Everybody Think Inside the Space

Hamish Hamilton is a director who might, at least initially, seem to be on a separate echelon from directors with limited production capability in a studio environment. Sprawling stages, massive crowds, powerful bursts of audio-visual content, and as many as fifteen or sixteen different cameras provide Hamilton with the opportunity to wow even the casual, couch-lounging viewer.

How can two cameras in a small room possibly compete in terms of eye-catching content?

For the purposes of Shepherd University's round table discussion program, two of Hamilton's direction techniques are key: use every body on set and think inside the space.


The Little Details

Hamish Hamilton is merely the head of the caterpillar. Without the multiple segments of the body, and the several working legs, the caterpillar does not move. If a director requests a two-shot from Camera 1, but no one is there to operate said camera, what has the direction really added to the program? When the Studio Production class operates as a team, the entirety of the production benefits.

If Hamilton has sixteen cameras in a space, he also has sixteen people to direct. Sixteen people who could potentially ignore direction or make mistakes. The director has to trust that they will be there to work with him. The Studio Production class must also have this faith in one another. One bad apple, in this case, could end up spoiling the bunch.

The Big Picture

A round table discussion program might not have the dramatics of a Lady Gaga theatrical performance or the overwhelming energy of a rock concert, but it can still be an experience for the target audience. Although Hamilton used one single camera for a significant portion of a Kanye West television performance, he utilized the space he had to make the performer appear first as small as an ant, then larger than life. When presented with a simple box for a stage, Hamilton thought of how to work inside of that box to create a visual journey for the viewer, playing with perspective and lights.

Shepherd University's television studio has a limited amount of space. Instead of focusing on the limitations, the Studio Production class can come together to find new ways to use the existing space instead.

Hamish Hamilton, therefore, sets a great example for the Studio Production class -- Everyone Needs to Think Inside the Space. Not only does this mean that students should find the best ways to creatively use the studio for programs, but they should also literally think about how they influence what happens within the studio environment.