Studio Procedures
Martha Mollison · 2020
Studio work requires the smooth coordination of a team of people who are spread out over two, three or more rooms. Studios use talkback systems which allow the director and director’s assistant to converse with the floor manager on the studio floor, all the camera operators, the sound supervisor in audio control, and the playback operator in the record area. The floor manager (FM) is pivotal in studio communication. The FM is in charge of relaying messages promptly and accurately to anyone on the studio floor who is not wearing headphones. This includes the performers, obviously, and any other helpers, like those arranging the set or adjusting lights. Instructions for the performers are passed on through the floor manager. Once a position for the performer has been lit and approved on camera, the floor manager will see that appropriate and discreet floor marks are placed down, thereby targeting or ‘locking in’ the preferred action area.