Essential Knowledge for the Aspiring Media Professional

John Stephen Zaffuto has worked in the motion media creation industry for over twenty-five years. In that time he has served in many roles, including broadcast production manager, chief editor, and post-production supervisor. He currently is both an instructor and television facility operations manager at Southeastern Louisiana University. He is also the recipient of three Suncoast Emmy awards as well as numerous other regional and national awards and recognitions.

Acknowledgements

Preface

1. Pre-Production and Planning

Part One: Assessing the Project

Part Two: Notes on the Creative Process

Part Three: Determining the Project Aesthetic

Historical/Cultural Influences

Film Influences

Popular Music

Design as Influenced by Technology

Detail, Design, Direction

Try This!

2. Technical Considerations

Frame Size

Frame Dimension

Frame Rates

Frame Characteristics

The Nature of Video Files

The Nature of Audio Files

The Nature of Still Images

Orders of Magnitude for Data

Scopes and Reference Devices

Storage Considerations

Try This!

3. Location ProductionSituational Awareness

Mechanical Competence

Sociability

Organization and Responsibility

Preparing for Location Production

Cameras and Camera Support Equipment

Lighting

Studio-Based Lighting

Location Audio

“Care and Feeding” of the Microphone

Showtime! Or, What Should Occur During and

Immediately Before Location Production

Location Selection and Preparation

Proximity to Civilization

Official Permissions and Courtesies

Working With What You Have

Location Hierarchy: Who’s in Charge?

Multitasking

Lights, Camera, and Other Stuff

After the Shoot

Notes on Studio Production

The Nature of Studio Production

Studio Elements and Personnel

Control Room Elements and Personnel

Communication

Try This!

4. Post-Production Procedures



Part One: The Pre-Edit

A Note About Music

Part Two: Planning the Edit

Part Three: The Editing Process

Leftovers: Saving the Edit for Later

Presentation and Evaluation

Try This!



5. Now What? Career Opportunities and Considerations

Final Thoughts

The Television Affiliate

The Film IndustryProduction Houses

Creative Boutiques and Agencies

Corporate Environments

Government and Education

Sports

Houses of Worship

Event Production

Hybrid and Hyperlocal Media

Self-employment

Emerging Technologies

Marketability: You Are Your Own Product

Make Getting a Job Your Job

Demo “Reels,” Social Media, and Online Promotion

Social Media and Maintaining an Online Presence

“Analog” Materials

Suggested Order of Resume Components

Maintaining a Career

Final Thoughts

Try This!

Index