Introduction to Television Reporting

Pieces to Camera (PTCs)

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

What is a Piece to Camera?

A Piece to Camera (PTC) — sometimes known as a stand up is an important part of the television news package. By seeing the reporter in a news situation, the viewers will build up a relationship with the journalist.

This helps to enhance your authority and build up credibility with the audience.

A PTC can come at the end of a news story or during the middle — which is useful if you want to use it as a bridge. There are even times when a PTC can be used at the start of a news story, though these are less common.

And remember that there are times when a story does not need a PTC. A good example would be a story that was made up of video from an agency and library/archive footage.

What is the purpose of a Piece to Camera?

There are many different reasons to use a PTC.

Sometimes a PTC is perfect when you can't get pictures. For example if there is a trial in a courtroom or government meetings where journalists are not allowed, you can stand outside the buildings and tell the viewer additional information.

Or you can use a PTC for background or abstract information. Perhaps you want to describe something that happened earlier. You can show the place but not action. Do a PTC there.

Use PTCs to change subjects or locations. This is often called a "bridge" and allows you to move from one part of the story to another. An end PTC allows you to sum up a story or provide a final thought.

Use PTCs as an eye-witness. If you are at the scene of a story you can tell viewers about things they cannot see. For example:

"the smell of the fire still hangs over this village"

or

"the very tense atmosphere of yesterday has now started to relax."

Use PTCs to demonstrate something. You can point out, or walk around, the scene of a news event. Or, for example, show how plastic bottles are being recycled by a new piece of machinery.

Finally, a PTC can establish a "sense of place" for viewers. For example, you may want to show them a different part of the world or show them the conditions that locals have to live with after an earthquake.

Before you start

Remember that you are the reporter — the messenger to the viewers. And decide what is needed to make the story stand out rather than simply making yourself stand out in the story! If the PTC doesn't say or show something which adds to the story, it's wasting the viewers' time.

Discuss your location with your producer and camera operator. Talking about the possibilities with your camera operator is very important—and often neglected. It's always best to be creative. And discuss what kind of framing that you want.

Perhaps your station has a style that they like, but there is no harm in trying something new and being bold. Remember you can shoot several PTCs if time permits and make a decision in the edit room. Always start with a "safety" PTC and then try out new ideas.

Always be appropriate and sensitive with appearance. If you are doing a story on a farm you will be dressed differently than if you are doing a story on National Day celebrations at the Parliament, for example. Be aware of cultural sensitivities. When I worked in Iran, for example, I had to wear a headscarf.

Shooting the PTC

After you have decided on a location and agreed on the framing, decide about any movement. Sometimes the camera will pull out or push in to you. But only if there is a reason. Or you can move — again if there is a reason.

If you are doing a walking PTC, start the PTC already walking. Suddenly starting to walk from a standstill can look very stilted.

It's usually best to avoid complicated set-ups and props. It only increases the number of things that can go wrong.

For example:

I once worked with a reporter who wanted to take a sip of tea in his PTC. We had to shoot it nine times. Once he spilt the tea, another time burned his mouth, another time he broke the cup.

Never again!

Shoot your PTC in different ways after a "safety take" if time permits. Once you have something you can use, go for that extra creative PTC. Why not?

And remember to keep your PTC delivery speed the same as your tracking speed. This means don't speak faster or slower in the PTC than you will do when you record your track.

How long is a Piece to Camera and should you do more than one?

There is no single answer to this. So you must decide partly on the style of your broadcasting organisation and the length of the story.

The average PTC in a 2-3 minute news story would usually be 10-15 seconds. However if there is reason to make it longer be bold! But only if it adds to the story rather than simply to the ego of the reporter.

Go for a longer length in a longer feature.

Usually in a news story one PTC is enough. But in a longer feature, it may work very well to use two longer ones. But remember to keep all PTCs simple. Don't load too much information onto the viewer.

A Few Tips

·         Less is more — minimal numbers & statistics in PTC

·         Memorise the ideas of your PTC, not the words

·         Ask your camera operator to check your appearance

·         If you don't have a producer as another set of eyes, check your PTC in the viewfinder after the best take

·         Remember to keep your PTC conversational!