Angus's notes covered:
Assignments:
- Always RESEARCH and plan ahead!
- Know the location
- Equipment check
- Permission (for location, filming, people etc.)
- PUNCTUALITY is KEY!
- Shoot asap.
Filming:
- Shoot in sequences, with different size shots, always maintaining continuity.
- Shoot cut-aways
- Remember the Rule of Thirds
- It's always better to shoot a little more than is needed BUT not too much!
!Don't start with a PTC (remember it must ADD something to the piece and place yourself in the action.)
- Use movement (e.g walk before you talk)
Interviews:
- Get cut-aways
- Sometimes it might be acceptable to use the infamous 'noddy'.
- Intro shots for interviewees
And now...
- Start writing up the story asap, whilst it's still fresh in your head!
- Check the pictures - availability etc.
- Organise any graphics that are needed.
And...Always KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE NEWS DESK!
The story...
- Write the intro/link first!
- The 5 Ws. (Who/What/Where/When/Why)
- Never repeat content from the Link.
- 1 idea per sentence, keeping it present tense when possible.
Stay FRESH! Use PLAIN English!
- Simplify numbers (e.g 74% is almost 3/4s) - graphics might help to explain figures.
Creating your package:
- Tell a story, in sequence
- Start with the best pictures
- Use captions - don't name the interviewee in piece
- Keep "Grabs" to approx 20secs max.(x3 Vox pops)
Alternate shots/angles - left/right by standing on the opposite side of the camera
The end of your piece should have meaning - never end with an interview/SOT/SOQ
And... DON'T end with..."what happens next remains to be seen..." (one of Angus's big NO NOs!)
How to survive a Press Conference...
1 - Get there EARLY!
2 - Find a good spot to set up your camera (always stay next to your camera for Q&As.
3 - There is no harm in asking if there will be any one-to-ones.
BEWARE...of the 'media scrum'
- Start rolling asap
- Prepare for 'the crush' - look out for one another; you're in a team!
Overall, the session was definitely a well-needed recap on EVERYTHING, but what happens in the next lecture remains to be seen...it had to be done!
