Television has emerged as a powerful medium and is ideal for communication of science, especially, when it comes to educational and informational requirements, where television can work wonders. Production of a science perogramme involves three main stages, i.e., pre-production, production and post production. Though all the stages need responsibility and attentiveness but meticulous work during pre-production is the prerequisite for success. In production of science programme, one cannot ignore interactive nature because it presents science as a subject of common man and also breaks the traditional image of science as a subject effective and powerful way of communication, information, education and entertainment. It is the power of the medium, which has turned the world into a village. An ocean of information is available just on a click of 'remote'. Television carries visuals and that's why it develops clear understanding and is of great worth when it comes to taking science and technology to a wide audience.

Television programme : Scope and utility

Dominancy of television lies in conversion of virtuality into reality. Through visual and audio effects, imagination and reality both can be exhibited on screen. The programme on television reflects manifold aspects about the topic particularly in case of science and technology. It reveals invention, discovery, functioning, history, present scenario, principle, application and futuristic pathways with further hopes or constraints. The utility of science programmes have got widened aspects. Television programmes generate understanding, visual literacy and acquaintance with the object phenomenon and finally result in enhancement of perception.

Stages : Concept to cassette

A television programme production includes three following stages :

1. Pre-production

2. Production and

3. Post-production

Pre-production : Eye for details essential

A concept or an idea is the key to a television programme. It is the platform on which programme takes shape. Whether the chosen idea can be exhibited visually is the most important assessment to be made. Definitely, medium of television depends upon visualisation. While deciding about idea, many aspects are taken into consideration. In the meantime it is necessary to decide the target audience. If the programme say, is on CT-Scan and is for general audience then it should be introductory, simple and dealing with the applications of CT-Scan. Applications include diagnosis of disorders of various organs such as chest, heart, lungs, brain, cervical spine, cancer diagnosis, etc.

Think about the objectives of the programme. For general audience, the objective should be to make them conversant with new technology of diagnosis. It can be achieved through simple presentation of CT-Scan principle, application and functioning.

Maintaining pace of programme along with adequate interest is difficult task and therefore duration also becomes important, as is the language and the format of the programme. If the programme is introductory, then duration should not cross 15 minute. Visual programmes are very expensive and require extensive resources in terms of technology, technicians, skill, research, artists and money (Kishore Devesh, Personal communication). Keeping the visualisation in mind one should have to decide about the production of television programme. Language has deep concern with the theme of the programme. Language of the programme depends upon various factors.

1. Translation or simplification of subject specific terminology should be as per the need of the subject.
2. While selecting language and its nature, need of the channel and its audience is also studied. Sometimes language is chosen according to demand of the channel.
3. If the programme is in local flavour, then regional language is used.

After deciding about language; select the format of the programme, i.e., film, documentary or any other. For the sake of interest and understanding, a science programme should use documentary form wherever needed. Now it is time for the content research of the programme. For example various resources for a programme on CT-Scan are; interview with an expert - a medical officer or a radiologist; science magazines, journals, newspaper and equipment manuals. Today internet is seemed to be most powerful source of information and it should be utilised timely but carefully as getting authentic material is not easy. The task of content research is of much responsibility as whole reliability of the fact, inference, figure, information and education lies on it.

After having content research, generate script for the programme. Following cautions should be taken while writing script :

1. Don't make an attempt to describe visual as television is the medium of visuals itself.

2. Scripting should not reflect literature but communication with target audience.

3. While writing script for a science programme controversial subject should be presented by interview of the subject expert rather than voice over or commentary.

4. Don't use eulogising words for science programme.

5. Try to write words and sentences in simple form because television is the medium of audio and video both (Tiwari Kunwar Anurag Singh, Personal communication).

6. Repetition of sentences, even with some modification, creates a bad impression on viewer.

7. There is no room for exaggeration in science programme.

8. Terminologies should be explained properly. In case of highly technical words put simple synonym or explain it.

9. Formal and literary words should not be used in science programmes.

Now, stage for production is set. Many times storyboard is generated before going for production. Storyboard reflects sequential arrangement of shots, their pattern and major and minor details with their voice–over if needed. Though creation of storyboard is not a hard and fast rule, however, it gives you an outline of programme in nutshell manner.

At this stage paper work accomplishes and practical works begins. The work of production is a result of teamwork. Expert professionals such as producer, cameraman, sound recordist, sound technologist, production assistant and light man along with attendants are involved in the team. The command over production comes through constant practice and experience. Actually the whole production task depends upon sincere work performed on pre-production (Khan Waris Ahmad, Personal communication). Observe following things at this stage :

1. Check the functioning of camera, battery, lens, monitor, cable and sound recording microphones.

2. You may not follow storyboard blindly.

3. Always try for additional footage.

4. Recording of interview, monologue, dialogue or panel discussion should be technically and verbally correct in terms of visuals and spoken words.

5. Be courteous with senior persons / dignitaries.

6. Study and shoot variety of shots for enhancement of the programme.

7. Particularly in science programmes, design interactive pattern as far as possible.

The post production stage starts from logging preview. In this session, you have to study the entire stock of visual shots and interviews. In rough cut preview, observe and note down the shot description, duration, time and prepare editing sheet. Editing sheet is also known as Q-sheet. This will help you much in editing and save time. In editing, visuals and voice over (VO) is arranged sequentially and background music is inserted wherever necessary. In this way final programme comes out with a proper mix of visuals, voice over, talkie, music, background score, animations, etc., in a proper, logical, sensible sequence.

Acknowledgement :

1. Professor Devesh Kishore
2. Dr. Waris Ahmad Khan 3. Kunwar Anurag Singh Tiwari