Broadcast Journalism 101: Broadcast Interviewing and Presentation Body Language and Eye Contact on Camera

What This Is

Body language and eye contact on camera are crucial elements in broadcast journalism, as they convey confidence, authority, and trustworthiness to the audience. A well-executed stand-up, for instance, can make a reporter appear more credible and engaging. Consider the BBC's coverage of the 2019 UK general election, where reporters used stand-ups to provide context and analysis from the campaign trail. Effective body language and eye contact can make or break a broadcast package, and it's essential for newsrooms to emphasize these skills in their training programs.

Key Terms & Production Elements

• Stand-up: Reporter speaking directly to camera on location – adds authority and a sense of place; use to transition or prove you're there.
• Nat sound (Natural Sound): Background audio recorded on location – brings a story to life; never leave home without recording room tone.
• Eye line: The point on the camera lens where the subject's eyes are focused; ensure it's at the center of the frame for a professional look.
• Frame: The area within the camera's viewfinder; use the rule of thirds to place subjects off-center for visual interest.
• B-roll: Secondary footage used to illustrate a story; shoot it in a variety of styles to keep the visuals engaging.
• Voice-over (VO): A pre-recorded audio track played over video; use it to provide context or narration.
• Sound bite: A short clip of audio featuring a key quote or statement; use it to add depth and variety to a package.
• White balance: Adjusting the camera's color temperature to match the lighting conditions; ensure it's set correctly to avoid unwanted color casts.
• Gain: The camera's sensitivity to audio levels; adjust it to capture a clear and balanced sound.
• Iris: The camera's aperture control; use it to adjust the amount of light entering the lens.

Step-by-Step Production How-To

1. Write a 30-second reader:
   • Keep it concise and focused on the main point.
   • Use a clear and conversational tone.
   • Include a hook to grab the audience's attention.
   • Use a script formatting template (e.g., Adobe Premiere's script editor) to ensure proper formatting.
2. Structure a 90-second package:
   • Introduce the story with a hook and a brief setup.
   • Provide context and background information.
   • Include a sound bite or interview clip to add depth.
   • Conclude with a summary and a call to action.
3. Set up a three-point lighting interview:
   • Use a key light to illuminate the subject's face.
   • Add a fill light to soften the shadows.
   • Use a backlight to separate the subject from the background.
   • Adjust the lighting levels to achieve a balanced and flattering look.
4. Record a clean voice-over:
   • Use a high-quality microphone (e.g., a shotgun mic) to capture a clear and crisp sound.
   • Record in a quiet and distraction-free environment.
   • Use audio editing software (e.g., Audacity) to clean up the audio and remove any unwanted noise.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Reading a print article on air without rewriting it to make it more conversational and engaging.
• Mistake: Forgetting to white balance the camera, resulting in unwanted color casts.
• Mistake: Not using a lavalier microphone, leading to poor audio quality.
• Mistake: Not checking the audio levels before recording, resulting in distortion or low volume.

Broadcast Exam / Newsroom Assessment Tips

• Tip: Pay attention to the distinction between a package and a VOSOT (Voice-Over Story On Tape).
• Tip: Understand the difference between gain and iris, and how to adjust them correctly.
• Tip: Be aware of the mic patterns (e.g., cardioid vs shotgun) and how to use them effectively.
• Tip: Practice your stand-up delivery to ensure a confident and engaging on-camera presence.

Quick Practice Scenario

You arrive at a protest and only have 20 minutes before the live cross. What do you shoot first?

Answer: You shoot a B-roll of the protesters and the surrounding environment to get a sense of the scene. You also record some nat sound to capture the atmosphere and the sounds of the protest. Finally, you set up your camera for the live cross, making sure to check the lighting and audio levels.

Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• Must-know terms: Stand-up, nat sound, eye line, frame, B-roll, voice-over, sound bite, white balance, gain, iris.
• Camera settings: Aperture (iris), shutter speed, ISO, white balance.
• Script formatting rules: Use a clear and concise script, include a hook and a summary, use proper formatting (e.g., Adobe Premiere's script editor).
• Common pitfalls: ⚠️ Don't read a print article on air without rewriting it. ⚠️ Don't forget to white balance the camera. ⚠️ Don't use a low-quality microphone.