Author Topic: Stage Management-TV?  (Read 14600 times)

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mca

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Stage Management-TV?
« on: Nov 17, 2006, 09:29 pm »
Hello all,
I was wondering if anyone here has had experience as an SM on a TV show. I see stage manager(s) listed in the credits on a range of shows from sit-coms to talk shows, and I have been wondering what all a stage manager is responsible for in the TV world. Any insight?


-Mitch

centaura

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Re: Stage Management-TV?
« Reply #1 on: Nov 17, 2006, 11:59 pm »
All I remember from what I was once told was that it was really different.  I think it was more paperwork and organizing verses calling cues - but this was a long time ago that I had heard/read/seen the differences somewhere.  Anyone else know anything more?

-Centaura

Mac Calder

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Re: Stage Management-TV?
« Reply #2 on: Nov 18, 2006, 01:51 am »
Apparently, (I have never been on TV, worked in TV, or really taken the time to chat to someone who does) - the stage managers most equivalent position (as far as calling etc and managing actors) is called the floor manager (I believe) - the stage manager being an entirely different position... I, like the OP, would love to hear more about TV-land though if anyone has worked there.

ChaCha

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Re: Stage Management-TV?
« Reply #3 on: Nov 18, 2006, 11:43 am »
I know graduates from the stage management course I did who wound up in TV and I have several times been told that I could easily make the shift into TV (or into film as an AD). Mac is right  I believe that the role often equates to floor manager. They seem to be the ones who make sure the progamme runs to schedule (in second increments!) and that the right people are in the right places. I ASMed on the Australian Film Awards once that were being shown live on TV from a theatre, and the floor manager really ran the thing much like a the SM - linking the different departments including a more trad SM who wrangled the artists.
ChaCha

VSM

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Re: Stage Management-TV?
« Reply #4 on: Nov 18, 2006, 02:06 pm »
Hey Mitcha ~

I saved an article about this very thing awhile back.
If you'd like, send me a private email and I'll attach it.
Ordo ab chao

mca

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Re: Stage Management-TV?
« Reply #5 on: Nov 18, 2006, 02:32 pm »
Thank you all for your responses. This has always been something that has interested me, as I have wanted to know what other areas a SM could work in, utilizing some of the same skills that are used in the theater SM area.

Hey Mitcha ~

I saved an article about this very thing awhile back.
If you'd like, send me a private email and I'll attach it.
Thanks! I emailed you. I look forward to reading the article.

ScooterSM

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Re: Stage Management-TV?
« Reply #6 on: Nov 19, 2006, 09:14 pm »
Hi there-

Stage managing for TV is actually quite different from the stage, although it uses many of the same skills.  SM's are responsible for making sure they have talent in the right place at the right time, that the talent has the correct copy, putting them in mic's and earpieces, and directing them to look at the correct camera.
They still have to be organized, calm under pressure, able to multi-task, and able to deal with talent and their needs and egos.
It seems that the closest position in TV to a typical stage SM is the director, who calls "the show" for cameras, graphics, etc.

I hope this is helpful!  (and many thanks to my boyfriend, who is a TV SM, for the info...)

SSM
“I've never been paid a lot, but the theatre has kept me, and for that I shall be eternally grateful.” Tony Church

mca

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Re: Stage Management-TV?
« Reply #7 on: Nov 19, 2006, 09:48 pm »
Thanks for the info!!

centaura

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Re: Stage Management-TV?
« Reply #8 on: Nov 21, 2006, 06:55 pm »
That's the great thing about this site - we have folks with so many different connections.

-Centaura

Uilmuteiz

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Re: Stage Management-TV?
« Reply #9 on: Nov 29, 2006, 07:59 pm »
Hi all, these boards seem to be filled with quite a few resourceful people.

I've staged managed before for the Montreal International Celtic Festival, and for the past few months I've been involved in the wonderful world of Television.

Now the place I work for as asked me to be their technical advisor for a show and in the end I'll most likely be stage managing.

The Director is asking me a bunch of things as such as do research into the field and all, learn the hand signs .. etc.

I was wondering if you had an idea or suggestion on a book that might be good for that.

Personally I'm not too afraid of this gig, but the director's questions are making me question my skills and I'd rather be safe than be sorry.

Figured I'd talk about it here, maybe someone can help.

ScooterSM

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Re: Stage Management-TV?
« Reply #10 on: Nov 29, 2006, 10:40 pm »
I will check and see if there are any books that my boyfriend would recommend.  I think the main thing (like any SM job) is to just stay calm and organized, and you will pick things up quickly.

Best of luck!

SSM
“I've never been paid a lot, but the theatre has kept me, and for that I shall be eternally grateful.” Tony Church

psmusthea

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Re: Stage Management-TV?
« Reply #11 on: Jan 31, 2007, 09:18 pm »
Hi there,
What are some of the ways to look for TV/ FILM work?

jpwdw

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Re: Stage Management-TV?
« Reply #12 on: May 10, 2012, 11:34 am »
Sorry to bring up and old thread. Didn't know if I should create a new one.

I am currently doing an internship/shadowing with my country's best TV broadcaster under a "Good Morning America" type of TV show. The job (jobs) I have been shadowing are currently camera, directing, teleprompter, and graphic management. I believe from this positions the one that is closest to SM is directing/calling cues and cameras. I will be starting this fall at Fullerton my studies for SM. However I have two questions: Has anyone here had any type of experience before? and Do you think I should add it under my "experience" area of my resume?. I'm 18.

Thanks!

 

riotous