Studio A Level 1 Training

Introduction

Studio A in the Media Center of Wallis Annenberg Hall is a cutting-edge hub to experiment, create and innovate. This training outline shows you how to operate the video and audio equipment in Studio A.

LEVEL 1 OPTIONS
  • One or two people on the set
  • One wide shot, two single shots and displaying your laptop
  • The Forum as the background

Top ↑

LEVEL 1 DIY (Do It Yourself)
  • You can live stream/record a production such as an interview, news bulletin or podcast.
  • During production you will be able to switch between the three cameras and your laptop.

Top ↑

GROUND RULES
  • NO food/drinks (other than sealed water bottles) are allowed in Studio A.
  • Never rotate the set yourself. You could hurt yourself or damage wires under the platform.

Top ↑

TRICASTER OVERVIEW

The TriCaster Interface is the main control panel. You will see it in two places: on the in-desk monitor and on the large left monitor. It has three sections: top, middle and bottom.

Main Audio Light

Top ↑

TOP SECTION
  • The top right of this section shows the RECORD and STREAMING controls.
  • The left side shows the three camera images and the AUX4 image.
  • The larger images on the right are PROGRAM AND PREVIEW.
    • PROGRAM shows what is being recorded or streaming.
    • PREVIEW shows an image that is ready to transition to PROGRAM.

Top ↑

MIDDLE SECTION
  • The left side buttons allow you to select the PROGRAM and PREVIEW images.
  • The right side is for selecting transitions.

Top ↑

BOTTOM SECTION
  • This section has multiple tabs. You will use a few of these tabs at different times.
  • DDR 1 is for viewing a copy of what you recorded.
  • PTZ is for positioning the cameras.
  • AUDIO MIXER is for setting the audio levels for recording (currently shown).

Top ↑

GETTING STARTED

SET UP YOUR LIGHTING

  • On the lighting board next to the door, pull up the Forum slider located on the left side.
  • Generally, 50% of light is sufficient depending on the time of day.
  • If the slider does not respond, make sure the Blackout Button on the right side of the lighting board is not lit.

lighting small

REDUCE THE REFLECTION

  • Look at the large right PROGRAM monitor.
  • See if there is a reflection on the interior Forum window that appears behind you in the shot.
  • If so, pull down the shades on the outside-facing windows in front of you to reduce that reflection.

SET UP YOUR MICROPHONES

  • Locate the 2 wired microphones connected to the sides of the desk.

mics (2)small

  • Clip a microphone on the center of your shirt or on your shirt lapel.
  • Position the mic to face the direction in which you will be talking most of the time.
  • If you are talking to a co-anchor/guest on the set, place the mic on the side closest to that person. (Make sure your hair or jewelry does not cover the mic.)
  • The microphone works best when it is clipped 6-inches below your chin

Top ↑

ADJUST YOUR MICROPHONE LEVELS
  • Click the AUDIO MIXER tab in the bottom of the TriCaster Interface. It will turn green.
  • Have each person wearing a microphone speak at the level he/she will be talking during your show.
  • Use the mouse to adjust the Left Mic (Audio 1A) and Right Mic (Audio 1B) by clicking and dragging the sliders up or down.
  • The peak height of the colored bar should be adjusted to the optimum level shown in the photo below.
  • The two microphones MUST be consistently at the same color level.
  • Keep the levels out of the low (blue) or high (red) zones.

Clos up audio lightNEW

 

SET UP YOUR LAPTOP

You can use your laptop or any other device with an HDMI output to add graphics, videos and Skype interviews to your program. (Check your sleep settings so you laptop doesn’t shut down during your show.)

  • Plug your device into the HDMI cable located on the left side of the anchor desk.
  • Plug the mini headphone cord into the laptop’s headphone jack (this is necessary for sound or Skype).

HDMI

  • Your laptop screen should pop up in AUX 4 on the TriCaster Interface.
  • Under the AUDIO MIXER tab in the bottom of the TriCaster Interface, adjust your audio levels (Audio 2B) the same way you did for your microphones.

laptop audio lightNEW

Top ↑

FRAME YOUR CAMERA SHOTS
  • Click the PTZ tab in the bottom section of the TriCaster Interface. It will turn orange.
  • In the lower left corner of the bottom section, select CAMERA 1.
  • Just above that, there are up to 8 preset camera positions. Click a thumbnail to select a preset. The camera will slowly move to the preset shot. Be patient.Cam Positions Light
  • CAMERA 1 is a single shot for the person on the left. From the presets, choose the best shot for this person. (Line up your belly button with the mark on the desk.)
  • In the lower left corner of the bottom section, select CAMERA 2
  • CAMERA 2 is the center wide shot. From the presets, choose the best shot for this camera.
  • Repeat these steps for CAMERA 3, which is a single shot for the person on the right.

cam shots

SWITCH SHOTS IN YOUR PROGRAM

During your program, you can switch between the three cameras and the laptop using the keyboard stick or keyboard.

  • Push Cam1, Cam2, Cam3, or Aux4 on the stick to switch cameras in your PROGRAM feed.

To add a FADE, transition back and forth between your cameras and laptop.

  • Push the Prev4 to put AUX4 (laptop) in the PREVIEW window.
  • Push FADE on the stick to fade from PREVIEW to PROGRAM.

Practice TAKING cameras and using FADE to fade back and forth to the laptop. This is a good technique to practice so you don’t have to look down during your show.

keyboard-xkeys

You may also use the standard keyboard by using the corresponding keys.

RECORDING YOUR PROGRAM

MAKE A TEST RECORDING

ALWAYS do a test recording (30-60 seconds) to make sure the equipment is working correctly and you are recording both audio and video.

  • Click RECORD on the right top side of the TriCaster Interface. If it is RED and the timer has started, you are recording.

MAIN_RECon

  • Talk to make sure your mics levels are being recorded.
  • Switch between camera shots to see all the camera angles.
  • After 30-60 seconds, click on RECORD to stop recording.

Top ↑

VIEW YOUR TEST RECORDING
  • Click the DDR 1 button or the middle of the stick control in the middle section of the TriCaster Interface in the PROGRAM row.
  • Click the DDR 1 tab in the bottom section of the TriCaster Interface. It will turn blue.
  • Under the DDR 1 tab, look through the thumbnails and select your test recording.
  • Press play to see and hear your recording in the PROGRAM monitor.
    • If the audio sounds too low or distorted, go back to check your audio levels.

DDR1 light

VOLUME KNOB

Volume

During playback you can adjust the audio volume. It is best to have the volume lower when recording to avoid an echo or hollow sound on the recording.

RECORD YOUR ACTUAL PROGRAM

  • In each production, the host’s welcome AND goodbye must contain the following: “from Studio A in the USC Annenberg School.” This is important for consistency and branding.
  • Start your final recording by clicking on the RECORD button on the right side of the top row of the TriCaster Interface. Make sure it turns RED and starts the timer.
  • After you are done with your program, click the RECORD button again to stop the recording and the timer.
  • The timer will display the total length of your recording.

Top ↑

STREAMING YOUR PROGRAM

Top ↑

ACTIVATE LIVE STREAMING TO THE WEB

Click STREAM on the right side of the top section of the TriCaster Interface.

  • If it is BLUE, you are streaming live.
  • You may want to turn OFF live streaming while you prepare for your show. Anyone logged onto the website will be able to see and hear you primping and preparing.

NOT  Streaming or RecordingOFF

Streaming and RecordingON

 

Top ↑

TO SEE THE LIVE STREAM ON THE WEB

Give your viewers this URL:  http://annenbergprograms.com/eventplayer/studioa.html

Screen Shot 2016-01-12 at 4.31.28 PM

Top ↑

RETRIEVING YOUR RECORDED VIDEO FILE

After you stop recording, the TriCaster sends a copy of your file to the DDR 1 tab and to the drop bin called Studio A in Annenberg’s Media Asset Management (MAM) system called Xchange.

  • You can view your recording immediately the same way you did your test recording in the DDR 1 tab.
  • However, to retrieve a copy you must download it from Xchange on a Google Chrome web browser to your own computer or hard drive. (Files may take up to an hour to appear in Xchange).
  • Important: Keep in mind that Xchange is NOT meant to be a backup system and all your files should be saved on your own external hard drive.
  • Files will remain in the Studio A bin for one year unless you request it be deleted sooner by a Media Technology Supervisor in the Media Center.

Top ↑

CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT
  • As an Annenberg student currently enrolled in a class, you should automatically have an account. You will need to log in and change your password.
  • Please visit http://www.annenbergdl.org/tutorials/xchange/student/ to take the tutorial.
  • Annenberg faculty or staff will need to have an account created for them 2 to 3 business days after completing this training.
  • You will receive an email with the first log in instructions.

Top ↑

DOWNLOAD YOUR FILE
  • Go to mcweb.usc.edu and log in to your Xchange account.
  • After you log in, select the Studio A bin under Smartbins on the left side of the screen.
  • Select your file so that it appears in the viewing window.
  • Click on the Download Media icon in the right-hand section of the screen.
  • Under Quality select Xchange Original. 
  • Under Location select Local Storage.
  • Under Download click on Media.
  • Your download should start automatically to your downloads folder.

Xchange

Top ↑

CREATING SUBCLIPS

A Subclip allows you to make new clips from existing media.

1) Choose an uploaded video or audio clip you want to create a subclip for.  In the Media Information sidebar, click on Annotate and then choose Subclip.

Xchange-Annotate

2) Using the buttons below the media player or the keyboard shortcuts, you can mark the ins and outs for your subclip.

Xchange-Subclip

[ marks the “beginning” of your subclip or press “i” on your keyboard

] marks the “end” of your subclip or press “o” on your keyboard

Your subclip will appear in a different shape of blue on the timeline as shown below.

Xchange-ShowSubclip

3) Once you’ve marked the in and out of your clip, then click the “S” button or press the “s” on your keyboard to create your subclip. A new dialog box will prompt you to give the Subclip a name.  Once you’ve typed in a name, click on Create.

Screen Shot 2015-08-11 at 11.38.25 AM

4) You will now see this clip appear under the Subclips tab next to the media player, which also notes the in and out time of the subclip.

Screen Shot 2015-08-11 at 11.39.36 AM

5) When you hover over the Subclip, you will see a drop-down arrow. Click on this to see the description. You’ll also be able to start a comment thread on the clip to create a discussion with other classmates or your professor.

Screen Shot 2015-08-11 at 11.39.50 AM

6) To download a subclip that you’ve created, click on the download icon, choose a quality and then click Download.

 

Screen Shot 2015-08-11 at 11.55.53 AM

Top ↑

IMPORTANT TIPS

Top ↑

REHEARSE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
  • Practice clicking back and forth between the cameras using the keyboard so you can avoid looking down while you are on camera.

TO SHOW A VIDEO OR GRAPHIC

  • Cue up the first frame of your video or graphic on your laptop.
  • Hit AUTO FADE to put the video or graphic into PROGRAM.
  • Immediately hit play on your laptop to get your video rolling.

TO CONDUCT A SKYPE INTERVIEW

  • Prepare:
    • Frame the interviewee properly ahead of time.
    • Check the audio levels in the AUDIO MIXER tab while the interviewee is talking.
    • Rehearse one question and answer while switching between camera shots and AUX4.
    • Make sure everyone on the set understands they must look INTO THE CAMERA and not down at the interviewee on the large PROGRAM screen.
  • Produce:
    • Hit AUTO FADE during the actual production to show the interviewee in PROGRAM as you introduce him/her.
    • Ask a question to prompt her/him to talk.
    • Cut back to a single shot to show whichever person on the set is asking the next question.
    • Cut back to AUX4 to show your interviewee answering the question.
    • Mute your computer when hanging up to avoid the Skype “log off sound” in your program.

Top ↑

FINAL STEPS

REPLACE SETTINGS

  • Thank you for being considerate. Please make sure you take the time to leave the settings in the correct positions for the next user.

STANDARDS POLICY

  • Students must sign the STUDIO A  POLICY and the MEDIA CENTER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY POLICY.
  • For consistency and branding in each production, the host’s welcome AND goodbye must contain the following:

from Studio A in the USC Annenberg School

HOW TO RESERVE STUDIO A

  • After completing the Studio A Workshop, an EMS account will automatically be created for you to gain access to reserve Studio A.
  • Log on to http://uscschedule.usc.edu at least 2 days before your desired reservation day.
  • Log in using your USC login and password.
  • You will receive a confirmation email. Report to Studio A during your scheduled reservation time.

SUPPORT

  • Media Technology Supervisors will be on hand during specific time periods to provide support for technical emergencies only.
  • You can find Media Technology Supervisors throughout the Media Center central open area or in the Media Center Tech Office (ANN 102J).
  • Generally, supervisors are in the Media Center Monday-Thursday, 9:00a.m. – 8:00p.m., and Friday 10:00a.m. – 6:00p.m.
  • Call (213) 740-5297 in an emergency, if no one is available on the floor.

Studio A training developed by Chuck Boyles, Serena Cha, James Vasquez, Cerise Carleo, and Kristie Kao.

1-EMS login

2-select Studio A

3-date and time

4-click

5-check and click

6-names

7-information

8-submitted

Top ↑

STUDIO A POLICY

Studio A in the Media Center is, by its location, high visibility and recognizable nature, closely identified with the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.

All programs and materials produced in Studio A will reflect on Annenberg and USC, whether acknowledged in visuals, scripts or ad-libbed segments. Students producing content in Studio A must maintain high standards of conduct and taste. They must adhere to the USC Code of Ethics http://policy.usc.edu/ethics/ Students must avoid any practice or elements, such as racism, nudity or obscenities, that violate the code of ethics and/or create a problem or embarrassment for themselves and the school.

Students should also not use content, such as visuals and music, for Studio A production, without first obtaining permission from appropriate sources. Students must provide proper attribution during the shows. Students should strive to use original video they have shot and original graphics they have made.

For consistency and branding in each production, the host’s welcome AND goodbye must contain the following:

“from Studio A in the USC Annenberg School”

USC Annenberg reserves the right to rescind access to Studio A if there are problems.

I acknowledge and understand the policy described above.

Student Name:__________________________________  Signature:_______________________________________

Date:____________________________________________

Major(s):________________________________________  Minor:____________________________________________

Graduation month and year:________________________

USC email address:____________________________

Cell phone: _______________________________

Top ↑

USC Media Center Intellectual Property Policy

The following policy applies to media materials, including stories, produced for, by, in or on behalf of the Media Center (MC) at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.

In general, under the USC Intellectual Property policy, intellectual property rights in any work produced at USC that uses substantial USC resources is owned by USC. Please note the USC policy at the following link: https://policy.usc.edu/files/2014/02/intellectual_property.pdf

The USC Media Center provides students with substantial resources well beyond those typically used for classroom use or required for typical courses. Accordingly, intellectual property rights to materials created by students in connection with Media Center projects are owned by USC. By signing below, you understand and agree that under the USC Intellectual Property Policy, USC owns and you hereby assign intellectual property rights to USC in any such materials.

Materials you produce that are subject to USC’s ownership may be used by you for personal use only as part of your portfolio, but the material cannot be sold or otherwise commercially exploited without prior written permission and may not be distributed or published without our prior consent.

Requests for distribution by outside entities

It is our goal to have our students create professional quality, publishable work. As USC students working on Media Center projects, our students routinely obtain access and permission to shoot video, audio, still photos and interviews. This permission, however, is typically not granted to students for commercial use or any other use outside of USC-affiliated distribution channels.

Given the legal, commercial, ethical and other complexities of multi-media production, we require that our students consult and obtain prior written approval from a Media Center faculty director before sharing any raw or finished materials with entities outside of USC-affiliated distribution channels. This consultation, however, is not needed for homework material that a course instructor requires students to post on non-USC and non-commercial distribution channels and that is not otherwise used in connection with USC distribution channels.

Top ↑

Sports Coverage

USC Annenberg students are often granted special access to USC sports activities. Whenever USC grants you permission as a Media Center student to record USC sporting activities (for example, athletic events, practices or team meetings), any material you obtain, film or record in covering such activities can be used only for USC Annenberg student media publications and cannot be used by you or shared with or distributed to any outside entities unless prior written permission is given by a Media Center faculty director.

Top ↑

Representing Annenberg Media

When obtaining audio, video, images and interviews, you must let organizations and individuals know you are representing the USC Media Center. You must let them know the information and materials you are obtaining from and about them may be distributed by the USC Media Center (across all platforms).

For long-form stories, such as news magazine and documentary, you may be required to obtain written permission from interviewees.

Top ↑

Requests for dubs

The USC Media Center does not provide dubs of stories or raw materials. Please provide organizations and individuals with links to your stories on USC Media Center and USC Annenberg School websites and social media only.

Top ↑

Personal use of materials

You may add links (only) to USC Media Center materials and stories that you have produced to your personal websites, portfolios, resume reels, and exhibition or awards entries.

I acknowledge and understand the policy described above.

Student Name: ________________________________

Signature: _____________________________________

Date: __________________________________________

 

 

 

 

WELCOME TO STUDIO A

PRINT WITH “MINIMUM” MARGINS FOR BEST RESULT.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.