tv-bay questions

Name & Title? Clive Hunte
Who are you? (about yourself and Band on the Wall)?
I am an Archive Technician at Band on the Wall in Manchester. My role is a funded 5-year post through Heritage lottery fund, to archive current music, old music and photos for Band on the Wall.
What do you do? What does Band on the Wall do?
Band on the Wall is bespoke venue steeped in history (since the 2nd World War), to my knowledge its the only UK based music venue running education workshops, corporate events, as well as music from around the world, all continents of African, Europe, South and North America and UK.
Tell me a little about your previous experience, what you've worked on and with up to your current position?
I used to work for a Young Peoples Theatre company called Contact for seven years, as an AV Documenter, and also did, and still do freelance video work for clients like the Arts Council Yorkshire and London, British Airways, Meninos du Morumbi Oldham, Whitworth Art Gallery, BookTrust London.

What specific project(s) do you have in the works?
Through a joint project with Band on the Wall and GMMAZ (Greater Manchester Music Action Zone) we are covering music education workshops and performance. This month myself and one of the box office staff are doing off our own backs a pilot Band on the Wall TV online magazine programme to been shown through our website – which we are really excited about.
What technology are you working with?
The equipment I use in the AV suite is centred around Final Cut Pro, using Panasonic Full HD 1080p remote controlled pan and tilt cameras connected to Panasonic video Switcher, and Blackmagic DeckLink HD Extreme card and Blackmagic Broadcast Convertor. The Blackmagic Decklink card is so flexible, it enables me as a one man operation to multi-task, as some nights not only am I filming on the fly using three cameras, but I'm also outputting the live concert to the Picture House downstairs, where we have two screens, one of which is two-way, so people in the street walking pass can see what performance is in the main venue, and hopefully come in and buy a ticket.
What new products/technology are you looking forward to the most?
I've not been that proactive in terms of what’s going on, but when I was the Broadcast Video Expo in London, I did look at real-time H.264 hardware encoders and I’m looking forward to getting one soon.

During your career what was the biggest “turning point” into new technology?
After seeing my mate use a DSLR camera, just like how the mobile phone has evolved into what is today the humble SLR has reinvented itself as a video camera, so I've now purchased a DSLR myself now.

What is your favourite / least favourite things about working in the business?
I have no ‘least favourite things’, because I really enjoy what I do and the environment I work in.

What gets you out of bed in the morning to go to work?
To be able to do a job that's an extension of what I love doing is fantastic. I love music and it’s great to be surrounded by it everyday!