VOLUNTEER POSITIONS Volunteers usually begin in basic level positions. As they gain more experience and training, they have the opportunity to move to positions that require more responsibility and provide more challenge. Below are the most commonly available positions at Rogers Television. Audio Operator: The audio operator sets up all microphones, cues CDs and mixes all the sound sources including studio microphones, cds and sound from videotape. Camera Operator: The camera operator provides the shots that the director calls for. During a mobile production, the camera operator will help set-up and take-down the camera. Videotape Operator: The videotape operator will run both playback and record functions on VTRs. Graphics Operator: The graphics operator will design and generate titles using a graphics computer and add graphics to the video during a production according to the director s cues. Floor Director: The floor director is the director s right hand person on the studio floor and is responsible for making sure the set and lighting are ready to go, helping with sound checks and making the talent comfortable. The floor director gives time and specialty cues to the talent and supervises post-production tear down and equipment storage. Promotions: Promotions assistants are required to help in the planning, set-up and execution of promotional events. Guest Liaison: The Guest Liaison greets the studio guests and attends to their needs. The Guest Liaison is responsible for answering questions and concerns and giving guests a general orientation so they know what to expect. During the show, the primary job is to escort guests to and from the studio in a timely manner.
Switcher: The switcher punches the buttons, at the director s command, to put the cameras, tape and graphics to air. Often, the director will also act as the switcher. Production Assistant: Productions assistants may take on many tasks assisting the director with production in the studio or mobile. The responsibility of a production assistant is usually following the script and keeping track of time within the show. Director: The director calls the shots and is responsible for whatever happens on location or in the studio and in the control room as well as the finished look of the program. The director has an eye on everything including the time, camera shots, audio levels, the crew and the content of the program.
VOLUNTEER TRAINING Following an Orientation session, Rogers Television offers a series of production training workshops for all volunteers. The series includes workshops at basic, intermediate and advanced levels. Volunteers new to television are required to complete a basic level workshop and demonstrate an understanding of the production concepts included in these workshops before moving on to the next level. WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS: BASIC LEVEL (Offered Quarterly) Basic Production Training This workshop is designed to prepare new volunteers to participate in any studio production and basic mobile production. Participants are introduced to the operation of studio cameras, the audio board and the graphics generator. This workshop focuses on camera set-up and operation, as well as camera movement and shot composition. Participants also take part in a mock studio production. This training is also suitable for volunteers interested in taking part in non-technical roles, such as guest liaison, as it familiarizes new crew to the production process. Mobile 101 This workshop focuses on proper set-up, operation and tear-down of all equipment specific to mobile production. Recommended to all new volunteers interested in joining the mobile crew and existing mobile crew wishing to refresh their skills. Promotions This meeting and workshop focuses on procedures for covering promotional events. Participants are provided information about packing equipment and supplies, setting up, what to say, what to wear, what to hand-out and how to best promote Rogers Television during a promotional event. Training for driving and operating the Community Cruiser is also provided. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL (Offered Bi-yearly) Replay This training session is for all mobile sports volunteers. Operation and practice with the Whiplash replay system is provided.
Audio This training session is designed for all mobile and studio volunteers. Set-up, operation and practice with all aspects of audio is provided. Inscriber This training session is designed for all studio volunteers. Operation and practice with the Inscriber graphics system is provided. RTX This training session is designed for mobile volunteers. Operation and practice with the RTX graphics system is provided. Switching This training session is designed for all mobile and studio volunteers. Basic operation of the switching system is provided for crew members interested in a technical directing role. Camera This training session offers the opportunity for camera operators to enhance their skills and learn some new techniques. ADVANCED LEVEL (Offered Yearly) Electronic News Gathering This workshop will prepare participants for ENG shooting, most commonly used in the production of a news story. Participants will learn the ENG camera set-up, audio, lighting and the proper shooting techniques for production of a news story. Qualified shooters must also hold a valid G2 driver s license. Editing This workshop will prepare participants to edit news stories. Participants will learn the basics of linear editing and complete a news story. Participants are asked to bring raw footage from a recently shot news story. Pre-requisite: Electronic News Gathering. Fall Protection This training session is designed for mobile crew members. All aspects of health and safety are reviewed when working at heights of eight feet and higher. Skyjack This training session is designed for mobile crew members. The training provides certification for use of a Skyjack. Directing This is an advanced level training session designed for mobile and studio volunteers with experience in all other aspects of production and wishing to commit to a directing position.
UPCOMING TRAINING: April 2007 4 New Volunteer Orientation 14 Basic Production 17 Mobile 101 May 2007 1 Replay 16 Promotions June 2007 5 Skyjack 12 RTX 19 Camera July 2007 10 New Volunteer Orientation 17 New Volunteer Orientation 17 Replay 21 Basic Production 30 & 31 Basic Production August 2007 7 Mobile 101 14 Audio 21 Inscriber 28 Switcher September 2007 12 & 13 ENG 14 Editing