“Training Programme for Young TV Producers in Science Communication”

I participated in a “Training Programme for Young TV Producers in Science Communication” jointly organized by Vigyan Prasar (Dept. of Science & Technology, Govt. of India ),Gujarat Science City(Dept. of Science & Technology, Govt. of Gujarat) and an NGO called AV-CODE(Audio Video Communicators for Development and Education) on February 9 to 13, 2008 at Gujarat Science City, Ahmedabad.

The Five day Training program started off with an Inaugural Function where Mr. Subhash Joshi, Secretary, AV-CODE, introduced the dignitaries and resource persons with the 28 odd participants who were a mix of media professionals and students of communications. Mr. B.S.Bhatia, President ,AV-CODE presented the Backgroun of Training in Science Communication and Dr.T V Venkateshwaran, Vigyan Prasar, delivered a talk on Science Popularisation – Role of Vigyan Prasar. He also delivered an academic presentation on Science and Society – evolution of science, science popularisation He emphasized on the importance of simplicity of communication and talking in the terms of common man which could be easily understood. Dr.Narottam Sahoo, Executive of Science City gave a brief idea on Popularisation of Science: Role of Gujarat Science City. It’s a place Celebration of science goes on round the year. It’s a unique platform to inculcate scientific temperament and popularize science and organize science related activities.

Followed by inaugural session, A Visit of Science City Exhibits was organized. Some upcoming Exhibits like Hall of Space and Hall of Science which are yet to be inaugurated also shown.

In the second session of the first day, theoretical aspects of various TV Production related topics were covered. Right from research on the subject, preparing a brief of program to the final editing and packaging of it were explained in a very lucid manner. Producers from DECU, ISRO Mr. Nitin Bhavsar made a Power Point Presentation on Understanding content generation, process and formats and Mr. Kamlesh Udasi did the same on Content generation –packaging, budgeting.

Some other sessions were conducted by professionals from AV-CODE. The day was called off after the formation of groups in the evening. Each group had a mentor to guide in all the stages of production. Each group have to produce a program of 3-5 Minutes which involves team efforts.

On 10th February 2008 – the second day of the training, the program briefs and production ideas were presented before the experts and finally four topics were selected for program production. Our Group: 2 selected “Science of Acoustics”*. Based upon the brief, a script and story board developed and after completing all planning of pre-production stage we went for shooting.
On the day three we dumped that footage along with some graphics and photographs on the Non-linear editing station. A rough cut was prepared with the shots putting on the time line. In the evening we shot the Anchor Presenting the program at various locations of Science City.

On the fourth and final day of production we finalized the program with proper voice over and music wherever required. Late at night we could get DVD output. The group members prepared in advance how the presentation of film would be done before the experts, guests and the fellow participants. We rehearsed it very well.
Kamble, Director, Vigyan Prasar delivered the Valedictory Address and distributed the certificates to the participants. All the four short films or quickies were presented in the auditorium. After the viewing of each film the respective group answered the questions and also shared their experiences.

It was a unique experience where actual process of TV Production in nutshell was spelt out not only theoretically terms but also practically! The participants being a mixed group - sharing of ideas become much easier. All the groups produced total four programmes. Definitely the process brought about a scientific perspective in us, as a producer.

I could find its utility even for our faculties, not all but, a selected few who shares creative rapport particularly in retrospective with two programmes which has been produced by DECU,ISRO in support with ECC.