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New TD

4 replies [Last post]
Mon, 11/13/2006 - 10:45
srsmedia
User offline. Last seen 15 years 4 weeks ago. Offline
Joined: 13 Nov 2006

I'll keep this short as possible, but I need to set things up first.... but I'm looking for advice.

I am newer to the freelance world. I've always been a good cameraman and that is where I do the majority of my work. However, TDing has always been that one thing I've wanted to learn and do. In "my old life" in the corporate world, I TD several studio shows and sporting events for my companies statewide channel. TDing was easy there, because I knew the show and we (the other TD) were the only people who knew the switcher. So we were able to develop our shows based on our knowledge and experience with the switchers.

Recently, I was asked to TD an event in Ohio using a Grass Valley switcher. I went into this agreement thinking I was in way over my head due to my perceived lack of TDing confidence. However, I did great job and knocked out the show with no problems that I was the result of. In fact, we had a complete power outage during the show and I was able to restart and reset the switcher in a very timely fashion. I was on top of the world at that moment.

I know that I have so much learn about TDing. However, I know enough to get me started. My goal is to find work to gain the experience without creating a bad reputation for myself because I messed up a show. So here are my questions.

1. How do I effectively portray to directors my current abilities without sounding like I have no clue?

2. If I begin actively searching for TD jobs, what should I be looking for to know if I?m qualified to TD the event?
? For example, if somebody tells me that they want me to TD a 4-camera show with 2 or 3 M/E?s, then I would think I could do it. But if I show up and I have to set the switcher and use Macro?s and Timelines to accomplish my goal, then I would probably feel a little lost.
3. Is it OK to ask for Help while on a job?
? I have a bad habit of figuring things out myself when it comes to my work. 99% of the time I figure things out myself and do fine. For example, the first time I ran Tight Game for Hockey!
4. Finally, what indicators should I look for to know when I?ve become a competent TD?
? For example, do I have to know the Kalypso inside and out before I can claim myself as a TD? Or should I simply know the basic concepts and working knowledge of the TD profession?

TDing is definitely my next planned career path. I thougouly enjoy doing the work and want to do what ever it takes to become a great TD. My questions may or may not make since. However, the point of me writing is to hopefully get some unsolicited advice from you experienced TD?s out there.

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Tue, 11/14/2006 - 19:44
#1
srsmedia
User offline. Last seen 15 years 4 weeks ago. Offline
Joined: 13 Nov 2006
Hopefully I'll continue getting the small jobs and that those jobs will turn into something big. By the way, I took the advice from another post on this forum. The advice said call your crewer and see if they would be willing to train. So I called one of my favorite crewers. They have several trucks which all use the Kalypso. She informed me that she will try to get me up there to train sometime in Janurary when things slow down for them. I tell people "all I need is the chance and I'll take it from there". I'll continue working hard and will be reading all of your guys' advice....I'll keep you posted through the years how things go for me. By the way, thanks for the replies. Troy
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Tue, 11/14/2006 - 19:09
#2
brad fisher
User offline. Last seen 15 years 4 weeks ago. Offline
Joined: 20 Aug 2005
My "magic spell" is to try to give people a break if I think they have potential and the progam is within their capabilities. This gives "experience" which can influence others to employ them (giving more experience). It's often hard to do, since so many jobs [i]are[/i] complex, but I try to take a "bigger picture" view and look ahead to the time when I might need just one more freelance TD in the pool.
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Tue, 11/14/2006 - 09:42
#3
srsmedia
User offline. Last seen 15 years 4 weeks ago. Offline
Joined: 13 Nov 2006
Brad you threw me exactly what I was looking for... Thanks. You also nailed it with the statment "no experience so no work + no work so no experience". I've learned that this is a funny and very tough business regardless if you shooting, shading or switching. So if you have the magic spell to break that cycle of death please share. :) I'll keep learning but you guys keep throwing advice out there. Us "new guys" will be soaking in what ever you put on our plates.
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Tue, 11/14/2006 - 03:30
#4
brad fisher
User offline. Last seen 15 years 4 weeks ago. Offline
Joined: 20 Aug 2005
I sometimes need to hire TDs, sometimes for complex jobs and sometimes for simple ones. If it's complex, I'd want to be certain I was hiring someone who wouldn't make mistakes. If it's a simple job, I'm more likely to give someone a go who lacks experience but could convince me of their enthusiasm and intelligence. Either way, I don't want someone who misrepresents the level of their experience. You're in that perennial problem zone: no experience so no work + no work so no experience. 1) Don't [i]"not[/i] have a clue" - learn what you can, and learn what it is that you actually know. 2) Find out what equipment they have: If you've used it before, you'll know some of the questions to ask. If you haven't, tell them you haven't used it and ask if they think that's a problem. Find out how many "outputs" you'll need (main, monitor feeds, switched ISOs). Find out what auxiliary equipment you'll have: DVEs, Stills, Disk Recorders, CGs, PCs, Telestrators, etc. This can give an idea of how involved the program is. Ask if the show is already set up on a disk or in a memory (if it's not a one-off). This can produce a response that "it doesn't need to be", which will suggest it's not complicated. If there are memories, try to work out what they're doing, in order to broaden your skill when it comes to Macros and Timelines. Read up on Macros and Timelines for the equipment you expect to be using, and play with them at the first opportunity, even when you don't need them on this particular show. If possible, arrive early to get some extra play time. If possible, save memories or effects to disk or nerdstick or something, as it may come in handy later (or even during the show, if there's a power failure!) 3) I'm reluctant to ask for help about the operation of the switcher, but have no problems asking about things external to the switcher, or about switcher configuration. For example, "which VTRs will provide certain replays", or "is there a standard setup file for this kind of show". If there's a fault or problem, talk to the EIC or equivalent. Have a good rapport with the director. 4) You're competent when the compliments you get to your face are the same as the comments made about you behind your back. Unfortunately, you don't hear both of them unless you have a mole on the inside. Even "competent" TDs don't always know their equipment inside and out, but they often know where to look for the answers. And having a logical though process for tracing problems is a big help. Don't neglect the basic concepts ... they're the same on all switchers. The variable is how you go about achieving the end result. Best of luck! brad
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