Tips on how to properly frame your subject in the camera for video interviews

1. Broadcast Journalism
Basic Review

2. Types of Shots
WIDE SHOT (WS) Also known as a LONG SHOT (LS)
The WIDE SHOT is often used to establish the scene.

3. Types of Shots
MEDIUM SHOT (MS)
The MEDIUM SHOT (MS)
shows the person from
the waist up.
It brings the subject
matter closer to the
viewer while also
including some
background information.

4. Types of Shots
CLOSE-UP (CU)
• Fill the frame with
the subject.
• Use a related
environment
whenever possible.
• Both eyes should
be visible and the
subject should not
be looking into the
camera.

5. Types of Shots
CLOSE-UP (CU)
• Balance the
picture by using the
Rule of Thirds.
• Use a related
environment
whenever possible.
• Both eyes should
be visible and the
subject should not
be looking into the
camera.

6. Rule of Thirds
According to the rule of thirds, the frame is divided into three parts horizontally
and vertically. The subject of the photo is placed into one of the four intersections.

7. Types of Shots
CLOSE-UP (CU)
• Balance the picture by
using the Rule of
Thirds.
• Use a related
environment whenever
possible.
• Both eyes should be
visible and the subject
should not be looking
into the camera.

8. Types of Shots
CLOSE-UP (CU)
• Balance the picture by
using the Rule of
Thirds.
• Use a related
environment whenever
possible.
• Both eyes should be
visible and the subject
should not be looking
into the camera.
• Keep the camera at
eye-level of the subject.

9. Types of Shots
EXTREME
CLOSE-UP
(XCU)
Used to emphasize
a point and isolate
the subject

10. Types of Shots
B-ROLL
Also known as
CUTAWAYS,
B-ROLL is used to
help illustrate the
topic…as in this
segment on the
FFA.
You can’t shoot too
much B-ROLL.

11. Types of Shots
B-ROLL
Comes in handy if
there is a jump-cut
or an error in the
video.
B-ROLL can be an
effective way to
cover mistakes.

12. Broadcast Journalism
Pre-Production

13. The Pre-Production Process
 Commit to a topic

14. The Pre-Production Process
 Commit to a topic.
 Decide how to approach the topic
(point of view).

15. The Pre-Production Process
 Commit to a topic.
 Decide how to approach the topic
(point of view).
 Make an appointment to discuss the topic
with your subject(s).

16. The Pre-Production Process
 Commit to a topic.
 Decide how to approach the topic
(point of view).
 Make an appointment to discuss the topic
with your subject(s).
 Meet with the subject(s) and decide on a
date and time to tape interviews.

17. The Pre-Production Process
 Commit to a topic.
 Decide how to approach the topic
(point of view).
 Make an appointment to discuss the topic
with your subject(s).
 Meet with the subject(s) and decide on a
date and time to tape interviews.
 Jot down ideas for b-roll shots.

18. The Pre-Production Process
 Commit to a topic.
 Decide how to approach the topic
(point of view).
 Make an appointment to discuss the topic
with your subject(s).
 Meet with the subject(s) and decide on a
date and time to tape interviews.
 Jot down ideas for b-roll shots.
 Proceed with the production.

19. Broadcast Journalism
The Production
Process

20. The Production Process
 While meeting with the subject, decide how to
approach the subject and develop questions built
around 3-5 main points.

21. The Production Process
 While meeting with the subject, decide how to
approach the subject and develop questions built
around 3-5 main points.
 Begin thinking about what pictures will work best
for B-roll.

22. The Production Process
 While meeting with the subject, decide how to
approach the subject and develop questions built
around 3-5 main points.
 Begin thinking about what pictures will work best
for B-roll.
 Tell the story through people (develop questions for
the subject as well as supporting interviews).

23. The Production Process
 While meeting with the subject, decide how to
approach the subject and develop questions built
around 3-5 main points.
 Begin thinking about what pictures will work best
for B-roll.
 Tell the story through people (develop questions for
the subject as well as supporting interviews).
 Once the segment has been shot and the
footage has been reviewed, write a script that
will create a 1-2 minute story with a beginning,
middle and end.

24. The Pre-Production Process
Become familiar with the equipment.
• Camera

25. The Pre-Production Process
Become familiar with the equipment.
• Camera
• Microphone

26. The Pre-Production Process
Become familiar with the equipment.
• Camera
• Microphone
• Tripod

27. The Pre-Production Process
Become familiar with the equipment.
• Camera
• Microphone
• Tripod
• Cue cards

28. Broadcast Journalism
Shooting Tips

29. Shooting Tips
The camera
should be
eye-level with
the subject.

30. Shooting Tips
The camera
should be
eye-level with
the subject.
Even when the
subject is sitting.

31. Shooting Tips
The camera
should be
eye-level with
the subject.
Otherwise, the
viewer is looking up
at the subject…

32. Shooting Tips
The camera
should be
eye-level with
the subject.
…or looking down.

33. Shooting Tips
Be imaginative.
imaginative
Set the tone and the
theme of the
segment at the start.

34. Shooting Tips
Be imaginative.
imaginative
Set the tone and the
theme of the
segment at the start.
Look for
backgrounds and
environments that
are eye-catching.

35. Shooting Tips
Be imaginative.
imaginative
Set the tone and the
theme of the
segment at the start.
Look for
backgrounds and
environments that
are eye-catching.
…and it’s OK to see some action going on in the background.

36. Shooting Tips
Be imaginative, but always remember…
…the reporter is not
the story.
The reporter/host
should only be seen
during the open and
at the close of the
segment.