Evaluating show content Target audience Appeals Pacing Advertiser issues Quality vs. appeal Production quality

Newscast A / B / C blocks & variations Length of blocks Pacing of types of stories Your newscast--treat all stories like they fit for that day Reader / VO / vo-sot / package variations Graphics additions – ‘cut sheet’ Taped open / credits Pre-production issues

Demonstration Show Use props, present as if you are trying to sell a product and are demonstrating how it’s used Use good FSS, good CU shots, good camera movements, good pacing and appeal Interviews: no creative directing Your choice content

Audience Engaging Principles A good script (and thus, show) has two dimensions: 1-- Form--basic design, genre and logical construction (e.g. newscast, talk show, demonstration show...) our goal relates to what we want the audience to experience, feel or gain Our vision relates to how we personally use the tools of the trade to translate the goal into an audio and visual experience for the viewer

Audience Engaging Principles 2. Content -- includes goals and visions, includes the production's emotional attributes. It's primarily within the realm of content (goals and visions) that engrossing and effective productions are separated from those that are mediocre and dull. It is primarily within the ream of content that videographers can make their own personal, creative contributions.

What is good content? There may be some definite rules for the successful operation of production equipment, there are no rules for program content; maybe guidelines, but no hard-and-fast rules. The bottom line for content is simply, does it do what it's supposed to do; or, more specifically, does it work?

Demonstration Steps Topic and host sign up by Friday Final Draft Show Outline script Tues Final Draft Show Directing Script Th Completed show graphics and theme music content on server and verified by 5 pm 3/27 Submit hard copies of scripts and 'cut sheet' at 2 pm 3/27, stapled.

8 Chapter 9 Working with the Talent

“Talent” generally refers to anyone who appears in front of the camera: anchors, voice over announcers, interviewers, DJs, etc. ‘Actors’ ‘Performers ‘Announcers’ 9

Teleprompters are attached in front of the lens of the video camera. Video or text can be placed on the prompter, allowing the talent to see the program or read the script while looking into the camera lens. Teleprompters are attached in front of the lens of the video camera. Video or text can be placed on the prompter, allowing the talent to see the program or read the script while looking into the camera lens. Portable teleprompters, such as the software/app used on an iPhone in the second photo, are increasingly being used in the field. Portable teleprompters, such as the software/app used on an iPhone in the second photo, are increasingly being used in the field. Reversed image / view through lens Reversed image / view through lens Talent or crew operation Talent or crew operation 10

News talent records voiceovers for story packages 11

Talent must be able to concentrate on the work, even with a lot of distractions going on involving cameras, audio personnel, lighting, and other crew members 12

Note that while these two sports commentators rehearse, audio and production personnel are working around them, testing their mics and adjusting talent’s headset on his neck 13

A “standup” is when talent are placed in front of something that provides context for the story being covered 14

The experienced interviewer can help inexperienced guests in many ways: Put them at ease. Explain what will be happening Put them at ease. Explain what will be happening Give them clear instructions Give them clear instructions Keep the area clear of distractions Keep the area clear of distractions Place items on a pre-arranged mark Place items on a pre-arranged mark Be aware of the time limits Be aware of the time limits 15

One of the hosts from NBC’s Today Show, sitting in the light shirt, is prepping his guest for the next segment of the program 16

People bring life to scenes, making the image more interesting to the audience. This image captured the atmosphere of the red carpet at the British Academy Awards. People bring life to scenes, making the image more interesting to the audience. This image captured the atmosphere of the red carpet at the British Academy Awards. 17

You and your show talent Preparation work Timing issues Addressing the camera Showing close-ups Pacing / talking while demonstrating Pacing / timing to conclusion

You and your show talent Open with show overview Keep the steps simple Connect the steps together along the way Lead to a conclusion, summarize Plan for VO times, FSG, name keys…

You and your show talent Extemporaneous, conversational style Relaxed, organized, methodical, friendly Ignoring the distractions Handling the unexpected

What makes a good demonstration? Revisit what makes a good show Who is the target audience What is your goal Personality of talent Quality of production Importance of pre-production

Reminders Thursday morning sign-up Thursday afternoon sign up Topic, host sign up Show outline and directing script samples