Nilambar Rath
A jimmy-jib is a modern and sophisticated crane with a very long arm that is used to give flexibility to the unmanned camera attached to it. Through this the producer captures candid moments and expressions of the artists from top angle and from various angles while moving the equipment, on air, from one side to the other, and from top to bottom, within its coverage area. There is no doubt that Jimmy Jib has become a boon for today’s film and television productions due its flexibility to result a range and variety of angles and movements in the unmanned camera. It thus offers a dynamic mode and a lot of flexibility and creativity to any producer. But having been in to television production, for many years, and being fully aware about the benefits any jimmy jib offers, I want to put the straight question to the authorities that how come such a nuisance got into the creative and brilliant ambience and art atmosphere of Konark Natya Mandap?
At Konark Natya Mandap , the authorities have perfectly created a special space or zone for the lensmen to operate within. Professional photographers and photo journalists of local print media normally use that space. But, being an audio-visual format any television production shall demand specific or strategic positions across the auditorium. In fact, understanding the same the authorities have been providing space to TV cameras at different places in the open air auditorium. Those camera locations or placements are fine for any multi-camera production (and of production of any length). But, I am surprised, how come the authorities allowed a jimmy jib to be a part of any such production! To my understanding, any such heavy and moving equipment can not only annoy the local-spectators and the art lovers, but also seriously disturbs the artists and their accompanists! So why a serious spectator will bother about the appeal of the event when the main organizers forget to take care of the locale ambience and aesthetics?
Konark Festival was aimed to showcase the rich tradition and texture of Indian classical dance forms and efforts have been made to take the event to an international level. Having said that, we have to take utmost care to offer some visual-comfort and create a good ambience for the audience that is attracted from hundreds and thousands kilometers from Konark. Otherwise, the footfall to Konark Festival, in terms of number, may increase every year. But fulfilling the eyes and imagination of serious art lovers and shall remain as a day dream!