The Ultimate Guide to Television Production: From Film to Studio Setup
ITEM 3: TYPE OF PROGRAM
4. Television Film
Film is the most versatile and flexible genre in fictional television. Broadcasting stations have seen consistent success with scheduling 2-3 film slots per week during prime time. Currently, the most reliable data comes from recent productions, particularly those from the last decade and within specific genres like action, romantic comedies, and Hollywood films.
9. Entertainment
Entertainment programs aim to captivate audiences using elements of surprise, humor, and excitement. Key sub-genres include:
Magazines
Magazine shows offer a blend of genres, incorporating information, competitions, artistic performances, and reality elements. This diversity makes it challenging to define a singular, recognizable format.
Galas and Variety Shows
These programs feature a group of presenters introducing a series of musical acts, ballet performances, fashion shows, and comedic skits. They are characterized by a visually stunning, festive, and elegant aesthetic, aiming to project an image of glamour. Galas often revolve around themes such as new network programming launches, artist tributes, regional celebrations, or award ceremonies. Typically broadcast during prime time, they occupy the entire slot with one exception: telethons, which raise funds for charitable causes.
Contests and Reality Shows
Evolving from magazine shows, these programs present everyday life as entertainment. We can categorize them as follows:
Reality-Magazine
These programs delve into the personal tragedies, dramas, and scandals of ordinary people. A host typically interviews a group of individuals in the studio, encouraging them to divulge intimate details about their lives and perspectives. Some variations within this sub-genre emphasize confrontational and physically-charged interactions between guests.
Celebrity-Magazine Reality
In these programs, the focus shifts to well-known figures from the social and entertainment spheres. A notable aspect of this format is the rise of “famosillos” – individuals who gain notoriety primarily through their participation in these shows.
Reality-Competition
This category encompasses programs that pit individuals against each other in various challenges, aiming to present an unscripted and authentic portrayal of their experiences. These shows often feature a studio host who facilitates discussions with eliminated contestants, their friends, and family members. Additionally, a field host provides updates on the ongoing competition among the remaining participants.
10. Music
Music programs have been a cornerstone of television since its inception. While early broadcasts suffered from poor sound quality due to playback limitations, technological advancements have significantly enhanced audio fidelity. Music continues to be featured across various program formats.
11. Documentary
Documentaries have a richer history in film than television, yet they have remained a consistent presence on the small screen. Spanning a wide range of subjects and artistic approaches, documentaries are often funded and produced by the television channels themselves.
EMITTER CONFIGURATION AND TELEVISION STUDIOS
A television station comprises the material, technical, and human resources required to create and broadcast audiovisual programs. This process can be broadly divided into two stages:
- The program production center, responsible for developing the audiovisual content.
- The transmission center, which handles the distribution of the audiovisual product.
The Set or Television Studios
A studio is a designated space where broadcasters and producers stage their programs. These spacious buildings vary in size depending on their intended use. The primary considerations for a studio’s design are optimizing signal capture and ensuring high-quality output from the outset. Key features include:
- Acoustic Isolation: Effective soundproofing is crucial to minimize external noise interference and control reverberation levels.
- Level Flooring: A flat and even floor surface is essential for smooth and unrestricted camera movement.
- High Ceilings: A minimum ceiling height of 35 meters is recommended to accommodate lighting rigs and other equipment.
- Acoustic Treatment: Walls and ceilings are typically treated with sound-absorbing materials to prevent unwanted sound reflections.
- Climate Control: Studios often require powerful air conditioning systems to counteract the heat generated by lighting and equipment.
- Soundproof Doors and Rooms: Heavy, soundproof doors and dedicated rooms provide space for storing sets and equipment.
- Camera Mobility: Studio cameras are typically mounted on tripods, pedestals, or mobile bases known as dollies for versatile movement.
- Specialized Camera Mounts: Other camera mounts, such as hot heads and Steadicams, offer additional flexibility for capturing dynamic shots.
- Teleprompter System: For programs requiring presenters to read from scripts, a teleprompter or autocue system is used. This device projects the text onto a mirror positioned in front of the camera lens, allowing the presenter to read while maintaining eye contact with the audience.
- Intercommunication System: An intercom system facilitates communication among the production crew, both within the studio and the control room.
- Studio Monitors: High-quality studio monitors display the live feed from the production switcher, allowing presenters and crew members to monitor the program’s progress and ensure visual consistency.