VT (1)

Whether VT replay is from separate (stand alone) machines, from a cart or off non-linear replay, the directing skills remain similar.

The single most important fact

Most television studios have thousands of tapes. Some have hundreds of thousands. If you lose a tape that is not properly labelled you could spend years looking for it.

VT clocks

If you are sitting in front of a bank of monitors directing a live programme you want to know beyond a shadow of doubt that the tape you are about to roll is the tight one.

The one simple proven method is to have a clock on the front of the tape saying what it is. The diagram opposite shows an example, with a title, and transmission date. There may be other information, including which edit suite was used to cut it – a useful reference if you find a technical problem with the tape.

Some places do not use clocks, but park the VT on the first frame. While it may be possible to identify the story from that frame, obviously there will be many occasions when you can’t, in which case the director has to rely completely on the VT operator. VT operators have been known to make mistakes when they are busy.

Instant starts

Most people are using instant starts (i.e. the moment you roll a tape you can cut to it). While this has made the director’s job easier, sequences now involve more tapes and complicated effects.

Pre-rolls

If you are working in a studio that does not have instant starts then you need to roll the tapes either 3 or 5 seconds before they go to air depending on the type of machine you are using, and the local standard. This is using a pre-roll.

Most people speak three words a second, although that does vary in some languages. Sf you are using a 5 second pre-roll, count 15 words back from the point you want the VT to appear. Mark this point clearly on your script, and when your presenter reaches it, roll the tape.

A typical VT clock

The clock title must match the story title on the script.

Always use black and white letters only – some colours which look very pretty (e.g. dark blue) are illegible on a black and white monitor.

Never use flashing text. Murphy’s Saw states the tape will always be lined up to where the flash was ‘off’, leaving the director with a blank clock.

Some information in a small font is acceptable – the edit suite and editor is a useful reference in case you find technical problems with the VT.

Different companies will require different information – e.g. some insist on the tape duration being displayed.