This summer, the National NDP Convention was held in Halifax. Being the shooter that weekend, I was fortunate enough to cover it. It was a two day extravaganza of everything NDP. It was certainly exciting and a valuable experience as a shooter.
I was working with Lane Farguson, one of the most knowledgeable and professional reporters I’ve met. He taught me how to shoot efficiently, handle scrums and, since he was always impeccably well dressed, that you should be appropriately dressed for every situation. One of the main stories we were looking for was the potential name change of the Party; they proposed dropping the New from the NDP. Unfortunately, the vote did not occur. Whether this is because time ran out or they simply decided not to vote, i am uncertain. Nevertheless, Lane knew exactly what he wanted and we strove on.
At an event of this magnitude, a multitude of clips and scrums are standard fare. There were no particular issues regarding the clips except there were several different types of light throughout the complex. However, with the use of the sun gun and frequent white balances, this inconvenience was overcome without difficulty. The scrums were held in a specially designed area, which was lit with a backdrop and audio mixer.
The highlight for me was the scrum with NDP leader Jack Layton. The room was full of other media outlets and I felt I was a part of a special and select group; I definitely gained confidence. I believe some of my shots ran nationally and Lane was pleased with the results. And although Lane has now moved on to another job and city, the lessons I learned that weekend will remain with me evermore.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Behind the Lens
For my initial blog, I feel I should briefly introduce myself; being a newcomer to the “blogosphere”, I am unsure of the customs and etiquette. I am an urban aboriginal television production student from Halifax, NS working part-time for a local TV station. Although it took me many years to realize it, I discovered that the television industry, specifically videography, is a great passion of mine. I’ve always been a storyteller, of sorts, but to create a story for TV; to shape it from beginning to end; striving for perfection in a dynamic and fast-paced environment is exciting and fulfilling.
After high school, some university and travelling, I still had no idea what I wanted to do for a living. When I found myself at an employment program faced with that very question to determine my summer placement, I said television. I don’t know what made me say it, but upon reflection, was one of those watershed moments that altered the course of my life from that moment on.
They were able to accommodate me in the form of a job placement at the local community TV station. Evidently impressing them with my work ethic and skills, they hired me for a 1 year paid intern. I gained valuable expertise and experience during my tenure. As the end of my internship neared, my boss strongly encouraged me to apply to the Radio & Television Arts program at the recently completed NSCC Waterfront campus.
Following a successful first year, I was placed at a local TV station for a required internship. I was again hired as a part-time employee and worked full-time hours all summer. Now that I’ve begun my second, and final, year at NSCC, I will work weekends, holidays, etc.
After reading several blogs about various subjects, such as politics, sports and entertainment, I realized there are experts and amateurs alike in the “blogosphere”. Yet, the one thing they all have in common was a passion for what they are talking about. So, I’ve decided, over the next several weeks and months, to chronicle my own passion – namely, videography. I will write about my experiences and adventures shooting stories for my local TV station, and maybe for my school assignments. There will be insight and humor; realism and idealism. And if anyone can gain any benefit from these tales, I will feel like I’ve done my job.
Sincerely,
James Robinson.
After high school, some university and travelling, I still had no idea what I wanted to do for a living. When I found myself at an employment program faced with that very question to determine my summer placement, I said television. I don’t know what made me say it, but upon reflection, was one of those watershed moments that altered the course of my life from that moment on.
They were able to accommodate me in the form of a job placement at the local community TV station. Evidently impressing them with my work ethic and skills, they hired me for a 1 year paid intern. I gained valuable expertise and experience during my tenure. As the end of my internship neared, my boss strongly encouraged me to apply to the Radio & Television Arts program at the recently completed NSCC Waterfront campus.
Following a successful first year, I was placed at a local TV station for a required internship. I was again hired as a part-time employee and worked full-time hours all summer. Now that I’ve begun my second, and final, year at NSCC, I will work weekends, holidays, etc.
After reading several blogs about various subjects, such as politics, sports and entertainment, I realized there are experts and amateurs alike in the “blogosphere”. Yet, the one thing they all have in common was a passion for what they are talking about. So, I’ve decided, over the next several weeks and months, to chronicle my own passion – namely, videography. I will write about my experiences and adventures shooting stories for my local TV station, and maybe for my school assignments. There will be insight and humor; realism and idealism. And if anyone can gain any benefit from these tales, I will feel like I’ve done my job.
Sincerely,
James Robinson.
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