Maria Istanboulie

In the development phase of a documentary series: create storylines, establish contacts, secure locations.

- In charge of the Reality segments of 2 episodes: prepare & direct the shoot, interview contestants. - Supervise assembling & final editing of episodes, with the collaboration of 2 story editors and 2 senior editors.

On location: supervise the de-rushing of the footage, ensure that the coverage of the stories is clear and complete.

Researching/finding required content (stock footage, news clips, etc.) for use in the film & clearing their usage rights.

- Working with research/question-writers & fact-checking teams - Working with segment producers on shooting “video clues”. - Making final selection of contestants with casting director. - During shooting in studio: following script with host through earpiece; following the questions with the contestants & giving cues to software operator for right/wrong answers.

- Determining the theme of each episode & the kind of cases that should be invited as guests. - Working with the research team on finding these cases. - Working with segment producers on the reports that are shot for each case.

Planning/directing/story editing of 7 reports on married couples who have light & funny daily life arguments; conducting interviews with the couples featured.

- Supervising a team of phone interviewers. - Attending castings & participating in the final selection of the candidates, from a storyteller’s point of view.

- Assisting the director from the software room (in coordination with 2nd AD in the OB van). - Supervising the final editing of the episodes.

- Shooting in Buenos Aires: preparing (with production team) candidates schedule for the day depending on items that need to be shot; managing set, directing shoots, interviewing candidates. - Story Editing in Beirut: selecting items that will appear in episodes; delivering rough cut of these items to editor; finalizing full episodes.

- Setting up an editing schedule & making sure it is being followed in order to meet the deadlines. - Supervising the copying of the episodes from the editing system to tapes.

- Managing a technical team composed of 25 members in very difficult weather conditions & exterior locations (deserts, valleys, etc.). - Working in close coordination with the content & the production teams in order to maintain as much favorable shooting conditions as possible.

Video switching, using more than 30 cameras (remote & cameraman controlled) spread out in the house the candidates lived in.

- Working with a team of story editors who have pre-edited items, & making the final selection of items to appear in the episodes. - Supervising & finalizing the editing of the episodes.

Video switching, using more than 50 cameras (remote & cameraman controlled) spread out in the house the candidates lived in.

- In the Master Control Room, following up on the candidates’ daily activities, logging it in & briefing the chief story editor on interesting items. - Pre-editing the items that will appear in the daily access episodes & delivering a rough cut to the editors.

In the Master Control Room, following up on the candidates’ daily activities, logging it in & briefing the chief story editor on interesting items.