Directing Television, Live to Tape: A Conversation with Kit Carson

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What is “live to tape,” and what are the benefits of television productions shooting live to tape?

Kit Carson: Live to tape is usually unscripted television that is capturing an event as it happens. The benefit of shooting this way is that is very cost effective because there is very little rehearsal (if any) and there are no re-takes unless there is a problem that can’t be fixed in post. In recent years, isolated camera recordings have been added so it is easier on post-production. Tape has been replaced by file-based recording now so there is no quality loss in editing or duplication.

Are there any downsides to filming live to tape? What’s an example of how to avoid certain challenges?

Kit Carson: There are downsides. There are usually no re-takes, so if a problem happens you need to cope with it as you are recording. Also, you are working within a pre-lit and staged area so very few changes can be made during recording.  Planning is the key, so you are prepared with a backup plan. In my case at The Peoples Court, the only direction the litigants receive is to walk to the Plaintiff or Defendant podiums. After that, I have no control over what they do or say or where they walk to, so we have to be prepared for the unexpected.

For new students learning about the film and television production worlds, can you describe what’s it like directing live-to-tape with crews, multiple cameras, video switcher crews, cast, scripts, and post-production?

Kit Carson: My strategy as a Director is that we all work together as a team and everyone has an important part to play. So as Director, it is my responsibility to coordinate all the technical aspects of the production. For a first-time director it may seem a daunting task, but it is important to step back, look at the overall picture, understand the Producer’s vision, and empower the technical team to make it happen. It is important that each department can communicate with each other, and I help facilitate that.

How has live-to-tape changed over the years, and what is one of the most important things you learned while working on set?

Kit Carson: When I first started directing, I was on a live 90-minute variety show with a live band, a staff of 4 singers, an audience of 200 and live commercials.  We were on 5 days a week and were syndicated to 26 markets. We had only 3 cameras and recorded to 2-inch videotape. If there was a mistake there was no way to fix it, you just had to get over it and move on. Through the years the technology has changed to make production more efficient and cost effective. For anyone working on a television set (or film set), especially in an entry level position, I would recommend getting to know all the positions on the production and what they do. Most people in this industry are happy to explain their work and how they got there.  So as an aspiring director you can learn how to operate a camera, lighting, audio, technical direction, production, set design, editing, syndication and distribution.

If you could share your Top 3 Tips for students and aspiring directors, what would they be?

Kit Carson:

#1. Don’t be afraid to try and don’t be afraid to talk to people. That is how you learn.

#2. For an aspiring filmmaker I suggest taking your phone or video camera and making a short subject video and editing it in your phone or camera as you go. You can have a basic script, even a storyboard if you like, but make it a goal to have a finished product when you are done shooting. This is a great exercise in seeing the big picture, pacing, composition and directing without having to use a large production team.

#3. Teamwork is the key. A good director finds good people, shares their vision with them and guides them in their work.

A Big, Special Thank you to Kit!

About Kit Carson, Television Director

Telecommunications University of Kentucky 1976.
First job WLWT-TV Multimedia Entertainment.  Entry level, Prop and Floor.
Floor Directing, setting and striking sets / props, teleprompter, grip/utility.
Local News, The Bob Braun Show, Public Service Shows, Reds / Bengals, Ohio State Fair.
Director.  1981 -1984 The Bob Braun Show WLWT-TV Multimedia Entertainment,
Live daily 90 minute, Syndicated.
Director.  1985 – 1987 KSTP-TV Twin Cities Live (talk show) Good Company (magazine show). 2 – 1 hour shows 5 days a week.  Satellite distribution in 1987 by Hubbard Broadcasting.
Director.  1987 – 1996 Multimedia Entertainment The Sally Jessy Raphael Show.
1 hour syndicated talk, 2-time Emmy Award winner.
Director.  1996 -1997 Multimedia Entertainment.  The Pat Bullard Show.  1 hour Syndicated.
Director.  1997 MTV.  Oddville, MTV.  66 – 30 min episodes for MTV’s 10 Spot.
Director.  1997 – 1998 Lifetime, Our Home.  60-minute talk, informational.
Director.  1998 – Present  Warner Bros./ Ralph Edwards Stu Billett Productions.
1 hour syndicated court reality.  4-time Emmy Award Winner.
International Television Production Consultant 1992 – 1997
London, Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Mumbai, Sao Paulo, Moscow

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