Common terminologies and codes used in TV scriptwriting and production

1. NEWS ROOM
GLOSSARY

2. CU – close up REPRO - reproduce
CT – cartridge tape SUPER - superimpose
ELS – extreme long shot TC – time code
INTRO – introductory VTR – video tape recording
LS – long shot VO – voice over
MCU – medium close up WS – wide shot
MIC – microphone MS – medium shot
NAT – natural SOF – sound on film
SOT – sound – on – tape OSV – off screen voice
OC / ONCAM – on camera ANNCR - announcer
TRT – total running time SFX / FX – special effects / visual
PIC – still pictures OS – over the shoulder shot
REC – record (verb) PKG - package
EXT / INT exterior / interior setting A – roll/ B-roll
CODES FOR CODES

3. • Live shot/Live Report – A TV news story
during which a news anchor or reporter is live at
a remote location. Within this report can be
included a SOT, VO/SOT or PKG.
• On-Set Appearance – Reporter appears on set
and is introduced by a news anchor. The
reporter can than introduce his/her news
package or report his/her story from there.
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4. • Package (PKG) - A report from a
correspondent that contains a sound bite
inserted between the introduction and the
epilogue (usually inserted after the reporter's
second or third sentence). These need an in-
studio lead for the anchor.
• Stand-up – part of package with reporter on
screen reading/presenting information.
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5. •Sound bite (SOT) - edited slice of a newsmaker
speaking. Similar to actuality in radio except the
person can be seen. Often several SOT can be
spliced together with the edits cover with video.
These can be included in PKGs and VO/SOTs or
can stand alone.
•Voiceover (VO) – A TV news story during which a
news anchor or reporter reads a script live as video is
played.
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6. • Voiceover-to-sound(VO/SOT) – A TV news
story during which a news anchor or reporter
reads a script live as video is played up to a
place when a news maker video/audio sound
bite is played. At the end of the SOT, the
reporter or anchor resumes reading with or
without additional video.
• Nielsen – service primarily used in
determining television ratings.
TERMINOLOGIES USED IN TV
NEWS WRITING