TV Production Secrets: A Visual Storytelling Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 18 July 2023 6 min read

Ever wondered about the magic that happens behind the scenes of your favorite TV show? You're about to discover the art of visual storytelling and the intricacies of TV production, which, believe it or not, is as exciting as the show itself! Let's unravel the secrets together.

TV Production Basics

Before we delve into the specifics, let's start with the basics. This will give you a solid foundation in understanding the magic of TV production and the art of visual storytelling. We'll cover what visual storytelling is, how to configure cameras, set up lighting, and why sound design matters. Ready? Let's go!

What is Visual Storytelling?

Visual storytelling is an art form that uses images, videos, infographics, and other visual aids to convey a narrative. This is the secret sauce in TV production. When you watch a gripping scene from your favorite show—say, a dramatic sunset behind the protagonist—that's visual storytelling at work. It's not just about what you see, but how it makes you feel. This is why the best directors are visual storytellers: they know how to use visuals to evoke emotions and tell a compelling story.

How to Configure Cameras

Cameras are the eyes of a TV production, capturing every detail for the audience to see. Configuring cameras is more than just setting the focus and pressing record. It involves setting the right aperture to control the depth of field, balancing the ISO to manage the light sensitivity, and adjusting the shutter speed for motion blur. The right camera configuration can make a sunny day feel gloomy or a mundane room look mystical—another testament to the magic of visual storytelling.

How to Set Up Lighting

Lighting is like the mood ring of TV production. It sets the tone of a scene and guides the viewer's focus. A spotlight on a character, for instance, can bring attention to their emotions, while a dark shadow can build suspense. Setting up lighting involves understanding the direction, intensity, and color of light. It's a delicate balance that can dramatize a scene, highlight important details, and create depth in the shots.

Why Sound Design Matters

Sound design is the unsung hero of TV production. It's what makes you jump during horror shows or tear up during emotional scenes. Whether it's the spine-chilling soundtrack, the echo in a cave, or the silence before a storm, sound design amplifies the impact of visual storytelling. It's not just about the music or sound effects, but also the volume, pitch, and timing. A well-designed sound can transport the viewers right in the middle of the action, making them feel every emotion firsthand.

Pre-production Strategies

Moving on, let's discuss the first step of the TV production process: pre-production. This is where all the planning happens before the cameras start rolling. It's like the blueprint of a building: it guides what the final product will look like. Let's dig into the art of scriptwriting, planning a shooting schedule, and casting actors.

How to Write a Script

A script is the backbone of any TV production. It's the blueprint that provides direction to everyone involved. When writing a script, the devil is in the details. It's not just about the dialogue, but also about the scene descriptions, character actions, and camera angles. How does the character feel? What are they wearing? What time of day is it? These details, while seemingly minor, can greatly enhance the visual storytelling. Remember, a script is more than words on a page—it's a visual guide that brings the story to life.

How to Plan a Shooting Schedule

Creating a shooting schedule is like solving a complex puzzle. You have to consider the availability of actors, locations, and equipment while also keeping in mind the script's sequence and the budget. Proper planning ensures a smooth production process, helping to avoid unnecessary hiccups. It's a game of logistics, coordination, and flexibility. When the puzzle pieces fit together perfectly, the result is a well-oiled machine that can bring the magic of TV production to life.

How to Cast Actors

Choosing the right actors can make or break a TV show. Imagine "Friends" without Jennifer Aniston or "Breaking Bad" without Bryan Cranston. Casting is about more than just finding talented actors; it's about finding the right fit for each character. This involves understanding the character's personality, backstory, and development throughout the script. It's like matchmaking: when the right actor meets the right character, the magic of TV production truly shines, enhancing the visual storytelling experience for the viewers.

Production Tactics

Now that we've laid out our pre-production game plan, let's plunge into the heart of the process: production. This is when your planning pays off and the magic of TV production truly comes to life. It's time to learn about directing on set, managing a crew, and the crucial concept of continuity in filming.

How to Direct on Set

Directing on set is a lot like conducting an orchestra: you need to balance a multitude of elements to create a harmonious output. It's all about communicating your vision to the cast and crew. From the emotion you want the actor to portray, to the way you want the camera to move — every detail counts. And remember, while you may be the conductor, TV production is a team effort. It's about fostering an environment of collaboration and respect — because that's when the magic happens.

How to Manage a Crew

Imagine trying to prepare a holiday dinner for 20 people all by yourself. Overwhelming, right? That's why in TV production, you have a crew. Managing a crew involves delegating tasks, coordinating schedules, and ensuring everyone is on the same page. It's no easy feat, but when done right, it allows for a smooth production process where everyone knows their role and how they contribute to the bigger picture. It's the unsung hero behind the scenes, making the magic of TV production and the art of visual storytelling possible.

What is Continuity in Filming?

Ever watched a movie and noticed a character's shirt unbuttoned in one shot and buttoned in the next? That's a continuity error. Continuity in filming is all about maintaining consistency in the visual storytelling. It's a meticulous task, but it's vital to keep the audience immersed in the story. After all, a small error can easily distract the viewer from the narrative. So, while it may seem like a minor detail, continuity plays a major role in the magic of TV production.

Post-Production Techniques

Just when you thought the cameras rolling marked the end of the magic, post-production swoops in. This is where the raw footage is transformed into a polished story that's ready for the screen. Post-production is all about editing footage, adding effects and transitions, mixing audio, and color grading. It's the final step in the journey of TV production, and it's where the art of visual storytelling truly shines.

How to Edit Footage

Editing footage is like piecing together a puzzle. You're taking different shots and assembling them in a way that tells a cohesive story. It's not just about cutting and pasting — it's about choosing which shots work best to convey the emotion and narrative you want to present. The next time you watch a show, pay attention to how the scenes are pieced together. You'll see the real magic behind the scenes: the art of editing in TV production.

How to Add Effects and Transitions

Adding effects and transitions is like adding seasoning to a dish. Just the right amount can enhance the flavor, but too much can overpower it. In TV production, effects and transitions can add depth and dynamism to a scene, making the visual storytelling more engaging. Whether it's a slow fade out to denote the passage of time or a dramatic zoom for emphasis, these techniques play a key role in how the story is told.

How to Mix Audio

Think of your favorite TV show. Now, imagine it without any sound. Not so exciting, right? That's the power of audio. Mixing audio involves adjusting and balancing the various sound elements — dialogue, background noise, music, sound effects — to create a rich soundscape that complements the visuals. It's an often overlooked aspect of TV production, but it's a critical component of effective visual storytelling.

How to Color Grade

Last but not least, we have color grading. This is the process of adjusting the colors in your footage to create a specific mood or aesthetic. It's like putting the finishing touches on a painting. From the cool blue tones in a suspenseful thriller to the vibrant hues in a comedy, color grading plays a big role in setting the tone of a scene and enhancing the overall visual storytelling.

If you're eager to delve deeper into the world of visual storytelling and TV production, don't miss out on Atte Tanner's workshop, 'Getting Started In The TV Industry As A Photographer.' This workshop will provide you with valuable insights, tips, and techniques to kickstart your career in the television industry as a skilled photographer.