Internet2 and New World Symphony
Performance and Master Class Production Workshop

14-15 January 2004

Internet2 and the New World Symphony hosted a hands-on audio/video production workshop on 14-15 January 2004. The workshop emphasized real-time experience connecting with remote sites over Internet2, setting up live situations involving incoming and outgoing video and audio, dealing with a multi-camera shoot, placing lighting and projectors, toubleshooting and operating codecs. This workshop explored in depth the elements needed to do everything from simple one-on-one interactions to larger scale stage productions via Internet2. The workshop was designed for an audience of technologists responsible for setting up distance learning and remote interactive media events. Administrators, deans, CIOs and others were also invited to attend.

List of Attendees

Contacts:
Ann Doyle, Internet2 <adoyle@internet2.edu>
Tom Snook, New World Symphony <tsnook@nws.edu>

Overview:
There will be two types of activities during the workshop. The first will be hands-on sessions intended to provide opportunities to set up production sessions culminating in a live connection and interaction. The second set of activities will be mini-workshops covering specific topics in depth such as transmission, audio, video, lighting, HD cameras, and pre-production considerations. The mini-workshops will then be followed by opportunities set up additional live productions using knowledge gained from the mini-workshops. Participants will come away having trial-by-fire experience gained in a safe learning environment.

Topics: The following topics will be covered.

1. Network connectivity: routers and configuration, troubleshooting tools, and support structures.

2. Codecs: MPEG-2,Netcasting and more.

3. Audio: Incoming and outgoing audio, switching, proper mixing and levels, microphones, speakers, equipment placement, cabling, troubleshooting.

4. Video: Incoming and outgoing video, switching and mixing, cameras, video formats, video techniques, projection equipment, video screens and displays, monitors, cabling, title creation and closed captioning for video, storage equipment for post production, and troubleshooting.

5. Pre-Production (large and single events): Financial models, media/press, scripting, staging, staffing and production team structure, determining technical center location(s) and requirements, electrical power distribution, lighting(stage, set and small sessions), tech checks, dress rehearsal, contingency/back up planning.

6. House and stage management during production: Communication Systems (In-house and with remote sites), front of house and back of house, producer and production team management.

7. Post production review.