Television Production Technology

In this module you will study the technology, principles, techniques and workflow required to produce content for broadcast in a studio environment. You will gain valuable knowledge through experiencing a range of production roles within the broadcast studio environment to enhance your understanding of this career path. You will then put this theory in to practice, working to the correct health and safety regulations, in the production of your own live production.

Pre-production is the starting point for any live studio production. The ability to undertake meticulous project planning is essential if you are to create successful content. During this module you will learn about the different stages of broadcast studio project management such as risk assessment, kit specifications, crewing, budgeting, working with scripts and scheduling. You will then work in small groups to project manage the technical requirements of a broadcast studio production demonstrating a detailed understanding of the health and safety regulations that govern the television industry and in particular broadcast studio production.

Technological changes in television post-production have seen a shift from linear tape based editing to digital non-linear editing, this module will explore the advances in technology responsible for this shift in television post-production workflow. Furthermore you’ll also develop the skills required to operate industry-standard audio and video post-production software used to create, manipulate, and distribute content for television in both offline and online environments.

Throughout this module you’ll study the historical development of broadcast technology and assess the impact technological change has had on the industry. You’ll be given the opportunity to compare broadcast technologies past and present, in order to assess the impact technology has had and continues to have on the changes in television production, distribution and access.

The advent of digital technology has witnessed the emergence of multiple viewing platforms for audiences to access a range of content made for television. Content producers have used this to their advantage with the synchronisation of television programmes with second screen content to further enhance the audiences viewing experience. Within this module you’ll learn to prepare and distribute audio-visual content to audiences via multiple platforms adhering to the correct technical requirements. You’ll also need to develop more advanced skills in the areas of post-production such as grading, colour correction, audio dubbing and mixing. You’ll work with an industry partner or client to deliver an edit for multiple platforms working to the correct technical specifications.

This module focuses on developing academic research skills which will enable you to plan content for a documentary production. You’ll be expected to research appropriate markets to inform the development and production of your own documentary to be entered into a relevant and well justified documentary festival. Working under the guidance of an industry partner you’ll undertake the pre-production, of your own documentary, ensuring that the correct health and safety regulations are fully considered. You’ll be expected to make appropriate judgments in the planning of your production and demonstrate the ability to problem solve.

During this module you’ll be expected to apply the skills of both the journalist and the filmmaker in the production of your own documentary for television. You’ll need to adhere to the legal, ethical and regulatory frameworks that govern this area of television production whilst working with appropriate technologies to produce a documentary that meets broadcast standards and adheres to the codes and conventions of the genre. You’ll need to select appropriate technologies to use during the filming of the content for your documentary.

During this module you’ll undertake appropriate self-directed projects, working collaboratively on creative work, allowing you to directly apply the knowledge and skills learnt throughout the programme in the context of the workplace. This module aims to develop your overall professionalism and provide you with the knowledge and resources to begin a career in the creative industries.

The nature of creative industries is increasingly defined by freelance and self-employed models of work. Consequently, individuals seeking work in industry need to appreciate the pressures of working on multiple projects to strict deadlines and the subsequent demands this place on time and resources. Similarly, an understanding of professional practice and the legal and economic imperatives in industry is important, as is effective communication, self-efficacy and autonomy. This module aims to develop these skills and knowledge by challenging you to develop a range of self-directed projects.

This module introduces you to the broadcast systems that deliver programme content on location utilising outside broadcast technologies. This includes providing, operating and maintaining all the technical systems used on an outside broadcast, such as power systems, communications, satellite links and radio cameras. You’ll be taught about the different aspects of this complex technical live production environment and be given the opportunity to experience and work on outside broadcasts. This is a unique opportunity for you to gain the professional skills, knowledge and experience necessary to gain employment in an ever-expanding industry, where understanding of the latest developments in technology and delivery platforms is paramount.

This module introduces you to the broadcast technology workflows concerning global content creation and data exchange in relation the television industry. With the ever-increasing need to exchange vast amounts of content within and across boundaries there is the increasing emphasis on a set of common standards and specifications to ensure compatibility between broadcasters and independent producers. The module will teach you how to work with different types of data and deliver content to the correct technical specifications using industry-standard practice and processes. You’ll also be introduced to the concepts of a global production and post-production marketplace made possible by internet-led tools and services that is transforming the content creation process which in turn is creating new relationships between customers and suppliers.

This module provides you with the opportunity to undertake sustained investigation into a specific area of creative technology that builds on your previous knowledge, experience and skills acquired during levels 4 and 5. This module will allow you to explore critically a specific issue or area of personal interest within your chosen field allowing you to explore individual lines of enquiry connected to your career goals. You’ll achieve this by undertaking a self-initiated practical research project supported by tutor supervision.

As part of this investigation you’ll also enhance your abilities to communicate your findings with an audience and consolidate your skills in project management and self directed work, both of which are vital for a career within the creative media industries.

The module serves to acquaint you with the key skills and practices required to undertake and complete independent project research and to create practical creative media technology products as a response.