Kailash Khati - Session 01

AR-020-1-1

(00:00:10 to 00:05:01) The interview begins with an introduction to the subject’s intent to preserve older-generation experiences and collect portable media equipment to showcase technological evolution. Early comparisons are made between manual workflows and modern digital ease.

(00:05:02 to 00:10:00) Discusses how earlier work was fully manual and demanded creative problem-solving. Gives examples of modifying equipment and explains that while creativity is still key today, digital tools simplify many formerly complex tasks.

(00:10:01 to 00:14:59) Confirms that earlier production offered no margin for drafts or mistakes. Shares personal background, including wireman training and gradual shift into video production through hands-on learning and feedback-based training.

(00:15:00 to 00:18:39) Describes transition from wiring work to media and video training driven by personal interest. Mentions later involvement as a trainer at workshops.

Session 2

(00:00:00 – 00:06:22) Emphasizes that learning was through direct technical exposure rather than formal institutional training. Learning occurred through experimentation and peer mentorship. Recalls being encouraged to take detailed notes during early training, which later served as personalised reference manuals for troubleshooting and understanding equipment.

(00:06:22 – 00:12:54) Affirms that practical experience was key to developing expertise. Explains that trainers were selected based on ability to communicate technical processes clearly, not academic credentials.

(00:12:54 – 00:18:52) Describes the process of becoming a trainer through experience and documentation. Technical teams always accompanied production units, and handwritten notebooks were more commonly used than manuals for on-site work.

(00:18:52 – 00:28:20) An incident involving lost footage due to tape issues is recounted. Updates were handled via structured training whenever new equipment was introduced, covering handling, usage, and troubleshooting steps. No specific field incident is recalled.

5 March 2025

Oral histories of technical personnel in Broadcast and Community Video

Kailash Khati