Production Elements

       These elements are associated primarily with studio
       production work.


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  • Cameras - Unlike portable cameras, the studio version can be large and heavy. They are mounted on pedestals that can be wheeled across the studio floor with relative ease.
  • Audio - one of the most important video production elements. The audio operator is trained to be a sound designer, one who understand the aesthetics of sound and to mix levels from various sources. The major elements of audio are microphones, mixers and sound recording and playback devices.
  • Lighting - the manipulation of lights on objects can influence the way we perceive them on-screen. Controlling light and shadows is very much like an art. There are two types of lighting - directional and diffused. There are also different types of lights. More on this in Lighting.
  • Switcher - a panel of buttons that allows the technical director (TD) to select different inputs, such as cameras, video playback machines, titles and other special effects. The switcher can perform complex transitions, such as dissolves and wipes.
  • Video Recorder - a machine that captures the pictures and sounds coming from the studio. There are numerous types of recorders using various tape formats. Video tape recorders are classified by the format they use, such as VHS, BetaSP, DVCPRO, etc. Rapid progress is being made toward tapeless systems where all the video and audio are stored on hard drives, optical discs, and memory cards.
  • Post Production Editing - material that has been recorded during the production is then cut up and joined. Often, this is the most time-consuming and expensive element of production, involving extensive manipulation of video and audio for transmission purposes or forms of distribution.