Digital Production

1. Digital Production VJ Skills Interview Techniques Piece to camera Microphone handling

2. Recap lesson 5 • Shooting sequences • 3:6:9 rule • Zebra/gain/hypergain • Exposure – ND filters • White balance

3. VJ Skills Need to be • a “get up and goer” • Creative • Technical • A good journalist

4. Checklist of skills • An ability to engage with people • An inquiring mind so as to ask pertinent questions • A visual awareness (pictures with words – storyline) • Objective view of the order of things (sense of moral, ethical and legal issues) • Ability to see stories in 360 or multi-platform

5. Filming for new media With VJ skills you can – • Produce content for the web, as well as broadcast • Offer UGC • Produce vlogs and mobcasts for mobile phones • Work for a newspaper or a PR company • Use smart devices to produce content • Understand how the social media network operates

6. Advice for multi-platform journalists 1)   Don’t think of your video as an afterthought. Good video might save a story, but poorly shot wallpaper video will certainly ruin one. 2)   Don’t complain about carrying gear. There are hundreds of darn good reporters out there who are carrying resumes right now who would kill to be carrying gear. 3)   Don’t forget what it’s like to be a viewer. See each day’s story as if you were watching it from home. Did you get the take home message across? Did you like video? Did it all make sense? Would you want to watch it again? Would you need too? 4)   Don’t rush the writing. That’s where real mistakes are made. 5)   Don’t use being a one man band as a crutch or an excuse. It’s the wave of the future and a great skill to have.

7. 1st stage in story gathering • Identify a story – ask yourself how important or relevant it is • Research • Pitch • Structure draft of script • Source other material e.g. graphics, library footage When pitching – Be Positive Explain why it’s important Explain how you will film it Explain the logistics Say what the research shows Be realistic Be honest Using the above format – Title Story (sell it in one to two lines) Why do it (one to two lines only) Elements ( sequences, locations, interviews)

8. 2nd stage filming • News reports are short and factual – pictures illustrate story • Longer reports, features – use camera movement, effects • Plan shots – think about framing • Get cutaways (close up of hands, eyes, etc) • Position interviewees with suitable backdrop • Find a good opening and closing shot

9. Interview techniques • Use three-quarter profile • Location should reflect interview – do not just position in front of a wall • Use location to “dress the set” • Choose interviewee for a specific purpose – colour, opinion, witness • Use clip mic or rifle mic – if using latter be an arm’s length away from subject • Wear headphones to monitor sound. Average -18dB levels. Record both channels. • Have questions in head (no more than 6) • Do a sound check • When rolling, get interviewee to state name and job title (spell) • Pause between answer and next question • Do not talk over their answer • Listen, encourage them to keep talking – show interest • At end get any other shots you may need – c’u of hands. • If they fluff line, record answer again (depends on situation) – either change shot size or keep same

10. Interview position Three quarter profile – looks at reporter the whole time Reporter stands close to the camera in line with front of camera but not over the line

11. Microphone Handling • Use clip mic if possible – position on lapel or front of jackets, jumper, etc. • Needs to be positioned on the side they’re looking to • Rifle mike outside is better – it’s directional and has a windshield • Don’t have clunky jewellery on, as it picks up the noise • Keep mike still and pointed in direction of interviewee • Stand no more than a arm’s length away

12. Piece to camera • Think about relevant backdrop • Think about what you are wearing – no patterns, stripes, checks or dots • Use a tripod • Rehearse your words – write them down – 30 words or 10 seconds standard • Record take – play it back – check framing and sound • Record another take if necessary

13. Brief • In two groups you will shoot a package (1m30) intended to sit on the GIFHE website to promote the Multi-Platform Journalism progamme to potential candidates • You will need to consider who the audience is (age), what they need to know. You will interview your fellows and your tutor about the MPJ degree • Think visuals – what do you need to film? Be creative • Within each group one set will shoot with the Z1 while the others will shoot using the ipod for instant upload to YouTube, Twitter and Facebook

14. 3rd stage after filming • Plan edit – make notes • Transcribe interviews & Pull together research • Start scripting using the above • Research defines the content • 3 words per second • Role of images • Soundbites have to be short, 15 – 20 seconds

15. Scripting • Opening lines should captivate audience • Think about details and set the scene • Second lines should unravel more of the story – keep up the pace • Use active verbs and use words that count (lose adjectives) • PTC is used as an opener if no strong visuals or as a bridging gap in the middle

17. “Soldiers”

18. Top tips from VJs • Hold shots for long enough • Know your sound – use the right mike at the right distance and watch levels • Take a checklist • Use auto functions to check if you’re on the right settings for exposure • Listen to your interviewees and plan your questions