These are the jobs that Telecom students will fill during live football broadcasts and other remote productions.
Camera Operator
Camera work is the foundation of all video production. Each Camera Operator is responsible for setting up and striking their camera. Camera Operators cover the event "live" in communication with the Director. This is a demanding position requiring attention to detail and the ability to work quickly under pressure. Sideline/hand-held camera work requires intensive physical labor as well.
Utility
Position involves working closely alongside Camera Operators or other positions to help guide and aide them. The Utility Operator may also have to relieve crew members or perform vital tasks to help maintain the production. Crew responsibilities include helping to set up the cameras for productions and striking at the conclusion of the production.
ENG (Electronic News Gathering) Editor
The ENG Editor will be responsible for gathering B-roll video using a hand-held camera during the event. Position requires physical labor and may involve interacting with event attendees. Crew responsibilities include assisting with setup and strike.
CG Operator (Character Generator Operator/Graphics Operator)
Position requires training on the Inscriber Character Generator (CG). The CG Operator is responsible for updating all graphics prior to the production and for live Inscriber operation during the event. Crew responsibilities include assisting with setup and strike.
DDR (Digital Disk Recorder)/Instant Replay Operator
Requires training on Digital Disk Recorder for Instant Replay. In addition to controlling video playback and replays during games, the DDR Operator will be responsible for loading all video inserts prior to crew call. May require further duties (record/safety record and playback). Crew responsibilities include assisting in setup and strike.
Color Commentator/Announcer
This position requires on-air announcing of games working with adult play-by-play announcer(s). Crew responsibilities include assisting in setup and strike.
Reporter
Reporters will be responsible for information gathering, video recording and editing of stories, scores and standings relating to the other fall sports. This requires good information gathering skills. Reporters will write scripts where appropriate and perform either live or taped cut-ins for the broadcast. Reporters may also be responsible for doing a sideline interview during the game.
Floor Manager
Position helps manage the crew while on set or during a production. The Floor Manager is responsible for cueing the beginning of the production with the assistance of the Director or Producer. Different productions may add responsibilities to this position. Floor managers of football games ("red hats") cue the game referees to officially start the game at the direction of the Producer. Crew responsibilities include assisting with setup and strike, as well as communication with fellow crew members regarding the status of the production.
Audio Technician
The Audio Technician is responsible for operation of the audio console during production as well as checking all sources and assisting DDR Operator prior to production. Will also work closely with the engineer to perform vital production tasks. During the production, the audio technician must respond quickly and accurately to the director. Crew responsibilities include setup and strike of all microphones and audio components.
The below positions require more experience and generally are held by second-year Telecom students.
Technical Director ("TD")
The TD is responsible for live switching during the actual event. This is the physical operation of the board that selects from a number of video sources including cameras, tapes, and the CG. The TD will assist in developing standard transitions with the Director and helping the DDR Operator prior to the event. Crew responsibilities include assisting with setup and strike.
Assistant Engineer
The Assistant Engineer is a position assigned by the Producer that is trained to help with the technical work of the production. This position will work closely with the Audio Technician and DDR Operator, and will have a leading role in helping start and strike truck productions. This position may simultaneously hold other positions on the crew, including Livestream Technician, which is responsible for setting up and maintaining a YouTube livestream and reviewing analytics after production.
Crew Chief
The Crew Chief is a member of the crew who will work to guide the production and train new members of the crew. This is the "go-to" crew member for any production questions or concerns. They will work alongside the Producer and Director to ensure that the production goes smoothly. This position may handle numerous administrative functions including script writing and editing, as well as assisting with the DDR and proofing CGs. This position may simultaneously hold other positions on the crew.
Director
The Director will work alongside the Producer and will handle administrative functions including proofreading scripts, reviewing camera shots, and instructing the production crew. During the productions, the Director will coordinate talent efforts with the Producer and will work closely with the Technical Director to call camera shots. The Director must pay close attention to all aspects of the production and ensure that the production goes smoothly, and must communicate efficiently with the crew throughout the production.
Production Assistant / Assistant Producer (college intern preferred)
The Production Assistant will handle administrative functions including script writing, recording, and editing. During productions, the Production Assistant will coordinate talent efforts with the Producer and Director as well as handle all necessary "gopher" tasks. Production Assistants will also train new members of the crew. Ideally, this position will help produce and/or direct productions.