Creating a news package for television is a rewarding challenge. It is the art of telling a complete story using a mix of video, sound, and words.
The following guide is based on the article Constructing a news package for TV. We suggest you read the article before applying the checklist below.
- [ ] Identify your story clearly: Before you pick up a camera, you must know exactly what your story is about. Ask yourself who the main person is, what they are doing, and why it matters to your audience.
- [ ] Create a detailed shot list: Plan the pictures you need before you start filming. Think about action shots, close-ups of faces to show emotion, and wide shots to show the location.
- [ ] Capture enough varied footage: Always film more than you think you need. Gather action shots, people walking, and cutaways’ (small details) to ensure you do not run out of pictures during the edit.
- [ ] Choose pictures before writing: In television, the pictures tell the story. Look at your best footage first and decide on the sequence of events based on the most powerful images you have.
- [ ] Use short, meaningful soundbites: Do not use long, rambling interviews. Select short clips where people express an opinion or emotion, and let these soundbites drive the human side of the story.
- [ ] Let the images breathe: Avoid filling every second with your own voice. Use natural sound (the sounds of the environment) to give the viewer a sense of being there at the scene.
- [ ] Write a tight and simple script: Your words should complement the pictures, not describe them. If the viewer can see a red car, do not tell them there is a red car; tell them why the car is important.
- [ ] Follow a logical structure: A good package often follows an ‘Action – Issue – Impact’ structure. Start with what is happening now, explain the background, and finish with what might happen next.
- [ ] Use a reporter stand-up with purpose: If you appear on camera, do it to show something or to bridge a gap in the story that you cannot explain with other pictures. Do not do it just to show your face.
- [ ] Check the final sequence for clarity: Watch your finished package without sound. If you can still understand the basic story just by looking at the pictures, you have created a successful television report.
The best television journalists are those who learn to see the story through the lens of the camera. Keep practising, and do not be afraid to experiment with your shots. Focus on the people, and the story will follow.
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