[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/04/03/bruce.dunkins.cnn.art.jpg caption="Bruce Dunkins takes a look at what’s on tap for the day’s show."]

Each Friday in “Meet AM,” we’ll introduce you to the people who get American Morning to air.

Today, we’d like you to meet Bruce Dunkins. He’s one of AM’s floor directors, which means he helps to make what’s been planned actually happen on the set. Bruce is from Maryland and has been in television since 1991. He’s been with CNN for six and a half years, but he says it’s gone by fast.

How did you end up working as floor director?
Throughout my career in television, I have held several different jobs (writer’s assistant, associate producer, child talent coordinator). Then an opportunity presented itself where I was able to be on the set and train as a stage manager. I found that being on the floor was exciting and I also felt more connected with the production than when I was behind a desk. So I went from behind the desk, onto the set, and never looked back.

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[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/03/27/doug.maines.cnn.art.jpg caption="Doug Maines sits at the controls before a busy show."]

Each Friday in “Meet AM,” we’ll introduce you to the people who get American Morning to air.

Today, we’d like you to meet Doug Maines. Doug’s official title is studio operator, but most days you will find him in control of the Vista Spyder. This means Doug is the guy who makes all that video, graphics, and live events show up in that impressive projection wall on set. He’s been with CNN since 2001, and has been a permanent fixture at AM for about two years.

How did you end up working on the Vista wall?
When CNN first got the Vista Spyder, I was originally the back-up person to operate it for the show. After the first rehearsal show, the primary guy quit. Here I am two years later, still going strong.

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