CG! Ughhgh! That is pretty much what happens when you mention "CG" to some producers, both new and old.
The reason for this negative reaction is because learning the CG (character generation) requires time, but more importantly, many times when a producer shows up to do cg work, it is difficult to obtain cg information before the show starts.
In some productions, everyone is working in their own place.
Some are doing the teamwork walk.
And usually the cg information comes in bit by bit (when the show is not in proper pre-preduction in the days or weeks prior to the show).
Here is how CG preparation will work better for you in your own show.
You can make the CG operators job much easier and when their job is easier, you will see better results when your show is aired.
Preparation: Before the show, before anyone even enters the studio, have your guests or co-hosts give you their written material by email or by phone (email is preferred to check spelling and eliminate errors).
If you have practice time before the show, you enter the cg information yourself.
Save the work as a template for that coming show.
(Make copies and save it on a disk).
So many times, producers prepare and then come to find their work erased.
On the day or night of the show, go to your host /guests and ask them to check the written material (that you have written down on a paper or typed on paper) and right there make all the corrections that you need.
Now, when your cg operator comes to the cg desk, she or he will already know what to do and know what information to fill into your template for your show.
The worst case scenario is not having any cg information and needing to do this while the show is airing.
You do not want to put yourself in this position, so make all your preparations ahead of time.
Actual CG Work: While doing CG, listen carefully to the Director's instructions and forget about what everyone else is saying.
Listen to your own inner instincts (this can save you a mistake -will explain later).
Remember that the Director is in charge, so problems with the CG should be brought to the Director's attention.
Never say you are ready when you are not ready.
That is probably the biggest mistake that you can make.
Always be honest.
If you need a few more minutes, ask for that time.
The Director and you will settle the problem.
Of course, the Director always has the last say, so listen attentively.
You can use templates for your CG or you can start new (It is up to the Director).
By operating the cg, you can add titles, lower thirds, topic and subject lines and more than that.
You can even use some word-art in the cg.
There are many good books in the library and in some bookstores that teach about CG.
If you feel that you want to learn more about the topic, you can see if there are any more seats left in the class that they teach in the studio building.
You can join practice sessions to learn more about the topic.
Ask your fellow producers if there is anyone experienced in CG and try and get together with them to perfect your skill.
Do this long before your show and or long before you help on anyone else's show.
In the Mini-studio at some buildings, you can use your own titles; make up your own slates.
It is funny, if you go online you will all see childish fonts, fonts for school teachers etc, that look like handwriting, and or look like a child's scrawl.
And they sell these fonts for big money.
You can make your own.
You can have a small blackboard or a small white board (with the dry erase concept) to make your own titles in a hurry.
You can use this makeshift CG when your regular CG is down or simply when you have no time to set up the CG.
You must have a handwriting or printing that is easily readable, and if you do, you are one step ahead of the game.
Think about using this concept in a pinch.
Whatever works will work for you.
INSTRUCTION: For actual instructions about CG, remember what you learned in class.
Click these words to read more about CG.
Updated May 01, 2008