PRE-PRODUCTION:Brain Storming, Scripting a new program, Approval

Introduction to Broadcasting MCM 411

LESSON 37

PRE-PRODUCTION

In broadcasting the production process comprises of three clear stages pre production,

production and post production.

Although the success of a program depends on an integrated outcome of all the three areas,

most people believe that it is the first stage which matters the most in determining the

program's success.

Here below we shall examine various aspects of pre production.

Brain Storming

Every time when it strikes to radio or TV producers to initiate a new program, it follows a

series of brain storming sessions. A new program may be a brain child of one person; it is

never possible to execute it without making the whole production team to understand the

entire idea with great clarity.

Scripting a new program

When an idea to launch a new program is matured, the author of the idea is supposed to write

one-liner in most comprehensive manner and in a fashion that other people should also

visualize the program in the same way never an easy task. And the author also needs to

mention details like the duration, purpose, and periodicity of the proposed program.

Approval

No program on radio or TV is possible for the purposes of broadcast unless it gets approval

from the higher authorities, usually a program committee comprising senior people which

scrutinize the new venture from all possible aspects before stamping its approval. The

committee may reject the idea, or may ask questions as to why this program is required and

who would be responsible for certain things in line with the policy of the broadcasting house.

Writing Script

Once approval to launch a program is granted by the authorities concerned, the program

manager of the particular station which wants to run the show, appoints a producer to handle

the new program. The first task of the producer is to get script for the program written by a

professional script writer.

The producer may arrange some sittings with the script writer to bring him home the concept

of the whole exercise so that the script focuses on points for which all this pain is being taken.

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