What is it actually like covering big events like TEDx University of Nicosia 2019?
Is the media sphere the right one for you?
Going to the cinema in order to watch a movie is the way that a lot of people hang out with their friends. I personally enjoy watching movies so I thought that if watching movies is so fun then it should also be fun to make them as well! So I chose a course at the University of Nicosia, where I am studying, and I have been learning the process of making a movie from a theoretical point of view. However, apart from the theoretical perspective of the subject, I wanted to gain some practical experience. Thus, I joined Mediazone to get first-hand experience and check if my thoughts were true.
Indeed, I had the chance at the TEDx University of Nicosia 2019 event. That was the perfect opportunity to learn a lot about video recording. But, let’s see exactly what happened at the event…
First of all, preparation starts: lab assistants need to understand where to place equipment, something that is done long before the event, at rehearsal. Then, on the spot, the production team has to place equipment in the correct positions, setup up lighting and adjust camera settings. A lot of final adjustments happen at this point.
Then, it’s a time for the rehearsals of the event. Now, camera operators need to adjust their equipment so they can record, (live to tape) comfortably, and correctly. Furthermore, rehearsal is a chance to try some creative shooting ideas.
And finally, the day of the event comes. Especially, during this day, everyone has to be focused and full of energy. In the morning, after all equipment is checked, the recording starts. At this point, camera operators have to stay focused and to be aware of what is going on around during the whole day. As a camera operator, I had to film every speaker presenting for 15 minutes, focusing all that time only on him/her. As a result, after all speakers finished, my whole body was in pain. But this does not matter because it’s a lot of fun controlling your camera and following the speaker. It’s like a game that you play on your computer but in this case it is in real life. Not to mention the feeling of accomplishment after the event is finished! It can’t be described by words! Lastly, everyone packs up and we all go back to our base, Mediazone.
Recording events is not an easy job. In general, working in Mediazone is not easy: it has a steep learning curve and a challenging environment where you always try new things and be on your toes. On the other hand, this means you are always enthusiastic and you never get bored. You will also cooperate with hard working, passionate and amazing people. Therefore, if that’s what you are looking for then this sphere is definitely ideal for you!
Alexey Rysinkskiy
Mediazone Student Lab Assistant
