LIVE DIRECTING & VISION MIXING – 2 DAY SHORT COURSE

Founded in 2007 by Del Brown and originally run at Ravensbourne, this popular two day short course trains you in the basic essentials of vision mixing through to multi camera live directing.

Sky, MTV, BT Sport, Bloomberg, SIS, Timeline and Redbull are among the broadcasters that have put their staff on this training course to improve their skills in live directing & vision mixing.

Suitable for all skill levels, this course is designed for candidates new to the industry or wishing to gain further skills. Vision mixers with little or no directing experience. Directors with little or no vision mixing experience. Established director/vision mixers wishing to refresh or enhance their skills.

OVERVIEW

This two day short course is an intensive, hands-on introduction to the role of the live multi camera studio director/vision mixer. Working with highly experienced crew from Funny Hands Media, combining the skills required to both direct and vision mix live studio output, ranging from news, chat shows to shopping channels, often unrehearsed and unscripted. Techniques covered include understanding and de-mystifying the vision mixing desk, keying, layering, ME banks etc. Directing multi cameras live, using correct terminology and understanding camera angles. How to get the best out of your crew and talent. This short course offers a balance of theory with plenty of opportunity for hands on training. Every step of the way you will receive feedback, guidance and advice from your trainer and crew.

DAY ONE (09:00-17:30)

MORNING

Covering as many aspects of the vision mixing desk as possible including; ME banks, keying, layering, programme & preset bus, DVE/DME, transitions etc. Cutting techniques, mixing, wipes and understanding keying. Develop directing skills and communicate effectively over talkback. Manage a crew including cameras, sound, vision control, graphics operator and talent. Understanding camera angles.

AFTERNOON

The first practical exercise. ‘The Chat Show’ – a 1+1 interview set up. Working with a crew, you will direct and vision mix an ‘as live’ show, learning the best time to cut, avoid bad cuts etc. This exercise allows you to become familiar with cutting and concentrate on the art and technique of skilful vision mixing.

DAY TWO (09:00-17:30)

MORNING

Delegates get to watch a recording of Del Brown directing and vision mixing live TV. The footage captures different angles within the director gallery. You’ll get to watch the show and listen to talkback as the show went out live. After this, you are introduced to more advanced keying techniques and have the opportunity to practice and prepare for the afternoon’s show.

AFTERNOON

The second exercise: ‘The shopping channel’ to cut a 1+1 with demonstration. Working again with a crew and talent, you will direct and vision mix a short sell. This exercise combines the skills already learnt and puts them into practice with the addition of keying graphics. This puts you in the role of a director/vision mixer in a live shopping channel or news environment, where keying plays an important part.

Finally, questions and answers. Information on useful career paths, useful websites and organisations for director/vision mixers within the industry. Following completion of the short course, each delegate will receive a certificate via email.

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DELEGATE FEEDBACK

“Very good course. Loved it! Very good to work with crew and talent and getting their feedback on how to improve.”

“I have taken on an incredible amount and now feel I have a much better grounding, getting rid of self taught bad habits! Del Managed to keep a mixed ability group all being challenged, which can be difficult. Friendly and approachable throughout.”

November 2020
Phil

“Thanks for a great two days and a thoroughly enjoyable course. I feel like I am leaving with a great base from which to grow.”

February 2018
Adam Lowe

“Really enjoyed the two day course. Del was brilliant. Looking forward to putting what I have learnt into practice.”
February 2018
Nicola Hardwick

“Del’s a brilliant tutor and very patient and helpful as well. The course is totally delegate focused, which is great. The crew were great and the number of delegates was just right. Thank you for everything”
May 2017
Mike

“Good size group, learnt so much in 2 days. Loved Del’s attitude his crew are great. The group feedback was so useful. Thanks!”
May 2017
Jo

“At times terrifying, challenging, but always full of learning. Del is obviously a master of his craft and an excellent teacher. Thoroughly recommended.”
June 2016
Kelwyn

“I wholeheartedly enjoyed both days. The course is ideal for all levels of Directors/Vision Mixers.”
June 2016
Wesley

“Really useful and instructive two days, thank you very much Del”
October 2015
Francis Todd

“I managed to find a vision mixing role, which is progressing well. Just a note to say thank you for the course, which was really useful and has benefitted me finding further work in the industry.”
October 2013
Robert Waddell

“Thanks Del! I had an amazing time on your course! Can’t wait to put it all into action…eek!”
April 2013
Sarah Morgan

“A great course covers all aspects, refreshes methods & teaches new ones”
April 2013
Steve Burwell

“I feel much more confident on the desk than I expected after 2 days. Both Del’s course structure and execution were great, as were the presenters.”
April 2013
Ben Strivens

“The course was certainly challenging which was required to get me to the next level in my career. I really feel I have a better understanding of the role.”
September 2008
Richard Scousses

“The course was brilliant, very well organised” August 2008
Charlie Le Houx

“A fantastic well paced course with good amounts of theory and practical. Well delivered and very informative. Excellent tutor. Relaxed environment in which to learn high pressure skills.”
May 2008
R.Schnider

“Del is an excellent communicator and tutor, enjoyed his personality”
October 2007
Han Flo-Qunt

“Really enjoyed the course. It has given me the drive and confidence to believe I can do more..”
February 2018
Kerry Marello

What is your overall assessment of the course?
“Brilliant! Great progression”
February 2018
Alistair Clifton

“Great course, great people and a lot of scope in regard to looking towards the future”
May 2017
Jon

“A very good course overall, lots of fun and learnt lots”
May 2017
Vijay

“A very good course, excellent instruction, insight and advise from Del. The course met its objectives and I found it valuable.”
June 2016
Mark

“It’s fantastic – scarily steep learning curve, but we all lapped it up!”
October 2015
Lottie Gazzard

“I LOVE your energy Del, thank you!”
October 2015
Mohammed Bounoua

“I completed your Level 1 short course in Live Directing and Vision mixing, back in January 2009, which gave me a great foundation for the required skills and techniques”
February 2013
Chris Richardson

“Del is an excellent tutor. Would like to come back again.”
January 2009
Craig Jackson

“Enjoyed Del’s tutoring style. I will be back for Level 2. I would enjoy a longer course or a part 3 as well. Thanks”
January 2009
Nigel

“Great teaching style, lots of practical time. After two days I feel confident that I could step into somewhere if needed and direct/vision mix future studio shoots. Thanks!”
March 2009
Jackie Negus

“Excellent course, please can we have Level 3 – music mixing (live bands). Many thanks to Del. Fantastic trainer who instills confidence in delegates to go into the industry with great skills on which to build on.”
September 2008
Ciaran Brannigan

“Excellent. Came away with a very high understanding of directing and vision mixing. Enjoyed course immensely.”
September 2008
Tony

“Del is a very good teacher. Liked the practical sessions and the crises management. Will be back for Level 2”
August 2008
Paul Underwood

“I have very much enjoyed myself and would recommend it to other people. I have learned a lot thanks to Del.”
March 2008
Kaisar Abdullah

“Excellent tutoring. Course is paced very well, all relevant info. Would do it all again.”
May 2008
Lauren Davis

“Overall the course has been excellent and enjoyable. Del has been enthusiastic and helpful, would have been great to have another day! Many thanks!”
June 2007
Steve Gales