TV reporting is about letting the pictures tell the story. Here is how to build a package by thinking visually first to engage your audience.
This guide is essential for any journalist transitioning from print to television, as it explains how to use visual storytelling effectively.
It’s based on the article Letting the pictures tell the story, which we recommend you read before applying the checklist below.
- [ ] Put the pictures first: Do not start by writing a script. Instead, look at your footage first and let the images guide the narrative.
- [ ] Create a shot list: Once you have your footage, make a list of every shot you have. This helps you see exactly what visual tools you have to tell your story.
- [ ] Select your strongest shots: Identify which images are the most interesting or powerful. These should form the foundation of your television package.
- [ ] Sequence for impact: Do not simply use shots in the order you filmed them. Arrange them in a way that builds a logical and engaging story for the viewer.
- [ ] Plan your start and finish: Choose a strong opening shot to grab attention and a clear closing shot to provide a sense of completion.
- [ ] Build a rough cut: Assemble the images into a basic edit before you write any words. Ensure each shot stays on screen only as long as it remains visually interesting.
- [ ] Avoid using the same shot twice: Repeating footage can look lazy or confusing. Every shot in your package should be unique unless there is a very special reason to repeat it.
- [ ] Match the eye line: When cutting between shots, try to keep the main point of interest in the same part of the screen. This makes the transition smooth for the viewer’s eyes.
- [ ] Leave out the static: If you have a moving shot (like a pan or a tilt), use only the part where the camera is moving. Cut out the still moments at the beginning and the end.
- [ ] Write the script last: Only after the visual edit is finished should you write your words. Your script should explain what the pictures cannot, rather than simply describing what the viewer can already see.
Summary
This guide teaches you that your role is to be a visual storyteller, not just a narrator. By following these simple steps, you will ensure that your pictures and words work together in harmony. This approach creates more engaging, professional, and impactful news for your audience.