Communication in the Studio Complex
The principal means of communication within the studio is by production talkback (page 148). This, as we have seen, is also made available to recording channels and programme contributors (e.g. telecines or outside broadcasts) outside the immediate studio area.
Signalling
Comprehensive though the talkback system may be, it can become, if used to excess, a distracting background babel that either creates confusion and slows down the pace of rehearsals or is disregarded as ‘intended for the other guy’. Directors can help matters by phrasing most questions so that they require only a straightforward ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. The cameraman can reply by rapidly tilting his camera up or down to answer ‘yes’ or panning right to left to answer ‘no’. Rapid zooming in and out, or waving the camera around, shows that the cameraman is trying to draw the director’s attention to his problem shot. Where there is a need to speak to the director he will do so over his reverse talkback circuit to the production control room desk. By the same token, telecine and videotape operators do not usually need to talk to the director. They have a button which operates a buzzer in the control room. One buzz in reply means ‘yes’ and two buzzes mean ‘no’.
Intercom
In addition to normal talkback it is useful to have a ‘keyed’ intercom to enable all the technical areas to communicate with each other on a one-to-one basis.
Lighting intercom
While in the studio adjusting lamps, the lighting director needs to retain communication with the rest of his team (vision staff, electricians). Telephones around the studio walls provide private wires to key points (lighting console, etc.), but unquestionably the most effective method is a small two-way radio transceiver. This can considerably reduce the time taken for establishing communication between studio floor and control room.
The cameraman can reply to talkback questions and convey simple messages by camera movement. He can shake the camera head for ‘NO’ (1), nod it for ‘YES’ (2). A circular movement (or zoom jerks) means ‘I HAVE A PROBLEM’ (3). Rapid in/out focusing shows that he cannot focus sharply on his subject(s) due to limited depth of field.
Floor manager’s signals
Signals from the floor manager can provide a range of silent cues and instructions to guide performers and audience. Typical gestures include: cue (4); wind up within previously agreed time (5); cut finish immediately (6); move downstage (7); move upstage (8); you are off camera—go to next position (9).