We usually gather to go over the evening’s show about 7pm. (Some of the crew has been here since 6 or even earlier preparing.)

Next, we rehearse parts of the show. Obviously we can’t rehearse the call-in segment. George and Pete read thru the scripted parts of the show, making little edits as they go:

We spent most of the time rehearsing with guests that have brought animals, since camera angles, sometimes lighting often need to be worked out. Of course, animals never do the same thing twice, which makes live TV so much fun.

In the control room, things are starting to get interesting. Here the TD, director, and AD / character generator controller are working out a detail.

You’ll note they are wearing headsets, as are the rest of the crew. The intercom carries both program audio and the “private line” voices of the crew. One of the challenges of working in this environment is to listen 2 or 3 things at once and not get too wrapped up in any one.

We’re now ready to go on the air. Over to master control.

Back to the tape room.