I really enjoyed our class discussion on roles within a studio environment. I think previously I had probably hadn’t considered why there were so many roles in a large-scale production, and particularly studio environments. For example, previously, roles such as floor manager I definitely did not have an appreciation for what their role actually entailed, and how it connected the set to the control room.

In doing some of the tasks ourselves, I realised where some of these knowledge gaps lay, and performing those roles gave me a larger insight to the communication required. When we spoke about these roles in class, such as in the video we were shown of the half-time show at the Super Bowl, seeing the assistant director giving constant direction with clear communication, followed by our exercises of it on the Friday, I definitely began to consider the roles that needed consistent communication, and the roles that work closely in tandem. 

I think the obvious way to apply this to my own media making is to gain more experience in these roles. I’ve definitely tried to get as much variety in roles as possible to gain an appreciation for as many of the roles as I can. I am particularly looking forward to directing in this environment properly, as even though I have done that before, it will be a new experience for me to be able to do it in an environment where you may not be able to control every waking movement, but you can make your content more compelling by some of the choices you make, and how you break the formula of what has been done before you. With that being said, it’s important I learn the ins and outs of the roles and their rules, so I can be considered and deliberate in my choices for when I choose to deviate and break them.