First things first, it is essential to do your research, don't just automatically think you have a story, you need to think in pictures as well as words. Ask yourself what sort of footage will compliment your text. Although it may sound silly know where you are going, and more importantly get there early! Forward planning is the most crucial stage, you will be in a better position to shoot something if you know your stuff, especially if your time is limited. Now, imagine you show up to the scene, you're ready but your battery has suddenly died, or you've got no tape in your camera. This triggers panic, and leaves you with no option but to stop and head back, empty handed with no story, no interviews and no footage at all. So remember to always check your equipment and kit before you head out, and it certainly doesn't hurt to take spares! Soon as your camera is set up, start rolling, you don't want to miss anything! It's always better to have too much footage then too little, no doubt. Another thing worth emphasising to you is never be afraid to ask, talk to people, get their permission and approval. If you're in a public space then reporting restrictions don't apply but remember legal issues when it comes to filming, for example you cannot trespass or invade people's privacy.
When filming your package, it's great to illustrate your story in a variety of different ways. For instance, in a sequence, or by using different size shots e.g wide pans or close ups. Always maintain continuity and don't forget to shoot for longer so when it comes to editing you have more footage to play with. It's vital to shoot cut aways, in order to cover up a jump between two clips. When filming interviews, you have to apply the rule of thirds. This is where the interviewee must be eye level with the top third of the frame and positioned either to the left or to the right. They must NOT be centred, directly facing the camera or positioned at awkward angels. Take a look at the example below:
Time management is key in journalism here are some tips to take into consideration when piecing together your VT.
- Headline - 8-10 seconds
- Begin with establishing shot, roll to out of vision (OOV), use best photographs, then back to presenter to round up
- Introducing the story should take 30 seconds long, approx 90 words, the out-word will then signal the pre-recorded VT which should be just over a minute (Fat Minute)
- Include 2 or 3 interviews, approx 15 seconds each with a balanced view.
- If your going to include still images, add an effect for movement.
- If your going to record a PTC (piece to camera) it should be a maximum of 20 seconds.
- End it by signing off with a Standard Out Que (SOQ) 'Christina Michaels, Winchester News Online, Winchester'.
PTC - Piece to Camera
It is advisable to never start with a PTC, it should only be there to add something to the piece. Place yourself in the heart of the action, and if you can talk and walk then movement adds a change of dynamic. Just remember to walk before you talk.
Interviews
Always get cut away shots. Film the interviewee before you interview them doing something relevant to the story, this sequence acts as an intro shot providing the reader with background.
Wrap Up
When you are travelling back start to write your story, think of suitable headlines and report back to your news editor about potential ways of editing your footage e.g graphics, pictures
Writing the Introduction
Write the link in which the presenter will read before your VT is aired. The introduction is the most important, it has to grab the viewers attention, use the 5 Ws 'Who? What? Why? When? Where? Remember not to repeat what you said in the link in the opening introduction.
Writing up the story
Use one idea per sentence, speak in the present tense and in plain English; it's hard enough for the viewer to take everything in let alone if you are waffling on using jargon. Simplify numbers to avoid complications and for a more visual appeal, illustrate them using graphics.
Packaging
Start with your best pictures! You want to entice the reader instantly, there is no point teasing them, they will just switch over if they are not interested. There is also no need to name the interviewee, simply add a caption on screen. Bare in mind that you are telling a story, use a sequence, and words which compliment the footage rather then describe what they already see. Limit yourself to grabs of 20 seconds max and end the story with something that means something, don't end on an interview! Always finalise the package by signing off.
If you attend a press conference, get there early, be the first to choose where to position your camera and get ready to roll. Ask if there are any one-to-ones because once again if you don't ask you won't get. Lastly, if your going to join a media scrum, be prepared for the crush.
If you take this all on board you'll be producing perfect packages! Good Luck!
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