VIDEO | ABC INSIDERS Cameraman Faints Live On Air

Studio interview with Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten thrown into chaos

The season return of the ABC’s Insiders program was thrown into chaos this morning when a cameraman fainted during a live interview with Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

In the dramatic minutes leading up to the event, the framing on Shorten was erratic. First the camera zoomed out into a wider shot before reframing into the typical MCU. As the interview progressed the camera started shaking and at one point tilted down to Shorten’s legs.

The director had little option but to stay with the shot while Shorten was speaking, although they did appear to be trying to minimise the main camera by using a wide shot and the reaction shot of host Barrie Cassidy.

While on a wide shot, a loud noise can be heard as the cameraman faints. Cassidy can be seen looking around to find out what the commotion is. Shorten stays still, not knowing what to do.

One of the crew can be head talking on his headset;

“Get somebody, he’s collapsed”

Cassidy then throws to a package as multiple floor crew can be seen walking across frame.

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:

Holly Byrnes from News Corp was one of the first to tweet about the incident.

Some kind of studio incident during @InsidersABC interview with @billshortenmp – rattled @barriecassidy forced to throw to package while it's being dealt with

— Holly Byrnes (@byrnesh) February 2, 2019

After the package Cassidy told viewers the man appears to be ok but an Ambulance had been called just to make sure.

Samuel Clarke, the Executive producer of Insiders, later posted an update on Twitter.

For those at home worried about our camera operator, he's on his feet and chatting to paramedics. @InsidersABC

— Samuel Clark (@sclark_melbs) February 2, 2019

The ABC has advised TV Blackbox the cameraman is on his feet and now resting at home.

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