Spots - Roll Back Malaria

STEP 5: PRE-PRODUCTION, PRODUCTION AND POST-PRODUCTIONPRODUCTION• Whether the recording is done at a radio station or an independent studio, findout how much it costs to rent the facility and what that fee includes. For example,does the fee cover an engineer? Tape/recording medium? Special effects, CDs,recording equipment? What about mastering tape, a stopwatch and an editing kit?Once you have your script, actors and studio scheduled, you can begin the finalproduction of your spots.Who does what in the studioThe key tasks of this phase are directing, recording and producing. Different peoplemay do the jobs below, or one person may do all three.The engineer/technician runs the recording equipment.The director ensures that the spot follows the script. She or he briefs the engineer onwhat is required and guides the actors’ performance. The director:• Checks the studio clock, cue light, headphones, any talkback mechanism or otherequipment to make sure everything is in working order.• Brings pencils/pens for marking any script changes.• Reminds the actors not to rattle the script and ensures that no one wears anythingthat might knock or rattle (such as bracelets or cufflinks).• Helps the actors rehearse to get the performance just right, and pays attention tothe inflection, pacing and sound of the voices through the microphones. Is gentlewith criticism and direction.• Does not stop actors in the middle of a performance or reading. If anyone else hascomments, the director conveys them to the actors.The producer is in charge of the performance and guides the overall shape of thespot by, for example, describing the range of emotion required. He or she is thebridge between other staff, the engineer and the actors. The producer also makessure all the necessary studio equipment is available and working. The producer:• Gives everyone in the studio a copy of the script and ensures each knows what isrequired.• Has a clear idea of the overall impression the spot will make on the audience andprovides guidance to the actors (for example, should the voice be quiet, strongand compassionate? Should it sound confident, relaxed, worried, or excited? Whatabout inflection, speed, pacing and projection?). Also selects music or soundeffects to help establish the right mood.• Finds out from the engineer how the mix will be done and when the “rough cut”of the spot will be ready.72 Spot On Malaria: Guide