Program Brief –Medium Rare
Insights and discussion on media issues.
Format:A studio-based discussion with out-of-the studio segments to aid discussion.
Opening titles: Giving expression to the Medium Rare concept – revealing the fleshy slightly raw side of the media.
Set design:Warm,inviting,modern studio,not overly reliant on blue screen effects. It should have the sense of depth and be lit so that it is interesting to look at. Not pokey,something that suggests openness and professionalism.
Studio:A studio-based host introduces the program,sets the scene and announces the studio guests before throwing to a packaged introductory segment. He/she facilitates the discussion,throws to the inserts and the ad breaks as well as closing the show and back announcing the program.
Intro Segment: The opening packaged segment should set the scene on whatever topic is being discussed. It should be produced tightly and seek to raise questions rather than answer them. It should cover a topic lightly and broadly,rather than with great depth. It should hint at the moral dilemmas,canvas some of the history and involve a few voices and some archival material where appropriate. It should run to two to three minutes only.
Inserted material: Other “inserts” should be included to spark the discussion (think Insiders) This could be archival material or vox pops or other devices to help steer the discussion in new direction. These should be determined in the editorial development of the program.
Talent:Studio guest who have informed views on the topic in question. They should be disciplined in order to work within the time constraints and around the two inserted ad breaks.
Program example:‘The News of the World scandal and what it means for media regulation in Australia.’
Intro Segment:Recaps issue and updates on any developments
Studio discussion: Talent could include
Segments:Could include:Paul Keating on Lateline,the Murdochs at the Parliamentary Inquiry,snippets of news reports. Static shots of various newspaper stories etc etc.
Personnel:
Students:The students will work in program production teams for both Medium Rare and The Ivory Tower. The designated tasks for each team include:
1 x Segment production unit (three students) to oversee all the segments
1 x Host (could come from one of the segment production units)
1 x Associate Producer to ensure everyone is working to schedule.
1 x Technical Producer to liaise with staff to ensure the technical requirements for production and to co-ordinate the set design. Also has the job of acting as floor manager for the studio shoot.
3 x camera operators for the studio shoot
1 x titles,themes,continuity,credits and themes producer.
Staff:
1 x Supervising Producer to oversee the process on a weekly basis.
1 x Production Manager to oversee the studio based elements and to consult on editing issues.
1 x Executive Producer To set overall editorial direction and to liaise on scripts and studio hosts and to consult with the supervising producer and production manager to ensure the project is on deadline and within the brief.
The segment producers liaise with their featured expert to collaboratively produce the segment. They develop a script and shooting schedule. They discuss relevant locations,then shoot,edit and produce the segment – in consultation with the Supervising producer.
