Live TV Directing Short Course, London
Two-day intensive · Canary Wharf · Maximum 4 delegates
Live TV Directing & Vision Mixing — 2 Day Short Course
Founded by Del Brown in 2007, this intensive two-day practical training course provides a hands-on introduction to live multi-camera directing and vision mixing.
Designed for aspiring directors, vision mixers and television professionals looking to broaden their skillset, the course combines theory, practical exercises and real-world industry experience gained across more than 25 years of live television production.
Staff from Sky, MTV, BT Sport, Bloomberg, SIS, Timeline and Red Bull have attended this course to develop their live directing and vision mixing skills.
Working alongside experienced broadcast crew from Funny Hands Media, delegates gain practical experience directing and vision mixing live studio productions while learning the techniques, terminology and decision-making processes used in professional television galleries.
Who Is This Course For?
- Individuals looking to enter the television industry
- Vision mixers wishing to develop directing skills
- Directors looking to gain hands-on vision mixing experience
- Broadcast professionals wanting to refresh or expand their existing knowledge
What You’ll Learn
- Vision mixing fundamentals and gallery workflows
- Multi-camera directing techniques
- Talkback communication and crew management
- Camera scripting and shot selection
- Keying, layering and graphics workflows
- Managing talent and contributors
- Live decision-making under pressure
- Professional gallery terminology and etiquette
Course Overview
This two-day short course is an intensive, hands-on introduction to the role of the live multi-camera Director and Vision Mixer.
Working alongside experienced crew from Funny Hands Media, delegates develop the practical skills required to direct and vision mix live studio output across a range of programme formats including news, chat shows and shopping channels. Techniques covered include understanding and demystifying the vision mixer, keying, layering, ME banks, directing multiple cameras live, using correct gallery terminology and understanding camera angles.
The course combines theory with extensive practical exercises, ensuring delegates gain valuable hands-on experience throughout. Every step of the way, you will receive guidance, feedback and advice from your trainer and crew.
Day One (09:00–17:30)
Morning
Covering as many aspects of the vision mixer as possible, including ME banks, keying, layering, programme and preset buses, DVE/DME, transitions, wipes and mixing techniques. Delegates will develop directing skills, learn effective talkback communication, manage a studio crew including cameras, sound, vision control, graphics and talent, and gain an understanding of camera angles and shot selection.
Afternoon
The first practical exercise: The Chat Show.
Working with a professional crew, delegates direct and vision mix an ‘as live’ interview programme. This exercise focuses on cutting techniques, timing, shot selection and developing confidence in a live gallery environment.
Day Two (09:00–17:30)
Morning
Delegates review and analyse recordings of Del Brown directing and vision mixing live television, including gallery communications and talkback. This provides an insight into how decisions are made under real live broadcast conditions.
Following this, delegates are introduced to more advanced keying techniques and have the opportunity to practise and prepare for the afternoon exercise.
Afternoon
The second practical exercise: The Shopping Channel.
Working with a crew and contributors, delegates direct and vision mix a short live sales demonstration. This exercise combines the skills developed throughout the course and introduces the use of keyed graphics within a live production environment.
The scenario reflects the demands of live shopping, news and magazine programming, where timing, communication and graphics integration play an important role.
The course concludes with a Q&A session covering career development, industry pathways, networking opportunities and practical advice for building a career as a Director and/or Vision Mixer.
Following successful completion of the course, delegates receive a certificate of course completion, along with practical advice on next steps in the industry.
When and Where
Studio location: Canary Wharf, London, UK
Course Dates
Courses are scheduled on a limited basis throughout the year.
If you would like information on the next available course, course fees or current availability, please contact Del directly.
Places are strictly limited to four delegates per course to ensure maximum hands-on experience and individual feedback.
Have questions? Read the Frequently Asked Questions.
Delegate Feedback
“I would like to thank you. It was an excellent experience. I feel much more confident into exploring more this. Besides an excellent professional you are an excellent tutor. Thank you so much.”
November 2020 — Afroditi
“Very good course. Loved it! Very good to work with crew and talent and getting their feedback on how to improve.”
November 2020 — Morten
“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
“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 advice 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