BBC – BRETT’S BBC VISIT

Tuesday:
Another day of Vocational visits. Today I headed into the BBC (yes, you did read correctly – letting me anywhere near a stage and camera is dangerous, but into one of the biggest networks around – well…..put it this way – I was well looked after – and yes – well behaved). The lovely Lorraine Dance toured me around (my own private tour!!! Normally reserved for VIP’s……) First we arrived to the Educational area (James Westhead – Education correspondent)– where I was shown the TV studio, working bays, editing facilities – graphics, sound etc (which I later saw the complete cutting to a story) and much more. Being mindful of not taking up too much of each person’s time, we headed over to discuss the CBBC (Stuart Dunn – Senior Content Producer - Children’s BBC) webpage, which has recently undergone a major overhaul and the new website was launched Sep 3rd (off the top of my head!) – With a new interactive interface. We spent quite some time discussing the market research that they undertake, as well as some of the new programs and initiatives that they will be implementing in the coming weeks, months and years.
Before eating we headed up to the News Production Gallery where I witnessed the lead up and the live transmission of the one o’clock news to the UK. It was an amazing experience to see all of this first hand (I wouldn’t imagine too many people would have this opportunity!)
Lorraine then took me for a quick bit to eat before we headed up to meet Rowzat & Ros (Partnership manager - People Production Training & Senior Broadcast Journalist) who was about to present to a group of journalists that undertake a program in schools (new initiative that was brought in by the BBC in 2006 to encourage schools to participate in presenting news items). In cooperation with Secondary schools, the BBC has a number of journalists volunteer their time to work with teachers and students to create a current news item. I had no prior knowledge of the program and it was great to learn about it first hand – something that I will definitely take back with me (and share with the Educational Department!!!)
With time fast running out (we had our final Rotary Presentation to do), we headed up to meet Alison Kempster (Studio Technical Organiser) who gave me an in depth Behind the Scenes look at the equipment and facilities used to produce the program NewsRound. She also gave me a few tips to take back and use at CGPS (my school) on lighting, backgrounds, green screen capabilities and tips to make the set look different. All in all, I was very lucky to have this opportunity!!! (as you can tell, I had an awesome day – and wouldn’t trade it for the world!!!!)