It’s been about a decade since I stepped into the Public Access studios. But, frankly, very little has changed. Of course, I guess the studio cameras and other equipment has been updated a time for two. But since I didn’t go into the studios, I’m not sure about that one. The employees at the front desk are always very nice and helpful. We forgot to sign in, but we did that as we were leaving.
We were coming to pick up some discs of previously played programs or they were going to discard them. Yes, of course, after putting all that work into the programs, we want them.
Unfortunately, when I asked if I could take any photographs for today’s blog, I was referred to another person who was not working today. So, no photos were taken at the studio for today’s blog. Sorry, Farmhouse Magic Blog Readers.
Waiting in the Conference Room
Unfortunately, the person we needed to talk to was out to lunch. Instead of going for coffee, we decided to wait in their conference room.
Yes, the conference room looked pretty much the same to me. It probably had the same furniture, too. I remember before each taping going into the conference room to go over the filming plans, plots or lines. Lines were usually ad-libbed.
Once we got into the studio, we went into the back room and set up the set. They had a variety of chairs, tables and other useful props. If we needed a certain prop, we would bring it with us. I was always a camera person, but I really, also, liked setting up the set. There were always three cameras filming during the program. Cameramen were required to take a training course, before they could touch the studio’s professional cameras.
I remember one episode was of friends making a dish in the studio’s set kitchen. I think they filmed some cooking shows at the studio. Boy, they really made a mess. I, believe, it started with adding water and eggs to a cake mix. In the end, we tossed the mess out. No, it did not go into their oven. Note: Eggs were cheap at that time.
One of the lines in that episode was, “You guys are my best friends–best friends that I just met”.
In another episode I got to play an antique expert because we were an actor short. Yes, break a leg and all that bit but the show must go on, right? That was my big break into television but I’m still waiting for some big-time director to give me a call about my obvious talents.
Ending Notes on Public Access
I actually learned a lot of filming and what it takes to film/produce/direct a television show.
The director of the show was only 17 at that time. He took and passed the five training classes to become a producer. Plus, he put in the required volunteer hours working on other shows. He knew how to direct the actors, work the cameras and also the studio control booth, teleprompter, etc. When the filming was complete, then he took the tape home, added music, and edited the episode. Then he would return the disc, and they would play it on their television station. It took a lot of technical knowledge, imagination and lots of coordination with others.
At that time, I believe he was the only teenager currently producing a television show at Public Access.
As things go, people move on, but I’ll always fondly remember my time as a television camera operator at Public Access.
Actually, it was exciting to help out and learn what it takes to work on a real television show.
Once Again, Lights — Cameras — Action!