I spent four transformative years at WHIZ-TV, a station under Marquee Broadcasting, where I grew from a part-time Production Assistant to a full-time Assistant Newscast Director. My time there gave me invaluable experience in live production, directing, and studio management.
Part-Time Production Assistant
- Set up the studio, prepared graphics, and managed equipment for Newscasts.
- Served as Floor Director for three evening Newscasts (5pm-11:30pm, Wednesday-Sunday), ensuring seamless communication with news anchors and reporters.
Full-Time Assistant Newscast Director
- Promoted to full-time, taking on additional responsibilities for morning Newscasts (6am-12:30pm).
- Edited promotional commercials to highlight upcoming Newscasts.
- Rotated between three key roles during morning shows:
- Floor Director: Managed studio equipment and guided on-air talent.
- Assistant Newscast Director: Coordinated video packages and graphics, following signals from the Newscast Director.
- Newscast Director: Oversaw the entire production, giving signals to the team, managing the rundown script, and ensuring the show stayed on schedule.
Example of My Work: Directing a 12pm Newscast
One of the last shows I directed was the 12pm Newscast in October 2024. This show stood out because it featured a guest interview, showcasing many of the key responsibilities of a Newscast Director:
- Opening Sequence:
- Began with the weatherman previewing his upcoming forecast.
- Directed the opening video, followed by a transition to the anchor desk with a slow zoom from the Floor Director and a lower-third graphic introducing the anchor.
- News Stories:
- Directed smooth transitions between the anchor, video-only segments, and lower-third graphics summarizing the top two stories.
- Managed the setup for a video package on the upcoming election.
- Guest Interview:
- Oversaw a sit-down interview with representatives from Sterling Suites Senior Living.
- Coordinated lower-third graphics to introduce guests and display contact information.
- Kept track of timing, signaled the Floor Director to notify the interviewer about remaining time, and instructed the Master Control Operator to transition to a commercial break.
This 7-minute recording highlights the intricate coordination and split-second decisions required to ensure the show runs smoothly. It’s a testament to my ability to manage live productions and adapt to dynamic workflows.