Chapter 2 Working in the Television Production Industry
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cast: The collective
name given to all the
talent participating in a
production.
Production Note
There are exceptions to the “not seen by the camera” criteria for staff
and crew. At the opening or closing of many newscasts, for example,
there is often a long shot of the studio. The audience may see a shot that
includes the studio’s camera operators. Camera operators and
technicians are regularly seen on sports programs, such as
on the sidelines of a football fi eld. These types of production
personnel, who may be seen by the viewer, are not considered
talent—they are considered part of the production environment.
The talent hired for a production also includes the individuals who
provide only their vocal skills to the production. These positions include
the on-screen actors, cast of extras, the narrator, voiceover talent, and
announcers. Cast is the collective name given to all the talent participat-
ing in a production. It is important to remember that a program’s talent
includes more than actors and on-screen personalities.
Talk the Talk
When referring to multiple individuals hired as talent for
a production, the correct plural form of the term is “talent.” It
is incorrect and unprofessional to say “talents.”
Executive Producer
The executive producer (EP) provides the funding necessary to pro-
duce the program, but rarely steps foot on the set. There are times, how-
ever, when the EP is involved in every aspect of the production. The level
of involvement varies from production to production. A single production
may have several executive producers. The more expensive a program is
to produce, the more likely it is to have multiple EPs. In some cases, an EP
is merely an individual who invests a large sum of money in the program
and, in return, is given a credit at the beginning of the program and portion
of the profi ts generated by the sale of the program. The executive producer
essentially puts the money for the production in the bank, hires a producer,
and hands the bank account over to the producer.
Producer
The producer in a non-news environment purchases materials and services
needed to create a fi nished program. The producer hires a director, designers,
camera operators, a lighting director, sound engineer, and the talent. Materials
purchased for the production include, but are not limited to, set construction
items, costumes, and props. The producer also arranges travel plans, if neces-
sary, for the staff and talent, including transportation, lodging, and meal cater-
ing. Because of the many facets of a producer’s job, being successful requires
extreme attention to detail and strong organizational skills. The producer is
ultimately responsible for the program’s successful completion.
The amount of input a producer has on creative decisions varies.
Ideally, the producer hires a director with whom he works well. Together
executive producer
(EP): The person, or
people, who provides
the funding necessary
to produce the program.
producer: In a non-
news environment, the
producer purchases
materials and services in
the creation of a fi nished
program. In a broadcast
news facility, the producer
coordinates the content
and fl ow of a newscast.