Studio training hits all the right notes

Citation

(2009), "Studio training hits all the right notes", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 41 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/ict.2009.03741dab.006

Studio training hits all the right notes

Article Type: From: Industrial and Commercial Training, Volume 41, Issue 4

Around 70 junior staff at The London Studios (TLS), part of ITV, produced a music show in front of an audience during a studio training day.

The learners came from the camera, lighting, sound, client-liaison, security, scenic and post-production departments. Most had between six months’ and two years’ experience.

The training was designed to improve core operational skills, so employees can work faster, more accurately, creatively and innovatively. It gave them experience of work under pressure on complex, live shows.

Studio training days started in the camera department, where they enabled better use of staff and improved client relationships, leading to return business, new business and a positive brand image.

Kate Drewitt, learning and development consultant at London Television Centre, said: “One strength of the training day is that it is designed and delivered by the studio teams themselves, while being fully supported by TLS management and the training department.”

“The learning was designed around activities in an ‘as live’ studio environment with a professional director – Ant and Dec’s Chris Power – and production team.”

Staff were put in a realistic, high-pressure situation. “A music show was chosen because this was a genre that was rare for juniors to work on and it would provide a testing learning experience for a large number of staff. The show had to be rigged and rehearsed...and then performed to an invited audience.”

Chris Power, who directs Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway at TLS, said: “This sort of opportunity is priceless and essential for our next generation of skilled crews.”

Debbie Hills, managing director of TLS, commented: “Television in the UK is a fast-changing market. More channels mean more choice for viewers, but the total spend on new programs has not increased in comparison. Successful producers need to make budgets work harder – and for our studios to be successful, we have to find new ways of doing more for less. This requires training.”

Kate Drewitt concluded: “The studio day exceeded our plans... It helped individuals to clarify what they want to do with their careers and, for some, provided a chance to move forward faster.”