Digital News Production: Package Workshop

Our 'as-live' video from the package workshop is a rough practice of how our OB will be expected to turn out script-wise.

The set-up involved for this
As this is a practice/rough run through of the OB, it didn't require a great deal of setting up. It involved:

• Setting up the Canon - which was decided on for the OB due to manoeuvrability and weight allowing filming to run smoother than it would with the Sony.
• Deciding on location - we chose an empty lecture room to not disturb others, however this greatly differs from how our real location's atmosphere will be.
• Deciding on roles - I held the female presenter role as our real presenter is a woman, Wez as the interviewee due to having practice of this in our auditions, Harry on camera as he will be the camera operator on the night, and Jordan on sound to get an idea of sound quality.
• Deciding between using the rode mic in the conventional way or as a microphone - We originally wanted to use an actual microphone, but as it's incompatible with the camera, we decided on the rode mic. However for the presenter to look more professional and to get a closer and clearer sound when asking and answer questions, we decided to use it as a microphone.

The set-up involved for the real OB

• Setting up the Canon and Steadicam - this takes a long time to set up so will take a while on the night, but will be worth it due to how smooth it will make the camera's tracking movements
• Setting up on location - this will involve deciding on where to place floor markings for our presenter to start and finish
• Working together in as a group and in our individual roles
• Picking out members of the queue to ask if they're willing to be in our OB and talking it through with them
• Rehearsing - to ensure the smooth running of the OB we'll rehearse the entire thing at least once

Overall, there'll be a lot more to do and many more complexities when it comes to filming our real OB, but we're prepared for every detail.

What we plan on keeping the same

• The equipment - Canon, Steadicam, Rode Mic as microphone
• The script lines and questions
• The number of people talked to (which would be three)
• The rough positioning of the presenter, with her starting as PTC at the end of the queue, working her way along as she talks to customers and finishing again with PTC on a marker (which would be in front of the shop, GAME)

What we hope to avoid or improve

• The general atmosphere - Our presenter will be much more lively and enthusiastic than I was able to be!
• The excitement of the customers - Again, we're hoping and expecting the fans of the game in the queue to be a lively crowd to make the question portion more exciting.
• The lighting - Bluewater is a very well and brightly lit centre, so it should create a better appearance than the workshop's.
• No script in-hand - Our presenter will obviously be off book
• The steadiness and smooth running of filming - once rehearsed on location and the Steadicam is in use, it will flow a lot better.
• Camera shots - There will be CU of the customers answering the questions to give variety
• Timing - I think I slightly rushed through my lines and our Q&A was quite rushed, so we will make sure to take the time up from under 1 minute 40 to 2 minutes exactly.

I think our short practice run was helpful to establish exactly how the equipment will be used and how we'd like our positioning to be, as well as how well the script will flow with our real presenter.