Our studio productions consisted of two short episodes of suspenseful comedy. To give visitors and audiences an immersive and engaging experience, I think creating a rich storytelling environment that extends beyond the screen. For example, we could reuse the backdrops and props built during the shoot to visually communicate the setting of the story. In addition, I proposed displaying behind-the-scenes highlights, production stills, promotional posters, and character photo boards around the studio. These materials help immerse the audience in the world of the story, giving them a sense of the atmosphere, tone, and themes before the episode even begins. I believe that this kind of detailed production environment encourages deeper viewer engagement, turning passive observation into active interpretation. It also reflects the core ideas of the studio show—the interesting points about the studio live production of the program.

Throughout the process of creating the final studio episodes, I took on multiple responsibilities as part of the events production team. One of my most successful contributions was being proactive and hands-on in both the technical and creative aspects of production. I participated in editing several video elements used in the show, including introductory sequences, ads, and credits. I also ran the autocue during Episode 2’s live taping. This task, though often overlooked, is crucial in maintaining the pacing and rhythm of the episode, especially in a dialogue-heavy genre like comedy. This represented a major improvement in my technical coordination and awareness under pressure and gave me valuable confidence in studio live production making.

That said, the experience was not without its challenges. One of my mistakes was misinterpreting a message from Larisa regarding changes to the staff list and running time. I mistakenly believed the updates applied only to visual elements like the intro and credits, and I overlooked the trailer. This led to a versioning error, which I take responsibility for. It taught me the importance of verifying information and asking for clarification—especially when working in fast-paced production environments.

Looking forward, I can identify several ways to improve and expand on this work. First, the set design could be refined further to match the show’s tone more closely. For example, our setting—a wealthy Victorian-style dinner party—could have been more visually opulent. I envisioned large faux floor-to-ceiling windows with a green screen showing stormy weather outside. During a dramatic scene, flashes of lightning and shadows could reflect eerily on the characters inside, creating a visually tense atmosphere that complements the suspense and contrasts with the comedic elements. Geraint (2019) emphasizes that set design is not merely a backdrop but a narrative tool. The way space is arranged and visual elements are chosen can enhance the viewer’s understanding of the plot and emotional stakes. I believe such visual storytelling could elevate our show’s impact significantly. Second, expanding the story beyond the mansion could open up more plotlines and character development. More additional storylines would allow us to have more room for reflection. Alternatively, we could adopt an anthology-style structure, introducing new characters in each episode who are all connected to the central theme: the tension between arrogance and class disparity. This could provide a stronger narrative arc across episodes and allow a deeper exploration of social dynamics in a comedic tone. Third, the EVS video inserts could be more seamlessly integrated. The current version has some rawness to it.

One of the most important lessons I’ve taken from this production is the critical role of communication in teamwork. As mentioned earlier, my misunderstanding regarding the updated staff list was a direct result of failing to confirm vague instructions. This reinforced the idea that communication needs to be clear, consistent, and two-way. As Sawyer (2008) highlights in his work on creative collaboration, teams that generate the most innovative results are those that build on one another’s ideas in real-time. This only happens when communication flows freely and feedback is valued.

As John-Steiner (2000) says, “Collaborative creativity thrives on sustained dialogue, mutual respect, and shared goals.” This quote perfectly captures my belief about successful team collaboration. In Episode 2, I served as the autocue operator, and my previous experience helped me anticipate the actors’ timing and adjust the speed of the script accordingly. It’s a skill I’ve come to value not only technically but also creatively. The autocue operator needs a good sense of pacing and performance rhythm to support actors effectively. It’s not just about words on a screen, it’s about helping the performer deliver their best timing.

Overall, this studio experience has helped me grow in fields of both as a media practitioner and as a team collaborator. I’ve learned that technical skills, while essential, are only part of what makes a production successful. Communication, collaboration, creativity, and adaptability are just as important. I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve also improved and contributed in meaningful ways. Whether I am working on set design, video editing, camera work, or running the autocue, I now approach each task with a deeper understanding of how it fits into the bigger picture—and how my voice and decisions can impact the final result.

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