Boothing is a word I did not know existed until a year ago, but it is now a concept that is important to me. Boothing is the work that a producer does to coach up the actors while they are on set through their IFB. It is about making sure the show comes together via the on-air talent. I have been told that I am a natural when it comes to boothing, but this show was my first real challenge.
We had a lot of technical difficulties. Dakota Swiger, one of our reporters on set, could not hear me at all through her IFB, and James and Terrell, our legislative and sports anchor, were not fully able to hear me either. The stage managers could not hear me either, so I felt I was going into it blindly. Yes, it was annoying that I could not cue in the anchors, but it was more about the fact that I couldn’t communicate with them the things I needed them to change or emphasize. For example, Dakota and I spoke before the show about how she needed to project more so her voice came across as more energetic on camera, but she needed more reminding, and I couldn’t give her that or be encouraging to her. It just really got in my head, but I knew the show would still have to continue so after her segment I focused on the main anchors because I knew they could hear me. The first take was fine by the end of it, but the next two takes were better.
One thing that really saved me during all the technical hecticness was that my script was thoroughly marked up. I met with Dean Dahlia before the last show, and she showed me how a producer should mark up their show script to make their lives easier on show day. Originally, I did not fully understand why being that thorough was necessary, but then after Wednesday, I was so glad I listened to her. I spent about an hour going through every cue and comment I knew I would give the anchors. I then went back and added more notes after anchor rehearsal on Tuesday because I knew the exact areas where the anchors would need extra coaching. Being able to have the notes ready ahead of time gave me more opportunity to watch the show, deal with technical issues and add even more notes to share with the on-air talent in between takes.
Between take one and two, the IFB situation was fixed, and I took about 30 seconds to go into the green room and just breathe. I reminded myself that even with all the issues we were facing, I am so lucky to have this opportunity as a junior to build my career experience. I think giving myself that short time alone helped me reset. The second two takes were both great and I was happy with our final product.