How to Do a "Stand Up" for a TV News Story

No element of a TV news story is more important to a reporter than their "stand up." It is the portion of the story where he is seen on camera. When "stand ups" are done well, they enhance a reporter's fame and reputation. When "stand ups" are done poorly, they make the reporter look like an amateur. Follow these steps to learn how to do a "Stand up" for a television news story.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Television Camera
• Microphone
• Photographer

1. Think about what you want to do in your "stand up" first. Consider whether your "stand up" will be a bridge in the middle of a package or a closer at the end. Consider whether you are doing a "live shot" or a "look live" where you will be seen at the beginning and end of the story. Determine whether your "stand up" will be an introduction, bridge or conclusion to your TV news story.

2. Legitimize your "stand up." Provide a reason you are being seen on television. The reporter should be demonstrating something or providing context or a comparison in his "stand up." Don't just stand there.

3. Refer to your surroundings in your "stand up" script. Explain and demonstrate as you appear on camera. Think of the camera as a person, and show the camera what your want him to see.

4. Consider what will be said before and after your "stand up" appears in your TV news story. This way your "stand up" will make sense when it is seen. If you introduce a fact in your "stand up" that was previously stated in your story, you will look foolish. Think about context before you shoot your "stand up."

5. Make your stand up active. Walk and talk if possible. Be sure you legitimize why you are walking. Try transitioning from one location to another. Give perspective by leading the camera down a path. You can also pick up objects, climb over things and demonstrate how something works. Show viewers some action.

6. Look your best by understanding how you are being photographed. Hair, makeup and clothes can only do so much to make you look good on camera. Be sure the light is shining on your face and that there aren't shadows obscuring you. If there are shadows, ask for a fill light or reflector. Make sure the camera is at least 6 feet away from you. Be sure to ask how you are being framed. Head and shoulders are good. Full body is alright. Don't let them shoot you just below the hips unless you want to look like a bowling pin.

Tips & Warnings

• Know exactly what you are going to say in your "stand up" before asking the photographer to shoot it. Nothing angers a photographer faster than a reporter who doesn't know what to say. Try to do your "stand up" in one take then do it again as a backup. You never know when an unexpected technical problem messed up the first perfect take.

• Don't come to the camera with nothing prepared. Improvisation is not something that the average reporter is all that fantastic with. Learn and listen in advance, and you can scope the story before telling it.

Resources

• Television News Anchor
• I Want Them Fired