I know. Enough with the elections, already!
First, there were provincial elections in Quebec. Then I had a municipal election. Then the federal campaign, and of course, the crux of the USA election. And now Quebec elections again. Oh, and of course, the primaries about 2 years ago.
Yeah. I've got a headache too.
I'm to really into US politics. However, when Primary season started, I was curious. It was my first time exploring the American electoral system because it was the first time I was actually really aware it was happening, and so, intrigued.
Luckily, one of my friends, Alex Leduc, is a pro at American politics. (In fact, if you really care for the stuff, you should check out his blog. He's quickly becoming Montreal's next major US political analyst, with TV appearances to boot!)
Alex explained the basics of US elections to me, and though I can't remember most of it, it really helped me understand what was going on. Honestly though? I really didn't want to spend that much time on it. In fact, I can probably say that I didn't care what happened day-to-day, as long as I got the big lines. I do care in the sense that American politics affect what happens in Canada and around the world, but really, I don't need to know what each candidate was doing every moment of the day.
Unsurprisingly then, I don't tune in to CNN too often. I actually really dislike CNN and their coverage. Mostly because it's biased, often unconfirmed and poorly researched. I'm not talking about all their segments. But their style leaves a lot to be desired. I mean, since when is every story either breaking news or developing news?
Perhaps I should specify that I'm referring to CNN Headline News here.
What bugs me the most is that so many American citizens watch CNN (or worse, FOX News), and take everything they see and hear for fact, unquestioningly. Yes, this is a generalization, and probably encourages a stereotype or two. But you know what I mean.
Anyway. I'm not stupid, and knew that CNN would have the best election coverage on November 4th. And so I tuned in.
Boy, what a treat.
First off, the holographic interviews were way cool. Probably super expensive and uncomfortable for the anchor, but still an awesome piece of technology that I can't wait to explore.
Second, wow! Biased coverage or what?
Third, I realized that I'm extra picky about live TV productions, now that I've seen how some of it goes. And I should probably be a little less critical and remember how stressed out everyone is in the control room. Especially the audio techs. I complain about them a lot.
Want proof? Check out my Twitter stream below:
MUST know more about how the holographic interviews are done. Green Screen? 3D motion capture?
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@ #cnn This interview is totally ineffective. omg! CNN showed old white people! They can't support Obama, can they? I thought it was all black ppl and youth! Me? Jaded? Naaaahhh
I wonder who wrote @BarackObama 's speech. And how long he's been memorizing it. HA! Alabama Senate race: Sessions vs. Figures That 106y old must feel so justified to have Obama mention her in his acceptance speech. Maybe a bit used, but it's for a good cause, right? If I were producing or mixing, I'd add crowd noise to CNN's Chicago feed And as if on cue, I think I hear some clapping... though it sounds like it's coming through the stage mic. Quick! Spot the cameraman in the crowd! It's like Where's Waldo, but tougher! Wonder how much they spent on getting Obama's kids' hair done... It's 12C in Chicago. 13km/h winds, 67% humidity. They must be freezing out there. Thank God for all those warm stage lights! LOVE! The behind the stage shot featuring the USA-lit building. And the Barack/Michelle snuggle as they walk off the stage. Cute! WOW. Just felt the weight of this moment. Historical. I wonder what happens next...
A friend suggests green screen and 360 camera coverage. But how is it "projected"? On air graphics or actually in studio? Thoughts?
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I guess the USA doesn't have issues with revealing projections for closed States while others are still voting... ie like in Canada How it's done: http://www.tvtechnology.com... OMG Enough with the screaming. At least they're mixing it down... But seriously. I shouldn't have to turn down the volume. Also, #cnn enough with the "random black people in the crowd" shots. Do you know you're promoting racist stereotypes? More dets on the holographic interview technology: http://tinyurl.com/57quvw McCain admits defeat? I can go to bed now. Just one more holographic interview, plz! Why must we still differentiate by race? Why is Obama's victory a big deal for African Americans, as says McCain? It's a big deal for all!
I wonder what happens if a candidate admits defeat on a projected result - which then turns out to be wrong. Can he still claim presidency? As much as I don't want to hear crowds screaming too loud, please mix in some bg audio when showing crowd shots. I can't really blame the audio mixer(s). It's a tough situation, diff. mixes coming into HQ, and prob. a whole lot of control room yelling. Loving the sky shots. Wonder if it's a track or a jib... Does that make me a geek?
Wonder if the mixers have time to adjust incoming audio for optimal broadcasting before putting it on air.
--I guess the USA doesn't have issues with revealing projections for closed States while others are still voting... ie like in Canada How it's done: http://www.tvtechnology.com... OMG Enough with the screaming. At least they're mixing it down... But seriously. I shouldn't have to turn down the volume. Also, #cnn enough with the "random black people in the crowd" shots. Do you know you're promoting racist stereotypes? More dets on the holographic interview technology: http://tinyurl.com/57quvw McCain admits defeat? I can go to bed now. Just one more holographic interview, plz! Why must we still differentiate by race? Why is Obama's victory a big deal for African Americans, as says McCain? It's a big deal for all!
I wonder what happens if a candidate admits defeat on a projected result - which then turns out to be wrong. Can he still claim presidency? As much as I don't want to hear crowds screaming too loud, please mix in some bg audio when showing crowd shots. I can't really blame the audio mixer(s). It's a tough situation, diff. mixes coming into HQ, and prob. a whole lot of control room yelling. Loving the sky shots. Wonder if it's a track or a jib... Does that make me a geek?
Wonder if the mixers have time to adjust incoming audio for optimal broadcasting before putting it on air.
@ #cnn This interview is totally ineffective. omg! CNN showed old white people! They can't support Obama, can they? I thought it was all black ppl and youth! Me? Jaded? Naaaahhh
Yes you are hyper critical, and yes you are a geek, but aren't we all when it comes to our field of expertise? i'm a food geek.... I got confused after a while with all those links though..but that's just me, short attention span
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