Overview

This standard involves timing the production and liaising with network control and presentation.

It is about calculating the duration of each sequence, and of the whole programme, counting in and out pre-recorded sequences, monitoring timings, identifying any over- or under-runs, re-calculating timings when there are changes, and liaising closely with network control.

This standard is primarily for Script Supervisors working in Sports, Music, News, Light Entertainment or Outside Broadcast Event productions.

 

Performance Criteria 

You must be able to:

  1. identify programme content that needs to be reported and advise network control
  2. calculate the duration of each sequence and the running time of programmes, monitoring them throughout the whole programme
  3. check and confirm that bar counting specialists are available when needed
  4. count to fixed points within programmes with accuracy
  5. count pre-recorded inserts in and out with accuracy
  6. give standby warnings to video operators, cueing them when required
  7. notify appropriate people of discrepancies between actual duration of sequences and estimated or rehearsal timings
  8. calculate and report alterations to timings caused by changes to programme content and running order to the production team
  9. calculate and report time required to meet overall programme length to relevant people when programmes includes items of flexible length
  10. use methods of timing which are reliable and relevant to the nature of the production
  11. confirm the exact on and off times, and programme running times
  12. obtain details of visual or audio links
  13. advise the production team about the timing and duration of any planned programme breaks, and any restrictions on their positioning to the production team
  14. relay programme opening and closing visual or audio links to network control or presentation
  15. report information about programme over-runs or under-runs to network control or presentation

 

Knowledge and understanding

You need to know and understand:  

  1. the type of content that needs to be reported to network control
  2. how to calculate timings and variations in timings
  3. how to count to fixed points
  4. when bar counting is needed
  5. how to communicate with the production team and the technical team, and with performers and contributors
  6. different timing methods and how to use them
  7. what counting procedures to use
  8. how changes to programme content and running order can require alterations to timings
  9. the technical terms to use
  10. how to deal with different types of programme content
  11. when to report content to network control or the duty officer
  12. how to deal with over-runs and under-runs
  13. liaison procedures and how to use them