City TV, a new way of making television in Latin America

TV&V: What is the proposal of the channel?

Nelson Martinez: City TV has the idea of being a people's channel for people, where you can learn the world of the city for the city itself. The protagonist can be you or anyone. That is why the channel is synonymous with spontaneity, modernity and movement. There was no local television model in our country for a specific city like Bogotá. It is a proposal that wants to be an alternative, a different option for people and I consider it to be a serious communication project that aims to rescue the identity of the citizen.

TV&V: Could you briefly describe what technological resources they use in City TV?

NM: As international television is already moving in the digital, you have to think about technology of this type because if you want to sell a product abroad you have to use this format. For example, a videographer uses a DVC PRO camera and relies on a mini DV, both of Panasonic technology. The conception of the channel implies that on any floor of the headquarters building it can be recorded or can be taken as a studio. This is facilitated because there are connections for all equipment on all floors. Most importantly, City TV's main studio is the city.

TV & Video also learned that the channel's editing systems are models of Avid Express, and Avid Media Composer, with graphing applications such as Adobe, Photoshop, Illustrator and Morphing, which generate various alternatives to the creation of the channel's professionals.

TV&V: Does the work model respond to economic reasons?

NM: The videographer is a registered trademark of City, it is one of the characteristics of the channel. This professional conceives the idea of the note, develops it in its entirety, has control of the realization. The economic is a part, the business is around, and if you have more economical and integral professional equipment, you achieve objectives such as making a modern television for people, capable of reflecting the viewer and creating identity.

TV&V: Do you think this is a production model that can be applied in local stations in Latin American countries?

To the affirmative answer Nelson Martínez adds: "to have a channel with these characteristics requires a city character that feeds the different programs".

TV&V: How can you describe the results of this experience?

They have been positive. The new sometimes does not like at first but the viewer is educated in the agile, spontaneous and modern schemes. The results can be seen, perhaps, because there are no stars and everyone on the channel is engaged.

In our tour of the channel two videographers explained some characteristics of their work.

TV&V: How is the work of the videographer defined?

"To be a videographer you need to be self-sufficient. The note is proposed in a drafting board, it is conceived in its entirety, a work plan is made, it is recorded and edited. You have the total power of realization. It's as if a cameraman makes a note and he is the picture or the presenter. Depending on the place or the type of note, we work only with the mini DV." Edgar Mayorga explains.

TV&V: What are the professional requirements to perform your job?

EM: You have to handle concepts of photography and sound, know a camera and, basically, know how to tell a story. In this we see that the concept of the notes is more documentary than newsworthy. Spontaneity helps the realization and, for example, if you make a note with the small camera this makes people more relaxed. The big camera, the DVC PRO are my eyes and the small camera shows the story like in a documentary.

TV&V: ¿How are the results of this experience described?

Camilo Achri responds: "Being a videographer has been interesting because it is about making the work of the camera professional. The filmmaker works with his maximum expression and does not depend on anyone. It integrates the technical with creativity. When you make a note you have the power to capture what you really want because you know the equipment, the plans and you do not have to tell someone, ask me this plan or these questions. Steps are saved in the realization. As for the technical requirements everything is backed by a first class scheme. For example, the mini DV camera has a Steady Shot that reduces unintentional movements, and a wide viewfinder that supports the composition of shots. If a simple technical problem arises you are able to solve it because you know the equipment, if it is more complex there is a team of engineers that solves any failure."

The model of production work with a single person has yielded very good results since it managed to define a way of making local television. The proposal of the videographer, of the ENG with only one person, is the contribution of this channel to the audiovisual production of Latin America. You can contact this channel through the Press Office, Tel: (571) 3444060 Ext. 4159.