 VO/SOT – Video ClipVideo Clip  Starts as a voice over includes sound on tape ▪ Sound bite or bite  Contains anchor voice ▪ Plus one or more comments ▪ From source or sources  Sometimes called VO/B or VO/B/B ▪ To indicate number of bites

 Role of a VO/SOT  Helps producers vary the pacing of a news program ▪ Can stretch out a VO to a longer length if needed  Allows content to be incorporated ▪ If something that cant be paraphrased is said ▪ Emotional ▪ Useful ▪ Impactful  Give me an example of a good sound bite source

 Scripting a VO/SOT  This script should be developed like a VO ▪ With a couple of additional steps ▪ Identify the speaker by name and title ▪ “John Smith a local farmer…”  This shows relevance to speaker  Super should not replace this ▪ Set up what is about to be said  “commented on the water shortage in the midwest” ▪ Set up bit thematically  How does it go with the story

 Setting up the bite ▪ Video Clip Video Clip  Key to setting up clip ▪ Give sense of what is coming up ▪ Don’t duplicate what viewer will hear ▪ Write something specific ▪ Avoid “And Mayor Jones had this to say” ▪ It doesn’t give sense of what’s coming ▪ Bites should be 8-12 seconds ▪ Less than 5-6 makes the SuperFont hard ▪ Longer than 12 should be only if significant

 Marking the VO script ▪ VO only needs length of clip ▪ VO/SOT needs ▪ When video starts ▪ Length of clip ▪ Start time and length of bite ▪ Padding with no audio is usually added to end of tape ▪ This allows room for error without going to black or odd B-Roll ▪ The script text will have a gap where the SOT is ▪ Gap in text tells anchor to stop reading

 Reading up to the SOT  Different newsrooms work different ways ▪ To avoid overlap ▪ PA’s, Directors, Producers, etc, will give anchor a countdown ▪ Some stations keep VO & SOT in separate decks ▪ Timing is key in keeping a good flow during the broadcast

 Stand-alone SOT’s  This is a rare occurance ▪ SOT’s without video for a VO ▪ Usually a headshot of someone talking  A visual medium should have video ▪ Meetings ▪ Photo opportunities ▪ File video ▪ Something to lead into the SOT

 Need for good communication  Without ▪ Proper script markings ▪ Good communication  A newsroom/broadcast can turn into a nightmare

 Packages are  Complex news stories  Woven together into coherent reports  How to make a package Video ClipVideo Clip  What goes into a package? ▪ Video Clip Video Clip

 Stand – Ups  Reporter is in the field ▪ Delivers a line or two ▪ During the recording ▪ Beginning middle or end ▪ Middle stand up is called a bridge ▪ More common due to  Visual strength of video at start or end

 Importance of stand-ups  Face time for reporter ▪ Allows viewers to identify with them  Allow discussion ▪ When video of topic is limited  Can draw reader in ▪ Be natural & relaxed ▪ Use mom rule when recording it

 Leading into and out of bites  Similar to VO/SOT ▪ If speaker talks multiple times ▪ Don’t introduce each time ▪ But still preview bite

 Video & Natural Sound  Using compelling but relevant video ▪ Movie clips, trailers, animations, etc ▪ Will draw readers into news package  Natural sound ▪ Any sound other than an interview ▪ Car horns, church bells, trains, plane overhead, etc ▪ Can enhance package as well ▪ Make it relevant to the story

 Package Scripts  Editing Script ▪ This is for the editor to put the package together ▪ Or the reporter to edit it ▪ Some editors edit their own packages  Producers Script ▪ This has the anchors lead in and tag ▪ Used during the broadcast

 Importance of audio ▪ Important to putting essence/feel into stories ▪ Effective in storytelling ▪ Good news photographers know ▪ Capture NAT sound when gathering footage ▪ Great for use in packages, VO’s and VO/SOT’s  Music ▪ Used to set mood ▪ Look for music that is appropriate ▪ Not too sad or irrelevant to story (Don’t create bias with music)

 Review  Diamond Approach  Donuts