Dec 17, 2015
VO/SOT – Video Clip Starts as a voice over includes sound on
tape▪ Sound bite or bite
Contains anchor voice▪ Plus one or more comments▪ From source or sources
Sometimes called VO/B or VO/B/B▪ To indicate number of bites
Role of a VO/SOT Helps producers vary the pacing of a news
program▪ Can stretch out a VO to a longer length if needed
Allows content to be incorporated▪ If something that cant be paraphrased is said▪ Emotional▪ Useful▪ Impactful
Give me an example of a good sound bite source
Scripting a VO/SOT This script should be developed like a VO▪ With a couple of additional steps▪ Identify the speaker by name and title▪ “John Smith a local farmer…”
This shows relevance to speaker Super should not replace this
▪ Set up what is about to be said “commented on the water shortage in the midwest”
▪ Set up bit thematically How does it go with the story
Setting up the bite▪ Video Clip
Key to setting up clip▪ Give sense of what is coming up▪ Don’t duplicate what viewer will hear▪ Write something specific▪ Avoid “And Mayor Jones had this to say”▪ It doesn’t give sense of what’s coming
▪ Bites should be 8-12 seconds▪ Less than 5-6 makes the SuperFont hard▪ Longer than 12 should be only if significant
Marking the VO script▪ VO only needs length of clip▪ VO/SOT needs▪ When video starts▪ Length of clip▪ Start time and length of bite
▪ Padding with no audio is usually added to end of tape▪ This allows room for error without going to black or odd
B-Roll
▪ The script text will have a gap where the SOT is▪ Gap in text tells anchor to stop reading
Reading up to the SOT Different newsrooms work different ways▪ To avoid overlap▪ PA’s, Directors, Producers, etc, will give anchor a
countdown▪ Some stations keep VO & SOT in separate decks
▪ Timing is key in keeping a good flow during the broadcast
Stand-alone SOT’s This is a rare occurance
▪ SOT’s without video for a VO▪ Usually a headshot of someone talking
A visual medium should have video▪ Meetings▪ Photo opportunities▪ File video▪ Something to lead into the SOT
Need for good communication Without ▪ Proper script markings▪ Good communication
A newsroom/broadcast can turn into a nightmare
Packages are Complex news stories Woven together into coherent reports
How to make a package Video Clip
What goes into a package?▪ Video Clip
Stand – Ups Reporter is in the field▪ Delivers a line or two▪ During the recording▪ Beginning middle or end
▪ Middle stand up is called a bridge▪ More common due to
Visual strength of video at start or end
Importance of stand-ups Face time for reporter▪ Allows viewers to identify with them
Allow discussion ▪ When video of topic is limited
Can draw reader in▪ Be natural & relaxed▪ Use mom rule when recording it
Leading into and out of bites Similar to VO/SOT▪ If speaker talks multiple times▪ Don’t introduce each time▪ But still preview bite
Video & Natural Sound Using compelling but relevant video▪ Movie clips, trailers, animations, etc▪ Will draw readers into news package
Natural sound▪ Any sound other than an interview▪ Car horns, church bells, trains, plane overhead, etc
▪ Can enhance package as well▪ Make it relevant to the story
Package Scripts Editing Script▪ This is for the editor to put the package
together▪ Or the reporter to edit it▪ Some editors edit their own packages
Producers Script▪ This has the anchors lead in and tag▪ Used during the broadcast
Importance of audio▪ Important to putting essence/feel into stories▪ Effective in storytelling
▪ Good news photographers know▪ Capture NAT sound when gathering footage▪ Great for use in packages, VO’s and VO/SOT’s
Music▪ Used to set mood▪ Look for music that is appropriate▪ Not too sad or irrelevant to story (Don’t create bias
with music)
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