Debate Split-Screen special effects on C-SPAN

[npincus]

Just curious... I watched the debate on C-SPAN to avoid the usual crap that clutters up the tv screen (banners, text) and was distracted, really, the entire debate by the odd alignment of Kerry and Bush's heads in the split-screen mode.

In other words, to make them appear 'equally tall' Kerry was 'downsized'... his lectern appeared to be lower than Bush's. And the camera was moving slightly the whole time, so that Kerry was floating up and down and quivering slightly. I found this very distracting, and worked to Bush's advantage because it created the perception that Bush was standing on a higher platfrom than Kerry. When I discussed this with my sister, who had watched the debate on another channel, she said that Kerry's height worked to his advantage at the debate because he looked so much taller... I asked about the split-screen leveling effect, and she said she hadn't seen this (???) and wasn't sure which (cable) channel she'd been watching.

So, my question is, was this effect due to the FOX's control of the cameras, and was it or was it not used on other cable and network stations? As I said, this effect was used on C-SPAN. Can you folks tell me on what network you watched the debate, and whether the cameras played these tricks?

[DebJ]

1. Actually I think, and most media I heard agreed, that Bush

looked worse because his stupid smirking face and slumping body were magnified as they tried to even out the physical difference and put Bush and Kerry in an on-camera equal position. The Repub media were saying that Bush's (idiotic) responses were 'magnified', and therefore hit home harder then they would have in more normal shots.

[npincus]

3. I agree- Bush looked ridiculous

in that regard, a constant split-screen view was unrelenting exposure of his absurd facial expressions for 90 minutes, and Kerry's presidential demeanor. That's not my point. The split-screen presentation WITH the leveling effect was unflattering to Kerry, in my opinion, and distracting. So, wondering how this was done on other networks.

yes, I think that the Chimps facial contotions will take on a life of their own... I'm waiting for an ad to pop up on tv- I know the DNC has one online.

[seeker4ever]

2. I work in television and...

The proper way (or at least one) to set up those shots is to leave the same amout of room above each subjests head in the video frame (head room), which it appeared they were trying to maintain.

What I did not like was that in the split screen the video levels and colors were not matched. Kerry's focus was soft and his color temptrature was cold. This may have been a function of the DVE used to create the split screen or a deliberate move by the Fox EIC. Also Kerry's camera person seemed to go in to epileptic fits at times. The shot shook like an Earth quake.

[npincus]

4. thank you- do you think the earthquake effect was done

accidently-on-purpose? Don't these guys use a tripod?

[Lefty48197]

5. The split screen created a huge advantage for Kerry

It seemed like every time Kerry was speaking, Bush was fidgeting, and looking very nervous. The split screen made Kerry look much more at ease. I don't think others got as much of a feel for how nervous Bush was.

[merh]

6. The Faux network may have operated the cameras, but the

views presented on tv were the choice of the network. ABC had the split screen photo of the full podium and would alter to facial views during the debates. CSPAN's attempts to project and equal image (same height) was CSPAN's choice (Freepers were pissed that the images projected by CSPAN and their banner at the bottom covered Kerry's lights and no one could tell that he was not complying with his time limits). Other channels used different versions of the available footage.