Is it Monday or Tuesday? I dunno, it's Day 11 for sure.
It’s Day 11 of my two-week accelerated job in broadcasting, and I feel a little detached from the outer world – outer world meaning anywhere where “jib” “did we take a ‘hit?’” and “rendering” isn’t part of the everyday lexicon. And anywhere where people’s names aren’t colour-coded like “Red/Blue” and “Gold/Silver.” Those are my roommates in a little, cramped shared office we’ve nicknamed “The Sauna.” (We even got a fan brought in from Selkirk so we wouldn’t melt …apparently fans don’t exist in Winnipeg in the winter, FYI.)
I’ve gotten a lot out of being part of the Olympic broadcasting team for APTN. I’ve learned a little bit about Aboriginal culture (I “smudged” for my first time, meaning washing sacred smoke over your face, hair and shoulders – which I loved. The spiritual focus in the workplace is such a breath of fresh air, and the Aboriginal people hold values no one can really argue with, so the blessing ceremonies feel really genuine and unifying. (It’s like if everyone paused to do yoga at your work and got you collectively focused on the company missions or goals of the day or what-have-you – how great would that be?! I guess that’s what it’s like working at Lululemon…) I’ve also gained a bit of a better understanding about the plights of Aboriginal peoples. One of the best things said that put it into perspective was when the executive producer, Doug Howe, spoke to the group about how we are an underdog as a first-time Olympic broadcaster, having only 10 years experience in the biz – and on top of that being Aboriginal. He added for the Aboriginal people working on the broadcast that isn’t a new feeling but for others, like me, maybe we’d get to see what it’s like for First Nations people on a regular basis always feeling like you’re starting from behind and having to prove yourself. I thought that was really eloquent and was a really good insight to share. I totally had an “Ah-ha!” Oprah moment.
Aside from the cultural schooling, I’ve also gotten a bit better at this job I was hired to do and had very little experience doing prior. I basically got hired because I claimed I could spell, had a bit of broadcast training, and the Assistant Producer said I was competent (she likes me… We’re friends. I paid her…) Anyways, I’ve gotten pretty friendly with the ol’ Inscriber (basically filling in words on templates with correct spelling, but I’ve also had to tweak the odd template and have gotten semi-handy with that. Although who knew you could do animations…?! !!!)
It’s also been really cool to see what it’s like to work as a freelancer or in sports full-time – a lot of these gems I’ve worked closely with do lots of odd gigs where they leave their families for weeks or months at a time, and come back with a wad of cash and some spare time ‘til the next gig! That’s the point – it’s condensed, it’s sometimes chaotic and consuming, but you get through it and then there’s a big cash reward! There’s a lot of long days, some attitude clashes with new superiors (for others, I’m happy-go-lucky, duh) and a lot of anxiety working in live tv – but it’s what they all live for! I can tell my EVS men’s favourite parts of the day were when they batched a string of highlights together in a couple minutes time while the on-air talent dangles there, filling in the time. That’s the drug for televisers! That rush of “Will we survive this?” (Wonder if I could live off it as well?) …It’s like firefighting, but NOT.
I’ve learned so much about live tv, especially sportscasts which are really an art and genius of their own! You really can’t appreciate it ‘til you get the behind-the-scenes view! Everyone’s a buff – and you have to be to get things right! So inspiring to see people rock their jobs everyday.
And finally, the food you get on these Olympic budgets is unreal! (Maybe it’s not typical, maybe it is.) I’ve been scamming food every half-hour from junk food like chips, gummy bears, and chocolate bars to fresh fruit, veggies and dip, toast, taco dip and sometimes pancakes, perogies or pizza! Catered meals too – unreal! I don’t know why anyone needed a food budget – I sure didn’t need my own!
I’ve also sort of gotten over the broken dream to have been in Vancouver along for the Olympic ride ‘cause this was totally an adventure of its own! Thirteen-hour days are the norm and no one complains because it’s their “usual.” So nuts! Whatever it takes to make TV MAGIC!
Well, that’s all for now. I wish I would’ve broken the experiences down to a few days at a time or God forbid by the Olympic Days, but alas, I’m too wiped at the end of most days to bear down and write! Stay tuned for at least a final summary when I’ve gotten a day or two to veg.
Xoxo, Bco
Also, interesting side note: I bought a new camera today (Mar.3) with ma’ earnings and the man was Aboriginal and said how awesome he thought the coverage was on APTN! We also heard that from a dude at BP’s at our wrap party! Great feedback was the norm!
…And now, for a Legend:
(Vanessa always includes these… maybe I’ll start (or at least mock her in this first one)):
“Jib” – a jib is a camera that isn’t held close to the operator but is extended out a long way on a contraption that can move the camera quickly and steadily. It can take shots from up-above the hosts and set and make pretty clean, controlled-looking movements quickly because it isn’t as susceptible to human error.
“hit” – taking a ‘hit’ here at APTN means the live feed kicks out or something screwy happens to the video/program on air. Everyone seemed to understand it so it must be common.
“rendering” – making all video, still images and what-not play nicely in a video. If you have “unrendered” clips they won’t show up.
Colour names: these are used instead of names for people who control media playback (packaged video) and EVS. What’s EVS? I’m not explaining that. You’re not ready. (Nor am I, really.)
Televisers: What I’ve just nicknamed those who work in television.
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