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| Producer and Choreographer Natalie Parboosingh preps her models |
A few models are getting their final make-up applied, the host is reviewing the script for the last time, tensions are high with the contestants backstage while the judges seem most relaxed and the social media specialist is tweeting about the energy backstage. In the meantime, in a living room in Jamaica: "What time now? Magnum soon start!"
Another time signal is heard, this time it’s a high pitched voice, Natalie Parboosingh, Producer: "9:25! We go LIVE in 5!! Take your positions." As models scamper to stage left, host Yanique is already centre stage and ready to welcome Dancehall fans to another episode of the 4th Season.
As the theme song for Magnum Kings & Queens of Dancehall is played and we're seconds away from being 'live on air' one thing is obvious, it takes a lot of hard working hands to get here,...so let's wind up to the beginning, the coming together of this live Dancehall talent show.
Planning a Live Show
"A whole lot goes into getting the show live on air so that viewers at home get to see Magnum Kings & Queens of Dancehall each week," explained Sanjay when asked, what goes into the planning of the show. “A lot of technical stuff happens. Rehearsals, script, sound, camera, dress and several other bits and pieces that make the show come alive are checked, double checked and re-checked. We have to ensure everything is in perfect order."
Sanjay is part of the team that brings the seasoned Magnum Kings & Queens of Dancehall to enthusiastic viewers watching via TVJ or streaming online. He is joined by Producer and Chorographer Natalie Parboosingh, Line Producer Sharon Schroeter, and Executive Producer Mark Kenny, along with an extensive production team.
Sanjay explains his role: "I'm responsible for the script for the show and the contestants. I’ll do the running order for Saturday's performance by Monday...after the running order is done, the contestants are called to get an idea of what lyrics they have; I’m responsible for listening and advising them on how to tweak their lines and ensuring songs are in keeping with the Broadcast Commission’s regulations. If there are aspects to change or modify each contestant is told and follow ups are done.”
But that’s just the beginning for Sanjay, who has been working as a producer with the show since the beginning: “Writing the script for the show is the next thing that I’m responsible for. I don’t usually sit and write the script for the show all at one go, because it’s one of the most important aspects of the show, it’s what the host delivers each week. So I usually write at least one segment daily starting Monday, and with careful time management, I usually complete the whole script by Thursday then Yanique and I will go through it.”
On the Day
Fast forward. Its 11:10AM Saturday morning and two Electro Tech vehicles are in the parking lot at KIA on Chelsea Avenue. The atmosphere is already perfumed with morning perspiration from the workers. The parking lot is slowly coming to life as the structure, lighting and the sound for the 9:30pm live show, just over 10 hours away, is being set up to the razzle dazzle show-time look seen on TV. As everything gradually develops midday is here and the Television Jamaica (TVJ) truck and vans drive in to continue setup with cameras.
At 4:30pm, with 5 hours remaining, Line Producer Sharon Schroeter walks onto the set armed with charisma, patience, and her biggest qualification for her job: concentration, as she runs through her head what tasks to check on first. Schroeter is responsible for several teams and ensures that the final product on TV is what it should. She manages and communicates with the technical teams such as Lighting, Floor Manager, Director, graphics, camera, audio, Master Control at TVJ, and the teleprompter, as well as hosts Yanique and Pretty Boy Floyd.
So what exactly does Sharon do as Line Producer? “When I get in I do rehearsals with Yanique, running through the script, and do a thorough rehearsal with the camera, lighting and audio...I have to ensure that all is well with the team and all the technical bits and pieces are covered and any problems are resolved and a contingency plan is put in place,” explained Sharon.”
Executive Producer, Mark Kenny, notes, “First rehearsals usually get on the way the Friday evening with the contestants at the hotel. On Saturday at 7pm we run through a last rehearsal and 8pm we do a final check and then start getting ready for 9:30pm.”
Live Show Concerns
So with all the planning, what do the producers worry about most each week when doing a live show?
Sanjay Ramanand: “I actually don’t worry too much, most of the things that can go wrong we are prepared for, plus if something does happen, it makes for exciting TV.”
Natalie Parboosingh: The biggest fear for me is that anything can go wrong at the last minute and the producers and production team may not always be able to solve in time for airing. With that said, that's one of the reasons live shows are so exciting and amazing, because the team, host, contestants and judges are always kept on their toes and ready for anything and that energy translates to the audience and viewers which makes the show great.
Sharon Schroeter: “I’m very protective of my presenters, so my host falling down.”
Mark Kenny: “I have three fears: loss of power, rain and one of the contestants saying something that could compromise the regulations of the Broadcast Commission.”
So after days of careful planning, preparation and a bit of worry, Saturday is finally here. Get ready people! Going Live in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, we’re on: “Welcome to Magnum Kings & Queens of Dancehall, I’m your host Yanique...”
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