A total of 240 students and recent graduates with their sights on television careers have begun their biggest real-life industry experience to date: working with the NEP Host Broadcast team to deliver the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
Representing 10 Queensland universities and TAFEs, the Host Broadcast Training Program (HBTP) participants are in roles spanning the gamut of Host Broadcast operations: camera control unit (CCU), camera assist/cable hands, broadcast technical assistants, broadcast information assistants, runners, loggers, camera operators at media conferences and audio technicians. On average, trainees will work around 100 hours on the events, which started last week on April 4.
NEP Australia and the NEP Host Broadcast team have supported the training program, providing trainees with 12-18 months’ preparation that included NEP-led workshops on the Host Broadcaster’s responsibilities, training for specific operations roles, and attending NEP outside broadcasts of NRL, AFL, Cricket and A-League for hands-on participation in live event coverage under the supervision of NEP and skilled freelance staff on location.
Host Broadcast information manager Faye Andrews showing Lily Mitchell the Games Info system
Among the trainees is Griffith Film School Bachelor of Film and Screen Media Production student Lily Mitchell, who is working with NEP Host Broadcast at the Beach Volleyball at Coolangatta as a Broadcast Information Assistant.
“It’s a little bit of everything,” Mitchell said. “I’m helping with accreditation, working with the commentators, making sure all the cameras are tagged and that people are in the right place at the right time.”
Despite a degenerative eye condition that impairs her sight, Lily is well on her way to a television and film career.
“I love the adrenalin rush of producing live TV and sports broadcasts, and the GC2018 traineeship is the perfect opportunity to combine my passion for film and broadcasting with my love of sport,” she said.
On location at the beach volleyball: Host Broadcast director Greg Breakall explaining the Mixed Zone in preparation for Beach Volleyball with Mitchell
NEP Host Broadcast’s head of broadcast training Gerry O’Leary added: “The Host Broadcast Training Program (HBTP) is all about helping young people embarking on their careers to know about the interesting and challenging world of live broadcasting, the changes that are occurring, and how their skills as enthusiastic adopters of technology will provide the opportunities they seek.
“I am so proud of the passion with which our Host Broadcast team has embraced the training program, the collaboration and support our university and TAFE partners have extended, and most of all to see our up-and-coming colleagues rise to the challenge of delivering Gold Coast 2018.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to know we are enriching the local skills base, promoting gender equality in the broadcast technical industry, and that the Host Broadcast Training Program will leave a lasting, positive legacy from the Games.”
More information at nephb.com, nephb.com/Student and gc2018.com.
Top photo: Mitchell with her GC2018 accreditation