“Backtiming” describes the production process in which you are planning backward to meet your deadline. For instance, an hour newscast does not last for a full 60 minutes. It is up to producers to ensure that stories fit into a certain time span by trimming or removing pieces, while working backwards from the show’s end time so that it does not run over.
This is one of the first concepts that Rosemary discussed when I arrived at Double R Productions. Backtiming is something we do often as interns. We’re frequently writing, practicing with equipment, running errands and assisting with other big projects and video shoots for clients. Two weeks ago, Lorenz and I assisted with a creative writing workshop with NCUA. Last week, we were able to go on our first two-day shoot with the Metro Labor Council. We visited Capitol Hill for the first time to assist with a set of interviews.
Unique learning experiences like these mixed with other tasks that come up around the office require us to backtime so that all major projects are completed before the deadline. Everyday is different at Double R; it’s fast-paced, there’s a lot to do, and we have to make sure that we are always backtiming to keep up with all of the great projects that happen around here.
