Media Technology — 1.3 Production (Age 15, Kenya)

Subtopic: Production — Practical notes, roles and steps to plan and run a media production (radio, TV, video). Simple studio diagram and activities for classroom or club use.

Specific Learning Outcomes

• (a) Identify and outline the sub‑sub‑strands:
  • Roles of personnel in production
  • Steps in media production
  • Basic studio set‑up for production
  • Acknowledgement of personnel roles
• (b) Outline the role of personnel in the production phase.
• (c) Explain the steps in the media production phase (pre‑production, production, post‑production).
• (d) Illustrate a basic studio setup for a production.
• (e) Acknowledge the role of personnel in media production (credits, thanks).

(a) Sub‑sub‑strands — quick outline

These are the small topics you will study:

• Roles of personnel: who does what on set or in studio.
• Steps in production: planning (pre), shooting (production), editing & distribution (post).
• Studio set‑up: cameras, lights, microphones, control room and safe working space.
• Acknowledgement: how to credit people and say thank you.

(b) Roles of personnel in the production phase (who does what on set)

During the production (shoot/record) phase, these are the common roles and short descriptions:

• Producer: overall in charge of the production; solves problems, keeps schedule and budget.
• Director: leads creative decisions on camera angles, actor performance and how scenes are shot.
• Camera operator / Cameraperson: frames shots and operates the camera(s).
• Sound recordist / Boom operator: records dialogue and ambient sound; places microphones.
• Lighting technician / Gaffer: sets up and adjusts lights for correct exposure and mood.
• Floor manager / Stage manager: organizes what happens on the studio floor, tells talent when to start.
• Production assistant (PA): helper who runs errands, holds reflectors, checks props and continuity.
• Script supervisor / Continuity: keeps track of shots, notes changes and maintains continuity.
• Presenter / Talent / Actors: read lines, perform, and follow director instructions.
• Editor (post): assembles shots into the final programme after production.
• Makeup / Costume / Set designer: prepare the look and setting before and during filming.

Classroom tip (Kenya):

For school media clubs, students can share these roles and rotate them each practice session so everyone learns multiple skills. Local radio and TV stations (e.g. school visits or community radio) often let students observe these roles in action.

(c) Steps in the media production phase (simple explanation)

Media production usually follows three main phases. Short description and classroom activity idea after each.

1. Pre‑production (plan):
   • Idea → script / storyboard → budget → schedule → cast & crew assignment → location scouting and permissions.
   • Class activity: write a 1‑minute script and create a two‑shot storyboard in groups.
2. Production (shoot / record):
   • Set up equipment, light, sound and camera; rehearsals; record takes; monitor quality and continuity; ensure safety.
   • Class activity: rehearse and shoot a short scene; rotate roles like director and camera operator.
3. Post‑production (edit & distribute):
   • Edit video/audio, add graphics, sound mix, colour correct; export and share (school assembly, YouTube, community radio).
   • Class activity: edit chosen take into a final 60–90s clip and add simple titles/credits.

(d) Basic studio set‑up — simple illustration

Below is a small visual map you can copy to set up a classroom or school studio. Use cheap or borrowed gear if needed.

Safety note: secure cables, use sandbags on stands, keep water away from electronics and follow electrical safety. In Kenya, check local school regulations and permissions before visiting public locations.

(e) Acknowledgement of personnel roles — credits & thanks

Always credit everyone who contributed. A simple credits list at the end of a video or in a programme note shows respect and allows future contacts.

How to acknowledge in speech

At the end of a live show or assembly: "We thank the producer, crew and everyone who helped behind the scenes — especially our teachers and the media club." Short, clear and sincere.

Suggested learning experiences (classroom / school media club)

• Role‑play: assign crew roles and produce a 1–2 minute news item. Rotate roles over several lessons.
• Practical workshop: set up a mini‑studio in a classroom; practise lighting and mic placements using smartphones as cameras.
• Field task: plan and film a short interview in the school compound, including pre‑production checklist and permissions.
• Reflection: write a one‑page acknowledgement thanking crew and listing problems solved during production.
• Community link: invite a local radio/TV technician to demonstrate studio set up or offer a virtual tour.

Quick checklist before production: script check ✓, equipment check ✓, safety check ✓, call‑sheet & roles ✓, credits planned ✓.