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