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Venue Guidelines
Hosting a U.S. Senate Debate
Are you interested in providing a suitable venue for a televised debate
for U.S. Senate debate in 2010? A location is one of the most
important aspects of establishing and setting up a debate. Here are
specifications and recommendations to consider before submitting your
venue report.
Facilities – Exterior
A debate venue should have:
Parking for a TV transmission truck (satellite or microwave, usually up to a 40-foot box truck) An unobstructed vista to the south (no trees or buildings blocking) for a clear shot to the appropriate satellite Parking for a separate production truck (similar size) Parking for a back-up microwave truck (full-size van) Parking for production and microwave trucks enough to allow for easy cabling from the production truck to the stage Parking for a gasoline-powered electrical generator IF the building does not have enough power Open window, or “doggie door,” but also a guarded door through which all of the TV camera cable, audio cable and other lines must run (these would be installed the day before the event and would need to remain in place overnight in a secure area or with appropriate security) Secure building entrances through which the public may pass for ticketing A telephone company box from which the phone company drops several temporary land lines (either interior or exterior)
Facilities – Interior
A debate auditorium should have:
A permanent stage (preferably) or a large, open space on which risers, pipe and drape and flats may be installed Private rooms for each candidate with; chairs, drinking water, a landline phone, enough room for several advisors, and enough space to allow for a makeup artist to apply makeup Power needs include; a 3-phase power system with a 250-400-amp draw used for lights, wireless microphone amplifiers, PA amplification, cameras and other needs) An existing in-house public address system so the public can hear the debate well in the auditorium Ante room with large TV monitor and speakers and video/audio “mult” box for other news media to plug into and record or take notes Building security to protect equipment brought in for the debate Four lighting trees (or space for them) or permanent aim-able lighting installations for three-point lighting (back light, key light, fill light) for each candidate, moderator and fill lights for panels (if there are any) and audience (first few rows) Audio monitors for the candidates to hear the audience, panelist or moderator questions – depending on the size of the venue Clear place on the main floor for floor microphone where audience members can ask questions – if that is the format Risers behind the TV cameras for still photographers to use to shoot the debate (using silent, digital non-motor drive cameras) A curtain area position for a still photographer (probably pool) to get a side position shot of the candidates A large room or rooms (atrium, lobby, foyer, etc. are possible) for the candidates to meet supporters and the news media for post-debate interviews and comments
Logistical Recommendations
A venue should be able to provide:
Complete access to the building and the room for two full days prior to the scheduled event Cooperation with building maintenance staff for help in moving around chairs, access to electrical outlets, phones and other issues Almost constant access to a venue host or venue planner who is a PRIMARY decision maker Assistance with installing camera platforms over permanent chairs or building camera platforms in an open room; similar assistance for installation of risers, flats, pipe and drape, as needed A lighting director, in addition to a producing organization (a TV station or a production company) ADA Assistance (interpreters for the hearing impaired in the live audience) A make-up artist with experience in the deadline application of a TV format
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