Levi – The Director
Behind every live broadcast, there’s a director with a vision. Someone who blends creativity with technical skill to transform a simple script into a captivating experience.
Levi Ma’afala is that guy!
Ma’afala is a dedicated student at Olivet Nazarene University, pursuing a degree in Multimedia Communication with a concentration in TV/Video Production.
Passionate about storytelling and the power of visual media, Ma’afala has found his niche in live production, specifically through his work with Episode 2 of Tonight at Olivet, the university’s very own TV show.
As part of the Tonight at Olivet team, Ma’afala brings the show’s script to life through visual entertainment.
His job involves transforming the written plan into a captivating live broadcast.
It looks like this:
The Art of Directing
Directing is a dynamic and demanding role, with numerous challenges that require skill, patience, and creativity. For Ma’afala, some of the biggest challenges include:
- Time Constraints: Directing often involves working under tight schedules. Whether shooting a film, a live broadcast, or a series of scenes, every minute counts. Ma’afala must find ways to maximize the impact of each moment, all while keeping a clean show.
- Technical Complexity: From managing camera angles and lighting to overseeing sound and special effects, Ma’afala must have a deep understanding of the technical aspects of production. It requires quick thinking and problem-solving to ensure everything runs smoothly.
- Maintaining the Energy: Keeping a team motivated during long shoots or tough moments is crucial. As a director, Ma’afala works to make sure everyone is on the same page
Photo by Hunter Ah Loo.
Directing is an art that requires being able to multi-task. As a director, there is so much to think about. You are the engine of the content, people listen to you.
Through all these challenges Levi says
“I love directing, it’s challenging, but it’s eventful and fun,” Ma’afala
Teamwork
Photo provided by Tonight at Olivet
In the world of film, TV, and live production, teamwork is not just important—it is absolutely essential to the success of a project. For a director like Ma’afala, directing is a collaborative process that involves working with a group, each contributing their expertise to bring the story to life.
Production is not a one-man job. No one person can achieve high success in the film industry.
Read an article by Harvard Business Review, if you want to go into the deep details of production as a whole.
“I love my team, without them I wouldn’t be able to direct a good show,” Levi Ma’afala
Olivet Nazarene University
Olivet teaches students all these skills to fulfill a successful career in the film industry. Before this class, everyone had little to no experience. Through practice and repetition, everybody is one step closer to mastering their specific task.
As the director, Ma’afala ensures that the production runs smoothly in real-time, guiding actors through their performances and collaborating with the technical crew to capture the best shots. He coordinates all aspects of the show, balancing the creative vision with the logistics of the production.
Ma’afala focuses on the “during” phase of the show.
If you are interested in learning these skills visit the course catalog.
