How to Do an Active Live Shot for a TV News Story

TV news reporters don't get very much face time on camera. They therefore have to make the most of the time they have while telling their story in the most effective way. Both goals can be accomplished through the use of active live shots, in which the reporter moves, demonstrates and gestures while utilizing her surroundings. Follow these steps to learn to do an active live shot for a TV news story.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• TV camera
• Microphone

1. Take a look around before you write your story. If you know you will be doing a live shot, you should plan the live portion first. Scan the scene for visuals you can refer to or props you can use in a demonstration. Use that as the starting point and write the rest of the story to fit.

2. Set the scene. When anchors toss to the reporter, the first thing they want to know is, "What's the latest?" Start with the big picture. Have the camera pull out wide and show what is happening around you.

3. Talk to the camera. Imagine that you are speaking to a single person who is behind the camera. Talk directly to that person, maintaining eye contact much of the time. Then lead that person around the scene, showing them what they should see. Notice I said "showing" and not "telling." Telling is for radio.

4. Use all 360 degrees. Don't limit yourself to the narrow range of a slightly panning camera. Have the photographer put the camera on his shoulder and follow you around. If there are things to see around you, walk in a circle around the photographer. The viewers at home will then get the full picture. Only have the photographer shoot your live shot on a tripod if the shot must be static or he is zooming in to something far away.

5. Demonstrate perspective. Whenever possible, show the viewers contrast. Standing next to something huge helps them understand how big it is. Walking from a burned field to an untouched house a few feet away demonstrates how close it came to the flames.

6. Do something. If it is possible, try to engage in whatever activity the live shot is about. If you are at a festival, jump on a ride or have a corn dog. If you are at an animal shelter, pet the dog and pick up the kittens. If you are bearing witness to the aftermath of a tornado, pick up some debris. You can also ask interviewees in a live shot to do something appropriate on camera.

7. Finish strong. If you have a package in the middle of your live shot, plan different actions for the lead and the close. Try different locations or demonstrations. Be sure to leave the anchors in awe so that they can talk about what you just showed them.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice your live shot with your photographer before you go on the air. Each of you needs to know what the other will do. It's a partnership.
• "Live" means there are no second chances. Be sure you have a solid plan, and that you don't mess it up. Minimize factors that could cause potential problems, like crowds, back lighting and power cords someone could trip over. You don't want problems when you are live on the air.