Camera technicians under the radar; well-favored TV reporters
On a warm Friday morning, I caught up with Noah Nash, a remarkable individual who personifies the idea of a one-man show in the world of journalism.
As both a cameraman and reporter, Noah takes on the challenging task of capturing compelling stories while telling them to his viewers.
“Noah, where are you?” I asked him over a WhatsApp call. With the sounds of a bustling village in the background, it was evident that he was in the midst of another compelling story.
Noah was hard at work at a village near Walewale, dedicated to portraying the issues and narratives that often go unnoticed.
For over a decade, Noah has been a one-man army, taking on the roles of both cameraman and reporter. His journey in television reporting has been a testament to his dedication and passion for showcasing captivating stories, often focusing on the lesser-known aspects of life.
Before Noah’s independent journey began, he was a valuable asset at Viasat1 TV. His time there was marked by his versatility, as he juggled roles as a cameraman, reporter, and video editor. Noah’s commitment to excellence in all these roles has become the foundation of his reporting career.
In the world of television reporting, there’s a captivating story behind every captivating story. For most viewers, the face of the news is often the reporter or anchor presenting the latest headlines, but behind the scenes, a group of unsung heroes ensures that these stories come to life.
Imagine a newspaper, magazine, billboard, news segment, or online article that lacks images. The impact of any story is deeply intertwined with the visuals that accompany it. In a world of media, photos hold the power to either enhance or hinder a story. They offer context and provide a deeper understanding, rendering photojournalism a vital craft in itself.
While reporters often receive accolades for their work, it’s the camera operators who labor diligently behind the scenes, ensuring that every story comes to life. They are the unsung heroes of television reporting, capturing the essence of a story and making it accessible to the masses.
Camera technicians work tirelessly to bring the reality of a story to the forefront. Their artistry ensures that viewers can truly comprehend and connect with the subject matter. It’s the camera technician who sets the stage for the reporter, providing a canvas on which the story unfolds.
It’s essential to emphasize that a great deal of the heavy lifting behind every captivating news story is done by the unsung camera technicians. These individuals possess an uncanny knack for understanding what visuals will best complement a story, and they often return to edit the footage, making the reporter’s role seem like mere scriptwriting, accounting for less than arguably 20% of the overall process.
The bulk of the compelling storytelling for TV is the result of the relentless dedication of camera technicians. They take on approximately 80% of the work, molding raw footage into a powerful narrative. Even the most beautifully written script can fall flat if the visuals do not match the story’s intensity.
Noah is far from alone in his relentless pursuit of compelling visuals. Many others work tirelessly to ensure that the stories are enhanced by the power of their visuals, yet they often remain in the shadows.
One such dedicated technician is Kofi Asare, based in Kumasi, who embodies the spirit of versatility. Kofi’s commitment to his craft goes beyond merely operating a camera; he is also a video editor and a wizard when it comes to graphic manipulation.
Kofi serves as the lead camera technician at the Kumasi Business Unit of Multimedia Group Limited. His contribution to video journalism has elevated it to an art form. When you encounter compelling visuals emanating from the Multimedia office in Kumasi, know that they bear Kofi’s indelible mark.
At just 37 years old, Kofi has dedicated his life to camera operation and visual editing. What’s even more remarkable is that he has achieved this without the benefit of a tertiary education. His journey began in 2004 when he started as an apprentice at NAYAS STUDIOS in Kumasi. Here, he immersed himself in the art of documentary filmmaking, music videos, and TV news coverage.
Kofi’s commitment to his craft propelled him through the ranks of various media companies. At Elijah TV, he ascended to the position of chief visual editor and head of production. His influence and artistry have left an indelible mark on every project he has touched.
Kofi endures numerous sleepless nights, striving to ensure that work is completed within deadlines. I have observed on multiple occasions how he goes the extra mile, occasionally spending the night at the office to ensure meticulous completion of tasks. Kofi appears visibly fatigued at times, evident in the weariness etched on his face and the telltale signs in the color of his eyes.
It’s clear that sleep deprivation has left its mark. This level of commitment is a testament to the dedication Kofi invests in his work, going above and beyond to ensure that everything is executed with precision and thoroughness.
Solomon Budu-Hagan, a key figure at GBC/GTV, stands as one of the unsung heroes working behind the scenes to illuminate captivating visuals on television screens.
With a career spanning since 1998, he started as a foundational member of the camera technicians’ team at Metro TV, a role he undertook alongside the production of the renowned TV series, ‘Sincerely Yours,’ with Fritz Baffour at the production helm.
Transitioning to the film/video division of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation in Accra and later moving to Kumasi, Solomon has contributed significantly to the visual storytelling landscape. His journey led him to collaborate with the 31st December Women’s Movement, offering him occasional opportunities to work closely with the then First Family.
During the production of ‘Sincerely Yours,’ Solomon seized the chance to traverse the country, capturing diverse stories and experiences. Notably, he played a pivotal role in documenting the disturbances following the Dagbon Crisis and covered the proceedings of the National Reconciliation Committee established by President Kuffour.
To further hone his skills and expertise, Solomon pursued studies in film/tv production at The National Film & Television Institute (NAFTI), specializing in cinematography. Through his dedication and technical prowess, Solomon has left an indelible mark on the world of television production in Ghana.
Amidst the dazzling lights, glamour, and accolades that adorn the world of television reporting, there lies a poignant question – why are the individuals behind the scenes, who contribute the lion’s share to the stories we celebrate, often overlooked?
It’s a perplexing matter that calls for reflection. While reporters are adorned with awards, recognition, and applause, the unsung heroes who transform their work into compelling stories often remain in obscurity. This raises a fundamental question about the fairness and equity of our industry.
One cannot help but ponder why awards, honors, and distinctions are typically bestowed upon TV reporters alone. These awards serve as evidence to excellence, yet they only paint half the picture. Perhaps it’s time to rethink how we honor those who play a substantial role in bringing news to life.
The individuals behind the camera, the camera technicians, video editors, and countless others, are instrumental in molding the raw footage into a masterpiece. Yet, their contributions are often taken for granted. It’s high time we considered what can be done to recognize their invaluable work.
While there’s no denying the significant role of reporters in presenting news, there is an undeniable need for balance in recognition. The contributions of camera technicians, editors, and all those who work tirelessly behind the scenes must not go unnoticed. The question of fairness in awarding recognition deserves collective attention from awarding institutions and organisations.
TV reporters and their camera technicians share a symbiotic relationship, each relying on the other’s skills and dedication. It’s time to foster a culture of gratitude and recognition that extends to all who play a part in the news-making process.
It’s time to rethink our approach to recognition. Rather than taking the applause, plaque, and gifts alone, let’s share the spotlight. The reporters can use their influence and visibility to draw attention to the unsung heroes who make their stories shine.
Our industry’s collective decision to overlook the tireless efforts of the men and women behind the scenes is a matter that merits serious contemplation. We can choose to change this narrative by celebrating all those who make television reporting a powerful medium.
Imagine a future where every newsroom applauds not just the face of the story but all the hands that craft it. This vision is not impossible. By acknowledging the critical contributions of camera technicians and others, we can enrich the storytelling experience for all.
Let’s remember that recognizing those who toil behind the scenes doesn’t diminish the spotlight on reporters; it merely makes the light shine brighter. Together, we can pave the way for a more equitable and fair industry, where everyone who contributes to compelling storytelling receives the recognition they truly deserve.
In our quest for information, let us not forget that the stories we absorb are not just about the words but the visuals that accompany them. The camera technicians, much like Noah, Kofi and Solomon, work tirelessly to ensure that every frame captures the essence of a story. Their work makes news a compelling medium that resonates with the audience.
The next time you find yourself engrossed in a captivating news segment, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship of those behind the scenes. The silent architects of television reporting, the camera technicians, transform simple narratives into powerful stories. Their work is a testament to the fusion of art and technology, bringing the world’s stories to your screens with precision and grace.
Source: Ghana News
