COJA 422: BROADCAST COMMUNICATION

EDITING PROJECT GUIDELINES SHEET

For best results, follow these suggestions:

1. Have editing in mind when shooting. Where is the standup going? What shots are going before and/or after?

2. When shooting a standup, keep with the flow of the story. The reporter should do something that relates to the story while giving the standup. If no action is possible, consider using the "reveal" shot - start with something that is related to the story, then zoom or pan out/over to the reporter who is giving the standup.

3. Each package should be self-contained with all audio and video on tape. Make sure to include a slate for 10 seconds and black for 2 secs. before video starts.

4. At the end of the package, pad it by having a freeze frame, or have the reporter stand and wait a few seconds before cutting out to black. This allows a switcher to cut away from the story during a live newscast before it goes to black. At least three to five seconds is needed. The pad time is not added to the package running time. Also, use 2 or 3 seconds of pad at the beginning of the story before audio narration begins.

5. Try to match the audio of the standups to the audio in the studio when reading the script. Hold the mic about the same distance away from your mouth as you do on standups. This avoids the "clean", over-produced sound that contrasts with field audio.

6. Make sure to turn in your script with your DVD-R disc. Use a format suggested by your text.

7. Each package is required to have an "intro" for an anchor to read just before the package is aired. This should be written on your script with an O/C for video.

8. All videos must be turned in on DVD-R discs. Please use your own discs.

9. Reporters should look professional when doing a standup. Your appearance and performance in the standup will be evaluated.

10. Photographers - use a tripod for all standups and interviews - also, avoid the wide shot. We need to see their faces. Shoot no wider than a knee shot. Give headroom and compose them properly. Standups directly address the camera lens, interviews look slightly off camera. Soundbite shots should be close-ups.

11. Deadlines must be met. Get it done on time to avoid late penalties.

12. A reminder about audio - Use one audio track for all script and interviews (A-roll), and use a 2nd audio track for ambient sound from the video (B-roll). Write your script after viewing footage clips, put it on timeline with interviews, then add video and ambient sound.

13. Export your project to DVD using the File, Export, Adobe Media Encoder settings shown in class. Make sure to put your DVD-R disc in the DVD drive for this process. Label your disc with a felt-tipped marker, not ballpoint pen.