I feel like I am really starting to find a rhythm in producing episodes for Mountaineer Playbook. Having this flow has paid off tremendously in our latest episode, allowing us to complete the show in just two tapings instead of the usual three. I have learned from previous episodes that strong communication is crucial for a successful production, and episode four really excelled because of it.
I was out of town in Arizona during the producer weekend, the time when I usually sit down with my professors and associate producer, Tyler Carlbon, to create the show and write the script. Before leaving, I met with Tyler to develop a game plan for writing the script together despite being three time zones apart. Working on the plane, holding Zoom meetings, and constantly texting back and forth with Tyler allowed us to create one of the best shows we have ever made. This experience taught me that proper organization and communication are the best ways to get work done, especially in complex situations.
Episode 4 was by far our most technically complex show, and I knew clear communication would be just as important for the recording. The first two stories were told by our anchors on set, which meant that for the first three minutes of the show, I could only communicate with them minimally through their earpieces. During the preproduction meeting at the studio, I went over the game plan with the main anchors, explaining what to expect and how to prepare. This preparation really helped us achieve a smooth beginning.
The rest of the preproduction went phenomenally. I think Tyler and I have really hit our stride in the minutes leading up to recording. From the moment we walked in the door, we immediately started preparing. I was initially concerned about how the production would go since the entire team had been out of the studio for an extra week due to spring break. Aidan and Maggie returned to their original roles in the control room, and I wasn’t sure how easily they would adjust back to their stations. With this in mind, Tyler and I developed a game plan for which sections we would rehearse before taping. I even did a practice run of calling out the credits at the end of the show to ensure everyone was comfortable with my cadence of the closing. I think these rehearsals are what led us to a successful taping and ending production day after just the second take.
Episode 4 has truly shown me the importance of practice and preparation, not just for myself but for all of my classmates. We even produced this episode with a visiting class observing us in the studio, and no one missed a beat. The anchors knew exactly what I expected from them, my director knew the show like the back of his hand, and everyone in the studio and control room was at the top of their game. With the final episode on the horizon, I am more determined than ever to maintain this momentum and finish strong.