Once  a  production  is  under  way,  any  number  of problems may develop on the studio floor. Cameras may refuse to move or the talent may develop giggling fits. In normal circumstances, the only way the director can find  out  about  these  problems  is  through  the  floor manager. Therefore, another responsibility of the floor manager  is  to  keep  the  director  informed  of  any developing  situations  on  the  studio  floor  that  may  affect the program. AUDIO  SWITCHER The  audio  switcher  is  responsible  for  the  smooth operation  of  the  television  audio  mixing  console.  He must  be  able  to  respond  quickly  and  correctly  to  the commands of the director. The  television  audio  mixing  console  is  usually located in a separate booth, remote from the television control room. The audio switcher stays in the booth from the time immediately before the production — when he makes the necessary sound level checks — to that of the completion of the program. The console itself has all the sound inputs fed into it, including microphones from the studio  floor,  cart  machines,  CD  players,  and  so  forth. The  audio  switcher  has  absolute  control  over  these inputs  and  must  balance  them  so  that  they  are  at  a compatible level. Once all of the inputs are balanced, they maybe fed from the console to a receiver. The output must be at a level   that   is   acceptable   to   the   receiver   (videotape recorder, television set or monitor) and must fade-in or fade-out at the command of the director. With practice, you will be able to mix and control sound smoothly and correctly. VIDEO  SWITCHER Although the camera operator frames the shot and the director calls for it, the video switcher (fig. 14-12) is ultimately accountable for the picture that is recorded or broadcast. The video switcher is responsible for the smooth operation of the video-mixing console and the special   effects   bank   He   directly   controls   what   the audience sees. A mistake on his part cannot be covered up by the director. The video switcher sits at the video-mixing console throughout  the  production  and  is  completely  responsible for its smooth operation. He must be able to operate the console efficiently and respond quickly and correctly to the commands of the director. The video switcher can only  achieve  such  efficiency  by  having  a  thorough knowledge of the console equipment and by constantly practicing  mixing  techniques.  In  addition,  the  video switcher must know how to apply the various special effects available to him and operate them smoothly. DIRECTOR The  television  studio  production  crew  is  a  team, with everyone in the team working together toward one common goal — the successful airing of a production. Although each member of the team is responsible for the  correct  and  efficient  operation  of  his  particular  task, there has to be someone in charge — someone with an overall  view  of  the  situation  and  the  way  the  various tasks are accomplished. This person is the director. The   director   is   totally   responsible   for   the production  He  is  able  to  give  instructions  to  every member of the crew, either directly, or in the case of the talent, indirectly. These instructions must be clear and concise   —   garbled   instructions   are   worse   than   no instructions  at  all. In  a  scripted  production,  only  the  talent  needs  a script,   but   it   is   the   director’s   responsibility   to   be completely familiar with it so he may devote more of his  attention  to  the  actual  production  and  less  time wondering what the talent is going to do next. It is also the director’s responsibility to be aware of the  functions  of  each  member  of  his  crew  and  their equipment. There is probably nothing worse and more frustrating  for  a  production  crew  than  to  work  with  a director who sets impossible tasks for his crew because he  is  unaware  of  the  functions  and  limitations  of  his people and their equipment. During   a   studio   production,   the   director   gives commands to the camera operators and the audio and video  switchers.  These  commands  are  covered  in  the following  text. Camera Commands The   director   issues   commands   to   the   camera operators  more  than  any  other  production  team  member to accomplish the following tasks: l  Setup  shots . Refine the framing and composition of a shot l Direct the movement of a camera while the shot is on the air When you serve as a director, you should remember the following guidelines: 14-12