Discussion:
Unlike field production, there is no true one-person-bands in studio production. By definition, a studio production is a show that uses a fixed location made up of constructed or found sets to create a production in a controlled environment. Many, if not most, shows are actually combinations of studio production and the major alternative, field production. Some shows are adding the third major choice available to producers and that is virtual production.
The creative, business, research, on-camera talent retained before the actual production of a show are known as above-the-line-staff, actually a budgeting term. They usually work with a production from start to finish.
1. Producer: Deals with the intellectual content of the program and concern him or herself with what is said and what message is being conveyed. Producers will initiate and coordinate productions and is in charge of above-the-line costs and personnel.
- There are several types of producers:
a. Executive Producer: Supervises producers and deals with money and organization. A television show will have an executive producer that is the head honcho.
b. Line Producer: Hands on producer of a single segment of a show, single show in a series, or some part of a show. Often called just “producer”.
c. Assistant Producer: Also co-producer, may be a writer, researcher, or someone who is assisting the producer in some part of the intellectual duties.
2. Director: gives verbal commands for all those necessary to produce the show, and is the direct supervisor of the below-the-line staff.
- Is responsible for the look and feel of the show.
- Takes the producer’s ideas and turns it into a vision.
- Producers and Directors must work closely together to communicate the show concept.
3. Assistant Director: assists the director e.g. helps the line-keeper read the script.
4. Researcher: Does research for shows, from football statistics to history of guests.
- Often a consultant but can be full-time.
- In news, all reporters are researchers, although some programs will have researchers on staff tasked with finding information out and fact checking.
5. Writer: Writes the story, and dialogue of the program.
- On many shows, the producer is also the writer.
- In news, the reporters and producers write.
- In creative production both talent and directors will have a hand in rewriting the dialogue to improve program flow.
6. Art Director: The head designer, an art director is a person who is in charge of all the creative artists and trades employed by a program.
7. Designers: There are several types of designers to be found under the art director. Designers include people who handle costumes, or costume designers, set designers, lighting designers (who work with the DP and lighting director), property designers, food stylists, and a whole host of other creative categories.
8. Talent: Talent are the on-air people who appear before camera, or whose voices are used (called voice talent). It is important to remember that talent are professionals who work for the program, as distinct from guests on the programs you work with. In general talent have speaking roles, and are distinct from extras who provide color for the program. Sometimes talent are also producers, writers, or hold other positions, such as in news.