Behind The Scenes with Commodore Productions

Photo by McCarthy Beckan on Unsplash

If you’ve stuck with me over my last several beats, I’ve been highlighting some of my experiences and explaining how the Digital Media Program provides you with the tools and resources to help you apply your skills after leaving Gulf Coast State College. For this edition, I’m rounding third base with Commodore Productions. While in the program, students can work as student workers, volunteer for fun, or work for class credit with Commodore Productions.

What is Commodore Productions?

Commodore Productions is a faculty-led, student-run behind-the-scenes program that covers live events. We cover athletic events, graduation and pinning ceremonies, student activities, theater performances, and other campus events. We set up and operate all camera and audio equipment, as well as other A/V gear. During live events, positions include Technical Director, Graphics, Camera Operators, and Audio Technicians. Some sports or events require more support than others. The sports are broadcast on the Commodore Sports Network and the GCSC HDTV feed. You can find both broadcasts by visiting www.commodoreproductions.com.

Filling The Position

The Technical Director oversees the production event. In this role, you will control the camera feeds throughout the event and switch between the camera feeds and commercials using the Newtek Tricaster System. You will also coordinate with the rest of the crew. The Graphics Operator creates and/or integrates still or animated graphics during a production event. The Camera Operator is responsible for the production’s visuals. Using camera equipment, you will frame shots while coordinating with the TD on shot types. This is what everyone else sees. Finally, the Audio Technician’s job is to ensure that sound is heard everywhere, operating the soundboard throughout the production event, including during commercials.

The Osprey Commander

For this beat, I sought out Brandon Smith, the Osprey Commander. He oversees all production-related operations at GCSC and has been in the business for over 20 years. He ensures everything is functional for every event and guides the learning process for all students and student workers. Brandon is knowledgeable across all positions and typically resolves technical issues in real time. He enjoys seeing students work things out and guiding them through the process. Under his oversight, Gulf Coast has become a premier technology department in the state of Florida, regardless of campus size. We’re fortunate to have resources in our program that not many other schools can offer. I caught up with him for a mini-interview and asked if he had any advice for students coming through the program. This is what he had to say:

The CP Experience

What is it like working with other students during production events? It’s a great environment and a valuable hands-on experience. Throughout this semester, I took on the roles of Director and Camera Operator and occasionally contributed as an Audio Operator. While directing the final basketball game of the season, I had the unique opportunity to be one of the first students to use a brand-new Tricaster installed in the production trailer. I also started learning how to create and input graphics, although I wasn’t able to complete the process. The good news is that I’ll be around the program more in the upcoming terms, so I’ll be able to work on plenty of production events. If, after reading this article, you’d like more information, visit the GCSC website by clicking here.