After spending some time sampling the available studio positions - ranging from teleprompter assistant, to host, to camera operator, to director - I'm shocked to admit that directing was my favorite responsibility.
I'm an admitted control freak but also a shy one who is not accustomed to voicing her opinons. I suspected that my favorite positions would include those which would allow me invisibility - I assumed I would be most comfortable assisting, or technical directing. I thought I was better at taking direction than giving it.
I was blown away by how exhilarating it was to be the only voice coming through on my headset. "Calling shots" was the ultimate high - it was thrilling to be, for once, in charge.
I donned the headset, initially unsure. After the first moments of hesitance and staring fixedly into the monitors I started to loosen up - which, I can assure, is a minor miracle in itself. I watched the monitor's closely, calling the shots I found most appealing to my camera people, anticipating the flow of conversation and letting my technical director know when to take the shots I had set up.
Communication was a little rocky, not knowing the technical terms for calling and taking shots was a disadvantage. There were moments when I was unintentionally misleading and some shots I took occurred as a camera person was zooming in or out. Now that I am more aware of the proper lingo and more comfortable being "the boss" I think a second try would go more smoothly.
I learned, in summation, more about myself than I did about directing as an artform. While I did learn some helpful jargon I discovered that I am capable, and even enjoy, being in charge of a creative endeavor. What I had imagined to be so scary and unattainable had in fact been as easy as knowing what I wanted and speaking up about it.
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