The Crew

The Technical Director - (often abbreviated TD)

The chief of the television crew is the TD. He works in the production control room of a television studio, and operates the video switcher.

It is the TD's job to make sure that all positions are manned, and all equipment and facilities are checked out and ready, before the video recording session or live broadcast begins.

The TD, typically will set up camera shots, switch video sources, perform live digital effects and transitions, and insert pre-recorded material, graphics and titles.

For a remote broadcast, outside of the studio, the TD will perform the same duties in a mobile production truck.

The TD is usually responsible for the technical quality of the signal being recorded or broadcast, and will use various measuring devices and displays to make sure the video is "broadcast quality".

The Technical Director may provide training to more inexperienced members of the technical crew when needed.

The TD's main tool is a switcher. There are different kinds of switchers, but we like to use the computer. This softwear, Wirecast, is inexpensive, (about $500) and does a multitude of tasks!