·         Works with set and costume designers to attain the ‘look’ for the performance

·         Highlights any potential problems with set design and lighting placement

·         Goes to rehearsals to get a sense of cues and placements of actors

·         After performances begin, work is basically over

Stage Lighting

Ø  Makes actors visible

Ø  Sets mood/time/place

Ø  Captures attention/indicates focus

Ø  Lights also create shadows

Ø  Various effects

o   Intensity

o   Colour

o   Distribution

o   Movement

http://www.aact.org/lighting-designer

Mamma Mia Lighting:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhQKSblSBhQ

·         Trevor Nichol (school, university – degree)

·         Looks after entire lighting rig

·         Maintenance – no worn out parts that may fail mid-performance

·         Special effects: smoke (in sub-stage), neon floor (custom made), confetti, strobes

·         Follow spots draw attention to individual characters (super trouper is a follow spot!)

·         Cue list goes through cues as SM calls them (go button)

·         Big finale

·         High production values

Behind the Emerald Curtain Lighting:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCjUaljNsBg

·         Kenneth Posner

·         Collaborates with creative team

·         Shows the audience where to look

·         Multiple lighting plots with specific information: positioning, lighting fixtures, gel colours

·         Approx. 650 lighting fixtures with focus note attached

·         Always open to new ideas