Broadcast Journalism 101: TV News Production - Scripting a TV Package Track Soundbites Standups Nat Sound

What This Is

Scripting a TV package is a crucial skill for broadcast journalists, combining video, voice, and soundbites to deliver a concise and engaging news story. A well-crafted package can quickly convey breaking news, like the BBC's coverage of the 2011 London Riots, where a VOSOT (Voice of Self-Optic Talent) combined footage of rioters with a reporter's voiceover and a soundbite from a local resident. This format allows newsrooms to rapidly deliver information to a wide audience.

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.
• Soundbite: A short, relevant quote from an interviewee – adds depth and context; use to illustrate a point or provide a contrasting view.
• B-roll: Secondary footage that supports the main story – adds visual interest and helps to break up talking heads; use to show a process or a location.
• Voiceover (VO): A narrator's voice recorded over footage – provides context and helps to tie the story together; use to set up a package or to provide background information.
• Script format: A standardized way of writing scripts – includes scene headings, character names, and action lines; use to ensure clarity and consistency.
• Camera calls: Specific instructions for the camera operator – includes framing, focus, and movement; use to achieve the desired shot.
• Gain: The level of audio signal – affects the quality of the audio; use to ensure a good balance between the reporter's voice and background noise.
• Iris: The camera's aperture – controls the amount of light entering the lens; use to achieve the desired depth of field.
• Cardioid vs shotgun mic pattern: A cardioid mic picks up sound from the front and sides, while a shotgun mic is more directional; use to capture the best audio quality for your situation.

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 viewer's attention.
   • Use a script format with scene headings and character names.
2. Structure a 90-second package:
   • Introduce the story with a VO or a stand-up.
   • Provide background information and context.
   • Include a soundbite or an interview to add depth and perspective.
   • Use B-roll to break up talking heads and add visual interest.
   • 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 reduce shadows and create a more even lighting.
   • Use a backlight to separate the subject from the background.
4. Record a clean voice-over:
   • Use a high-quality microphone and a quiet recording space.
   • Record in a lossless format, such as WAV or AIFF.
   • Edit the audio to remove any unwanted noise or hiss.
5. Edit a package in Adobe Premiere:
   • Import all the necessary footage and audio.
   • Use the timeline to arrange the elements in the correct order.
   • Add transitions and effects to enhance the visual flow.
   • Export the final package in the desired format.

Common Mistakes

• Reading a print article on air without rewriting: This can sound stilted and unnatural, and may not be engaging for the viewer.
• Forgetting to white balance: This can result in an unflattering color cast and affect the overall look of the package.
• Not checking the audio levels: This can result in a package with poor sound quality or an uneven balance between the reporter's voice and background noise.
• Not using a script format: This can make it difficult to follow the story and may result in a disjointed package.

Broadcast Exam / Newsroom Assessment Tips

• Typical skill tests: Writing a script, conducting an interview, and editing a package.
• Tricky distinctions: Understanding the difference between a package and a VOSOT, and knowing when to use gain vs iris.
• What assessors look for: Clarity, concision, and engagement in the script and package, as well as good audio and video quality.

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 stand-up to establish your location and provide context for the story.
• Broadcast rationale: A stand-up is a quick and effective way to provide a sense of place and authority, and can be used to transition to the live cross.

Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• Must-know terms: VOSOT, B-roll, soundbite, nat sound, and voiceover.
• Camera settings: Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
• Script formatting rules: Scene headings, character names, and action lines.
• Common pitfalls: Reading a print article on air without rewriting, forgetting to white balance, and not checking the audio levels.
• On-air traps: Using a low-quality microphone, forgetting to check the audio levels, and not using a script format.