Introduction to Television reporting

2.Shooting and Audio

(This is the second article in the Ten part series on 'Introduction to Television Reporting', this series is part of an online course taken by CBA)

Video and audio are the heart of television news reporting. Without quality pictures and sound, your script will not be effective.

Never forget that camerawork is a journalistic activity and not just a technical process. Camera operators are also journalists. Always discuss the story with your camera operator. And give camera operator enough time to do their job well.

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Key Points of your Story

So, how do you get the best possible shots & audio for your news story?

First of all, be clear about the story and list key points to decide which pictures and interviews to shoot. And discuss these with the camera operator

Sequences

Shots should create sequences. Sequences are the basic grammar of television news and show the beginning, the middle and the end of an action.

Always think in sequences, not single shots.

Watch this

Watch this sequence of a one-man political demonstration in Yemen

·         First the camera establishes the man and his poster in two shots

·         Then we see the shadow of the man on the ground as he walks

·         Then we see an excellent low shot of the man as he walks towards the camera

TIPS: For practice, try shooting a sequence on making a cup of tea.

Reporters and camera operators should sit through a complete edit to learn why sequences are necessary.

Shot Variety

Whether you are covering a press conference or a breaking news story, always get shots that vary in size and angle. Ideally, every shot should have a matching wide shot (or long shot), medium shot and close up for maximum choices in the edit room. Shooting only general views (GVs) is lazy journalism.

Watch this

Look at the matching shots from filming at a newsstand in Yemen:

·         A wide shot of the boy reading a magazine

·         A close up the same boy reading

Angles should vary as well as the size of the shot. Low shots add visual interest and are very effective as you can see from the sequence above. All the best camera operators shoot low shots. Top shots are also extremely effective and shot from a high point or even by standing on a chair.

Moving shots such as zooms, pull outs and pan should be keep to a minimum. Make sure there is a reason for a moving shot and do them slowly. Always hold a five second static shot at the beginning and end of moving shot. This gives you three possibilities in the edit room. And shoot moving shots both ways--left to right as well as right to left, and in and well as out.

Here are a few more shooting tips to discuss with your camera operator

·         Faces, faces, faces to show people's reactions and character

·         Small details improve any story

·         In a moving situation, keep the camera rolling

·         Hold all shots at least 5 seconds

·         Remember your first impressions and get them on tape

·         Shoot a variety of cutaways in interviews

·         Avoid visual clichés. Take time to find new shots

Crossing the Line

Finally—don’t cross the line!

If you are filming shots and sequences from one side of a press conference, a mosque or church or other gatherings (location A), you must go to a neutral shot (location B) in your edit before you can show shots from the opposite side (location C).

Technical Points for Reporters, Producers & Camera Operator:

Discuss the required camera, sound or lighting gear. All members of the team should be able to grab spare batteries and tape in a breaking news situation.

When camera operators walk backwards for shots, they need a second pairs of eyes. Discuss how you will guide them. Safety first!

Always label tapes with:

·         date

·         location

·         interviewee

·         reporter

Tripods & Hand Held

Use tripods unless there is a good reason to shoot off the shoulder such as safety in crowds or a walking shot. Reporters and producers should help carry the tripod.

Camera operators without tripods can lean against a wall or a street light to steady the shot.

A backpack or bag placed on the ground or a car bonnet or even the top of a stone fence makes it easier to balance the camera and create a steady platform.

Audio: You can never have too much good natural sound

Good natural sound will make the difference between a good story and a great story. Audio can be used to create a video sequence. Record continuous sound such as church bells, call to prayer, street noise or singing for at least one minute.

Always have a gun (rifle) microphone as well as a top of camera microphone. Pieces to camera should be done with a pin or lapel microphone or a hand microphone. Reporters and producers should be trained on sound.