Preparing and shooting news packages- Lectures

Packages are self contained items unlike VOs/SOTs, the news anchor need do no more than introduce the item and then wrap it up at the end (reporter wraps up story with their name and location).
Package contains the interviewer on camera and also with a voice track.
Ensure you fully research what you are trying to shoot so that you are as prepared as possible.

Structure and content

A good package will contain a mix of the following elements : 

• Interviews, vox pops & set ups 
• Sequences and actuality 
• GVs/archive 
• PTCs and walky talkies 
• GFX

Story telling

Consider: 

• Style 
• Storytelling devices and motifs 
• How you will introduce the key themes, characters and locations 
• ENGAGE the audience 
• make them want to know more  
• Don’t forget to entertain as well as inform 
• entertainment often makes information more palatable

**REMINDERS**
Shoot action
Always shoot a set up seq for interviewees 
CLOSE UPS ARE BEST! – aim for around 40 – 50% of the piece on CU e.g. 30” VO piece needs around 7 – 8 shots of which 3 – 4 CU 
Hold shots for ten seconds in and then out for ten too
let the subject enter and leave frame
Get good coverage

Light and sound

Do sound checks 
Consider the best position to put your camera in for framing  and lighting  

Stages of the edit

The Sync Pull- where you assemble all of your interview sync back to back, not worrying about covering your edits. As with the documentary unit, script your VO (aka track/ commentary) and record a guide track to lay down for illustration. 
Rough cut- begin to paint in your actuality, sequences and GVs. 
Fine cut- Final stage of editing, covering all edits, adding picture and sound mixes and improvements to produce the final polished film.

**In conclusion this lecture helped me take into consideration things like framing and also highlighted the need for forward planning in things like the script/shot list. I'll use this in my work by writing down shots we want, making notes of the lighting set ups we have as well as camera placement in relation to the subject being filmed. I found this lecture really helpful for things like editing terminology, clarifying what each bit meant and therefore I could ensure my group had met the requirements for rough cut deadlines etc**