Tuesday, 3 October 2017

TV News | Storytelling: Preparing and Shooting News Packages (3rd October 2017)

Today we heard some feedback from the live package session last week:
  • Too much info once package starts - maybe introduce interviewee earlier
  • Brief with all contributors what is going to be talked about and rehearse
  • Don't be afraid to stick with a shot - handheld? stick with a single shot?
We then looked at news packages and what they typically involve.
  • News packages are self-contained news items; the news anchor does not need to do anything more than introduce and wrap up the piece
  • You must clarify the story to ensure it is as impartial and understandable for the audience, which includes:
    • Interviews
    • Pictures
      • Accurate and impactful
    • Graphics
    • PTCs
    • Structure / Script
  • For digital audiences, the format may be very different, but the informational elements remain the same
    • Detail and depth can be added with use of graphics
    • Analytics allow for targeted storytelling and to see which points in the story that the audience remains engaged
  • The shoot should allow you to develop the writing and editing - the script is important to structure and guide your edit
    • Structure the piece as you would a good piece of written work so it can work as a standalone segment
  • Full research and preparation is vital
  • Storytelling: consider the following, as you would any other creative piece:
    • Style
    • Devices
    • Themes and characters
    • Engage the audience
  • Basic guidelines for making a news package:
    • Shoot action
    • Let the action happen
    • Always shoot a setup sequence for each interviewee
    • Close-ups - Aim for 40-50%
    • Remember to hold your shots
    • Let the subject enter and leave the frame
    • Remember light and sound
    • Each shot is eye level
  • Stock / archive
    • Ensure they are used correctly and in context
    • Ensure they are up-to-date
  • Stages of the edit
    • Sync pull
      • Script your VO and record a guide track for illustration
    • Rough cut
      • Then you can paint in the actuality, sequences and GVs
  • Important considerations
    • Ensure your piece is audience and brand appropriate
    • Work out the brand before your ideas
    • Ideas must be real and genuinely new
    • The package is entirely pre-shot
  • Idea developments
    • Be clear who you are making your news platform for and begin to research possible stories from relevant sources
    • Ensure the news outlets are clear about what is already out there
    • Check your facts, and beware of 'fake news'

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