The resurgence of LIVE TV
By Harry Kooperstein

Live television...it's seems to have been a lost art...with the exception of a few programs like "The Academy Awards," "The Emmy Awards," talk shows, parades, sports, etc.

Directors in, what I call, "the post production era" have been spoiled in as much as they are not having to worry about the possibility of making a mistake. "We can fix it in post" -- a great statement.

Well, guys try sitting in a control room or remote truck for a number of hours LIVE coordinating nine to twelve cameras, plus the extra added responsibility of rolling in prerecorded video inserts and the ability to listen to the audio while covering the video correctly.

Another unique skill is the art of covering a music production like a live symphony orchestra. This is one where the director must be in total control of his crew plus have an inherited knowledge of music. Having a camera on the wrong instrument or section can become a visual nightmare. You can't fix that in post. There is a small percentage of directors skilled in these formats.

On one occasion a director was recently approached by a cohort who complimented him on his 9 camera, two and a half hour production originating from the Hollywood Bowl. He then asked the director the all important question "how many ISOs were used?" After thanking his colleagues for "making his year," the director then informed him that the production was LIVE. That question had to be one of the most prestigious compliments I have ever received.

Live television production is an art. Skilled directors and technicians are available. The resurgence is on it's way...can't wait...no fixing in post needed!

About the Author
HARRY KOOPERSTEIN works for KCOP TV in Los Angeles, is an Emmy award winning Director and has been honored numerous times for his work in the station's annual production of "Live at the Hollywood Bowl." He is also returning for a 5th consecutive year as the Director of the upcoming 53rd annual Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on June 23rd, 2001.