News Package editing research

Typical things within a news package

B-Roll: 
B-roll is random video of things related to you topic. For example, a story about a local school could have shots of the school's exterior, kids walking through the hall, etc. The closer it relates to the subject matter of the story the better for all involved. A common type of b-roll is called as establishing shot. It is usually the exterior of a location of significance to the story.

Interviews: 
If possible, have your shot set up and the sound levels adjusted before the subject gets there. Your subject should have a drink availible in case his throat goes dry from the lights or nervousness. Don’t be afraid to look away from your list of questions and have a conversation. Look the subject in the eye. The more relaxed the subject is, the better the interview. Make sure to thank them when it’s over and offer them a copy of the finished product. You may need them again.

On-Screen Talent: Get shots of the reporter introducing, transitioning, or concluding the presentation of content within a story. These are sometimes performed live on-air over the final edit, but usually are recorded in the field. Try and limit these to two or three, as a narrative voice over  your b-roll will resonate with your audience more than a talking head. For the introduction try and incorporate pans, zooms, or dolly shots to bring people into the segment.

Editing:

1. Go through the interviews and find the best two to three sound bites  (a small snippet of speech that puts across the main point of a statement) from each one.  
2. Take these bites and organize them in a sensible order. Group bites that address the same subject together.
3. Write down the voice-overs that will best convey the information. Record these and import the clips onto your timeline. 
4. Group the bits of voice-over with the clips of the interviews they relate to.
5. Import your transitions and place them on a new timeline, spacing them as needed. Place your clips between the appropriate transitions. Play each placement and make sure it flows together like a narrative.
6. Any jump cuts (cuts between separate moments in the same steady shot) need to be covered. At this point you import appropriate b-roll and cover any awkward edits.
7. Add any music you might use as well as any on-screen text or graphics you may need and export the project.

Sayonara

Joycelyn