Second go at the Hub! (And the last one of these logs, due to course deadline before the next session)
Today's Hub session was a very mixed bag in comparison to last week. My supervisor was a person called Yaz; a talkative fellow who obviously had a great deal of experience in production. As such I definitely learned a lot more from last week. Went by the 'Hub Worksheet' that I was assigned, ticking off tasks that I've done and hovering around others to do. I'm happy that we got through the majority of it and it served as a great way to get me practically experiencing. Unfortunately this was met by Yaz's arrogance, political views, sexism and overbearing nature...It felt like he was purposefully trying to wind me up and by the end of the day it felt like he had done so with crackpot statements. But I think I dealt with the majority of his inanity as calmly as I could.
Thankfully, for an amount of time, Helen came to assist supervision and this was to my absolute delight. She ascertained how much I had learned practically and I definitely felt confident that I can do stuff on my own, such as; cpying discs (which I became quite proficient at), setting recording timers, copying data, retrieving data and fulfilling staff requests)...But of course due to the two-week gap, there was a worry that I would forget stuff by next time! I suppose it was a concern for *every* time, but because I seemed to learn a lot on this day, I really wanted to continue soon.
(It's rotten to say, but since he was so exhausting, thankfully this would be the only time Yaz would be supervising my development. has a few more 'herbs' in his cigarettes than usual...)
AM
Wednesday, 17 June 2015
BBC Work Experience - Episode XI - 31st March, 2014
Alright; this was the first day on the Hub!
The Hub was definitely the one of the three areas that I understood the least about, due to the vague name ('camera', 'sound'...You know what they are and what they do). But I that helped me find it more intriguing than the other areas, in a way. This is the area where raw footage is logged and copied, it's where final cuts of news items are stored and it has access to the whole archive of BBC Leeds. Because of this, it's where people come to (or contact) to request clips or stock footage for items and such. The Hub is also responsible for recording outgoing broadcasts, which has to be set manually for each day.
This day was also a first in terms of mentors too; I had two! The first was a fellow called Gavin; aside from doing 'behind the scenes' stuff like the hub, he also does a bit of reporting, which is very apt for him as he as a great, friendly personality. It really felt like I was learning the basic functionality of the hub fairly quickly and Gavin was keen to hear about what I wanted to do for a career in general; he happily shared advice (and in a really positive way too). Around the time before lunch, Tom (from sound) joined us too; he caught up with how I've been getting on and how I've been enjoying the experience and as well as Tom passing on more knowledge and encouragement, I was also able to share what I had learned!
Unfortunately Gavin had to leave at lunchtime, so afterwards, my second supervisor was a lady called Helen; she has a senior position at the BBC but that doesn't mean she's looking down at others (it seems like she operates at everybody else's level, if that makes sense). She was really friendly and seemed interested in where I was in terms of experience. It was also around this time where there was a lot of periods with no urgent requests needed. Helen used some of this time to show me some more functionality of the hub, but I think I needed to ask for more practice with the computer systems to get familiar with layouts. I had encouragement and confidence built up from Gavin (and Tom), so I think that somehow meant I could relax a little bit. This was also the first time I had to come in at an earlier time than usual, so it must've felt like a longer day too!
But all in all, a great start to my time on the Hub...Hopefully it can keep going!
AM
The Hub was definitely the one of the three areas that I understood the least about, due to the vague name ('camera', 'sound'...You know what they are and what they do). But I that helped me find it more intriguing than the other areas, in a way. This is the area where raw footage is logged and copied, it's where final cuts of news items are stored and it has access to the whole archive of BBC Leeds. Because of this, it's where people come to (or contact) to request clips or stock footage for items and such. The Hub is also responsible for recording outgoing broadcasts, which has to be set manually for each day.
This day was also a first in terms of mentors too; I had two! The first was a fellow called Gavin; aside from doing 'behind the scenes' stuff like the hub, he also does a bit of reporting, which is very apt for him as he as a great, friendly personality. It really felt like I was learning the basic functionality of the hub fairly quickly and Gavin was keen to hear about what I wanted to do for a career in general; he happily shared advice (and in a really positive way too). Around the time before lunch, Tom (from sound) joined us too; he caught up with how I've been getting on and how I've been enjoying the experience and as well as Tom passing on more knowledge and encouragement, I was also able to share what I had learned!
Unfortunately Gavin had to leave at lunchtime, so afterwards, my second supervisor was a lady called Helen; she has a senior position at the BBC but that doesn't mean she's looking down at others (it seems like she operates at everybody else's level, if that makes sense). She was really friendly and seemed interested in where I was in terms of experience. It was also around this time where there was a lot of periods with no urgent requests needed. Helen used some of this time to show me some more functionality of the hub, but I think I needed to ask for more practice with the computer systems to get familiar with layouts. I had encouragement and confidence built up from Gavin (and Tom), so I think that somehow meant I could relax a little bit. This was also the first time I had to come in at an earlier time than usual, so it must've felt like a longer day too!
But all in all, a great start to my time on the Hub...Hopefully it can keep going!
AM
Tuesday, 16 June 2015
BBC Work Experience - Episode X - 17th March, 2014
Last day on Sound!
And this day was with Matt again, so it immediately felt like I was going to build on previous knowledge, which I felt I did! Much has been said in the last post that can be applied for this one too, but during my time with Matt again, it felt like I had made real progress in developing skills and confidence.
During both broadcasts of the news, we built upon last time; as well as operating that 'live box' I mentioned previously, this time I even controlled a few levers on the main sound-desk. Chances like these to control stuff and aid with broadcast operations meant that it was a good way to end my time on sound. However it is of course bittersweet, because now I had built up the skills and confidence for the sound-desk...Next time I would no longer need them.
AM
And this day was with Matt again, so it immediately felt like I was going to build on previous knowledge, which I felt I did! Much has been said in the last post that can be applied for this one too, but during my time with Matt again, it felt like I had made real progress in developing skills and confidence.
During both broadcasts of the news, we built upon last time; as well as operating that 'live box' I mentioned previously, this time I even controlled a few levers on the main sound-desk. Chances like these to control stuff and aid with broadcast operations meant that it was a good way to end my time on sound. However it is of course bittersweet, because now I had built up the skills and confidence for the sound-desk...Next time I would no longer need them.
AM
BBC Work Experience - Episode IX - 3rd March, 2014
Fourth-time lucky...!
Today was a great day for me on sound; it felt like I had remembered a lot more information from the previous time, than the others beforehand. And today's supervisor was Matt, a guy who is probably one of the most supportive and encouraging supervisors to date! Like most behind the sound-desk, he appears to have expert knowledge and skills. But thankfully he more than willing to share and educate. He more-or-less immediately wanted to know where my experience was at and how it could be developed thusly.
After summing up what knew already, I explained to him that the main hurdle for me at that point was that I needed to get my head around the squences of the controls when they are needed during broadcast...I believe that Matt saw I was keen to try out some of the controls (especially from last week). He even allowed me to attempt a rehearsal for the promotional lunchtime headlines! I was elated at this and even though most of that rehearsal attempt wouldn't have met professional standards (!), it was okay because I was happy enough to be given the opportunity to begin with. And more practice would have to come later!
After lunch was a first for me; no production meeting for the tea-time news. All because they were setting up for a sports programme that takes place around this time of year and on top of the regular news programmes, it took up time usually used for the meeting. I was briefly concerned how we'd get on without a meeting schedule, but they had some printed out for us anyway, soon enough.
But continuing with my experience building and Matt also showed me how to operate a very important piece of equipment; a 'live box' that essentially controls whenever the building is broadcasting (when it's on, the building broadcasts through BBC One). This device felt very important (as indeed it was), because there had to be a sequence of switches and a key to activate it...Almost like having control over a great source of maniacal power! And the best thing was; during the tea-time broadcast, Matt allowed me to sit side-by-side with him at the desk so that I could have control over the 'live box'! It was also handy for him as he didn't have to stretch over the entire area. It's supervisors like Matt that make a substantial difference to work experience; it felt like I was being encouraged, being supported and most importantly; practically learning.
AM
Today was a great day for me on sound; it felt like I had remembered a lot more information from the previous time, than the others beforehand. And today's supervisor was Matt, a guy who is probably one of the most supportive and encouraging supervisors to date! Like most behind the sound-desk, he appears to have expert knowledge and skills. But thankfully he more than willing to share and educate. He more-or-less immediately wanted to know where my experience was at and how it could be developed thusly.
After summing up what knew already, I explained to him that the main hurdle for me at that point was that I needed to get my head around the squences of the controls when they are needed during broadcast...I believe that Matt saw I was keen to try out some of the controls (especially from last week). He even allowed me to attempt a rehearsal for the promotional lunchtime headlines! I was elated at this and even though most of that rehearsal attempt wouldn't have met professional standards (!), it was okay because I was happy enough to be given the opportunity to begin with. And more practice would have to come later!
After lunch was a first for me; no production meeting for the tea-time news. All because they were setting up for a sports programme that takes place around this time of year and on top of the regular news programmes, it took up time usually used for the meeting. I was briefly concerned how we'd get on without a meeting schedule, but they had some printed out for us anyway, soon enough.
But continuing with my experience building and Matt also showed me how to operate a very important piece of equipment; a 'live box' that essentially controls whenever the building is broadcasting (when it's on, the building broadcasts through BBC One). This device felt very important (as indeed it was), because there had to be a sequence of switches and a key to activate it...Almost like having control over a great source of maniacal power! And the best thing was; during the tea-time broadcast, Matt allowed me to sit side-by-side with him at the desk so that I could have control over the 'live box'! It was also handy for him as he didn't have to stretch over the entire area. It's supervisors like Matt that make a substantial difference to work experience; it felt like I was being encouraged, being supported and most importantly; practically learning.
AM
BBC Work Experience - Episode VIII - 17th February, 2014
This is it; the halfway point. Not just halfway through the sound section, but halfway through the whole BBC experience!
Today I was supervised by Alice, who had only recently joined the BBC herself. However, she has done much in related studies and is attending university during her casual post at the BBC...At a very young age, she operates with impressive capabilities! It's the type of dedication to a career that I can only imagine for myself!
It wasn't clear how much she had supervised someone doing work experience, but I got a sense that it wasn't a regular occurance for her. And it did seem like sometimes she felt I was still in very early-learning stages. In some instances, it did appear to make her quite disengaged with supervising. Again, perhaps this was a case of my communication not being clear enough again...But despite that, she was happy to talk the majority of the time and to answer questions and explain controls and sequences (in some cases; explain again for me). Although considering this was the third time out of five at the sound-desk, I really did hope to advance a little bit more by this time and perhaps even assist with operating a couple of functions (even as a practice run), but unfortunately not this week, which was a bit frustrating.
AM
Today I was supervised by Alice, who had only recently joined the BBC herself. However, she has done much in related studies and is attending university during her casual post at the BBC...At a very young age, she operates with impressive capabilities! It's the type of dedication to a career that I can only imagine for myself!
It wasn't clear how much she had supervised someone doing work experience, but I got a sense that it wasn't a regular occurance for her. And it did seem like sometimes she felt I was still in very early-learning stages. In some instances, it did appear to make her quite disengaged with supervising. Again, perhaps this was a case of my communication not being clear enough again...But despite that, she was happy to talk the majority of the time and to answer questions and explain controls and sequences (in some cases; explain again for me). Although considering this was the third time out of five at the sound-desk, I really did hope to advance a little bit more by this time and perhaps even assist with operating a couple of functions (even as a practice run), but unfortunately not this week, which was a bit frustrating.
AM
BBC Work Experience - Episode VII - 3rd February, 2014
Second day behind the sound desk!
Today's proceedings was overseen by Tom. At first, he gaged my rough knowledge from previous days...But in preperation for the 1300 start, issues were arising from one of the outside sources. It seemed like he wasn't sure how much I knew...But he was more focused on the broadcast anyway (and rightly so). Between the heads and the proms, he recapped a few things for me in terms of sound channel functionality on the desk...Watching the half-past broadcast made me understand a bit more of the role whilst the broadcast was going out (making sure the right microphones and channels are heard at the right time, etc.)
During lunch, I conversed with Carly, who informed me that the same supervisor from her previous time was supervising her again. Apparently she had done more with a camera operating position quicker than I was when I was in the studio! Perhaps this may be differences in how we learn, but I suspect that it was because of the same supervisor...Because a supervisor who has taught previously has more knowledge of how much the 'trainee' (as it were) knows or has learnt. To me there's always a feeling that with every new supervisor, there's less confidence than there would be for a repeat supervisor. With Tom, this was no different. However, I do see the benefit of a new supervisor each week, as it does make me feel obligated to explain what I have learned previously. As such, it depends on a level of recall, which would fundamentally indicate how much has been learned. Having said that, it does seem that the two-week gap in between each session may not be very convenient for learning for me personally.
After lunch (before and after the production meeting) Tom explained more of the functionality on the sound board. Very helpfully, he tested my knowledge every so often, which I very much appreciated (regardless of how my successful I was). There is a level of complex terminology involved and how the terminology informs the electronic functionality of the sound, etc. and to help me get a better understanding, Tom doodled a variety of diagrams and notes to help illustrate (quite literally) the complex terminology. I did begin to understand more, however much I have forgotten now. Funnily enough, it was more of a case of seeing how much Tom was educated in this field...! But I definitely did feel like he was encouraging and would make a good mentor for me on a more regular basis.
AM
Today's proceedings was overseen by Tom. At first, he gaged my rough knowledge from previous days...But in preperation for the 1300 start, issues were arising from one of the outside sources. It seemed like he wasn't sure how much I knew...But he was more focused on the broadcast anyway (and rightly so). Between the heads and the proms, he recapped a few things for me in terms of sound channel functionality on the desk...Watching the half-past broadcast made me understand a bit more of the role whilst the broadcast was going out (making sure the right microphones and channels are heard at the right time, etc.)
During lunch, I conversed with Carly, who informed me that the same supervisor from her previous time was supervising her again. Apparently she had done more with a camera operating position quicker than I was when I was in the studio! Perhaps this may be differences in how we learn, but I suspect that it was because of the same supervisor...Because a supervisor who has taught previously has more knowledge of how much the 'trainee' (as it were) knows or has learnt. To me there's always a feeling that with every new supervisor, there's less confidence than there would be for a repeat supervisor. With Tom, this was no different. However, I do see the benefit of a new supervisor each week, as it does make me feel obligated to explain what I have learned previously. As such, it depends on a level of recall, which would fundamentally indicate how much has been learned. Having said that, it does seem that the two-week gap in between each session may not be very convenient for learning for me personally.
After lunch (before and after the production meeting) Tom explained more of the functionality on the sound board. Very helpfully, he tested my knowledge every so often, which I very much appreciated (regardless of how my successful I was). There is a level of complex terminology involved and how the terminology informs the electronic functionality of the sound, etc. and to help me get a better understanding, Tom doodled a variety of diagrams and notes to help illustrate (quite literally) the complex terminology. I did begin to understand more, however much I have forgotten now. Funnily enough, it was more of a case of seeing how much Tom was educated in this field...! But I definitely did feel like he was encouraging and would make a good mentor for me on a more regular basis.
AM
BBC Work Experience - Episode VI - 20th January, 2014
First day on sound!
This was very exciting. I had previously volunteered at Bradford Community Broadcasting (BCB) Radio a few years ago so I was already familiar with the principles of mixing desks. They are simpler to operate than they look; basically the main rule of thumb is that one column of dials and switches controls one sound channel...So if you learn one, you learn (most of) the others.
However, as the end game for these mixing desks required more than sound, there are other devices on the sound desk that inform and control the sound in relation to the vision. There are five monitors directly above the desk; these show what all three cameras in the studio is seeing, plus a view of the whole studio to see who's there, what the main camera is seeing (either for broadcast or preview/rehearsal), what the upcoming news package(s) will be, and the autocue for the newsreaders. Basically the monitors are visual cues/indicators for the live sound composition. To the right is a button-laden device for all of the reusable pieces of BBC news music (dongs, beeps, rhythms, etc.) to introduce news items or punctuate the headlines, or when the programmes finish. And this device is connected to a staff computer, which has all the pre-recorded sounds for the device to use, using their network memory.
As one can tell, I was very keen on taking in all the details of the sound operation. And I believe this was helped by my first supervisor on sound, Ian. I found speaking to him rather fascinating; he was friendly, co-operative and informative. He let me know early on that he does not regularly work in the building and is usually working on location with the satellite vans. His affable nature meant that he was he was a stark contrast to Brian, my second camera 'supervisor' who also frequented location work.
I felt like I learnt quite a lot about the functionality of the sound area from Ian, plus a little more than I believe to be usual; despite his assignment to the sound-desk for that day, Ian was checking in regularly with the satellite vans and showed me the system that tracks where the vans are in the regions. It was another aspect of news operations outside of sound, but still fascinating, no-less! I didn't get much practical experience though, but I'm okay with this as it was my first day on sound...Hopefully the next time, though!
AM
This was very exciting. I had previously volunteered at Bradford Community Broadcasting (BCB) Radio a few years ago so I was already familiar with the principles of mixing desks. They are simpler to operate than they look; basically the main rule of thumb is that one column of dials and switches controls one sound channel...So if you learn one, you learn (most of) the others.
However, as the end game for these mixing desks required more than sound, there are other devices on the sound desk that inform and control the sound in relation to the vision. There are five monitors directly above the desk; these show what all three cameras in the studio is seeing, plus a view of the whole studio to see who's there, what the main camera is seeing (either for broadcast or preview/rehearsal), what the upcoming news package(s) will be, and the autocue for the newsreaders. Basically the monitors are visual cues/indicators for the live sound composition. To the right is a button-laden device for all of the reusable pieces of BBC news music (dongs, beeps, rhythms, etc.) to introduce news items or punctuate the headlines, or when the programmes finish. And this device is connected to a staff computer, which has all the pre-recorded sounds for the device to use, using their network memory.
As one can tell, I was very keen on taking in all the details of the sound operation. And I believe this was helped by my first supervisor on sound, Ian. I found speaking to him rather fascinating; he was friendly, co-operative and informative. He let me know early on that he does not regularly work in the building and is usually working on location with the satellite vans. His affable nature meant that he was he was a stark contrast to Brian, my second camera 'supervisor' who also frequented location work.
I felt like I learnt quite a lot about the functionality of the sound area from Ian, plus a little more than I believe to be usual; despite his assignment to the sound-desk for that day, Ian was checking in regularly with the satellite vans and showed me the system that tracks where the vans are in the regions. It was another aspect of news operations outside of sound, but still fascinating, no-less! I didn't get much practical experience though, but I'm okay with this as it was my first day on sound...Hopefully the next time, though!
AM
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