Story Editing: This is the final step in putting together a news story. There are two schools of thought on editing. One is the method in which we script first and then edit accordingly. The other thought is to edit first taking the best visuals and best bites and then writing a script to it. We will stick to the script first method in this module.
Relevant Visuals: Ensure that the most relevant footage is edited over the correct voice over. As the voice changes even the footage should. However, it is to be kept in mind that even the shots a life span…unless they are allowed to live their full life they won’t look right. In television the thumb rule is that WHAT LOOKS GOOD IS CORRECT. Let me repeat it as this is the most important rule…. WHAT LOOKS GOOD IS CORRECT.
Sequence: Visuals should be edited in such a way that a sequence is created. Obviously, one will have to shoot keeping in mind the sequences at the end. This is the crux. While shooting one will always have to remember how the whole thing will look in the editing table.
Length of shots: There is no specific rule about the length of the shots. One will have to play the shot to see how long it should and can last.
Breathing Space: Between paragraphs a few seconds of break has to be given in the voice over. These breaks are called breathing space and make the programme better.
Music: Relevant music used in the background heightens the impact of the story. However, one has to keep in mind the style of the news programme in mind – whether using music is allowed or not.
Using Graphics: Wherever statistics or important information or a unrecorded (but important quote) is involved using a graphic plate makes the story richer. The names and designations supered on the screen are also graphic plates. Supers are also called Astons.
The following are some of the places were graphics is widely used:
– Phone ins
– Weather
– Stock Reports
– Explaining an event
– An unrecorded Quote
– Astons
– Statistics etc.
The TV Journalist 