More Than Replays: Why Behavior Matters in Live TV
- Michael
- May 4
- 3 min read
Working in broadcasting is very stressful. Time pressure, unpredictability during a program, fear of making mistakes, and perfectionism all contribute to a tense atmosphere, negative emotions, and conflicts in the control room or OB VAN. A crucial thing is how you behave and react in this environment.
Don’t shout
I will remember my first working day in television for the rest of my life. As an inexperienced EVS replay operator, I made a mistake during a live broadcast. The producer was furious, with anger in his eyes, approached me and spent about 10 minutes yelling at me and insulting me, completely ignoring what was happening in the show. Do you think after that, I worked better? The effect was the complete opposite. I had to keep working, but I was shocked, emotionally paralyzed, and stressed. By the end of the live show, things had gone in a different way because the producer focused on negative emotions rather than the substance of the program.
Imagine if the producer had said: "Okay, you made a mistake, but now we have a live broadcast. Let’s focus on it and keep working. We’ll talk after the show." In my opinion the program would have turned out much better.
Don’t argue
After a few years of working as an EVS replay operator, I was confident and sure of my skills. During one broadcast, the technical director said that I made a replay from a bad angle and that there were editing mistakes in my highlights. I started arguing with him because I was certain I had done my job properly. For the rest of the show, the atmosphere was tense, and everyone in the OB VAN felt the negative emotions. The technical director no longer trusted me as he had before the broadcast began.
After that broadcast, I understood that I shouldn't have behaved like that. On the next live show, I changed my strategy. When the technical director said that I made a mistake, I responded: "Okay, maybe you're right. Next time, I will do it the way you want." After that, I noticed the workflow was much better. We discussed any issues and mistakes after the event in a friendly atmosphere. Today, we understand each other perfectly.
Communicate and ask
Before every broadcast, I talk with the producer or technical director about how the show should look and what they expect from the EVS operators. When I don’t understand something, I always inquire. You have to know that not all producers or technical directors will respond willingly, but the argument that you're asking to avoid making a mistake during the broadcast will always work.
Your behavior
Skills during a broadcast are very important. The employer is confident that they are hiring professionals who will produce great broadcasts. However, most important is how you behave before, during, and after the broadcast. Simply what kind of person you are. Working as an EVS operator is full of sacrifices, but it also brings a lot of satisfaction. Last year, after one of the broadcasts, I heard from the head producer: "It’s great working with you. Could you work on another show with us?" For me, as an EVS operator, this is the best reward for my work – being appreciated not only as a good EVS replay operator but also as a person.
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