Field Reporter Training for Package Production

There are five main steps to producing a field package:
1) Decide what your story's focus is
2) Shoot interviews, b-roll and reporter stand-up on location
3) Write your script
4) Record voice over and edit the package
5) Write anchor lead and give to producer

1) Decide what your story's focus is: The producer may give you a few options or assign a story to you. If you have a better story idea, that may work too. Do your research online, make phonecalls and get basic information. Then figure out how best to tell the story in under 2 minutes. Decide who you need to interview and see if they're willing and able to record an interview. Be ethical, objective and responsible. Get both or all sides of the story.

2) Shoot interviews, b-roll and reporter stand-up on location: Reserve a camera, and make sure to carry headphones, tripod, lav mic and tape. Arrive early, and set up before your guest sits down if possible. Have them sign a talent release. Read interviewing techniques and ask a few brief questions. Refrain from speaking as that will be recorded and use nodding or body language instead. Don't ask yes/no questions and tell your interviewee to repeat your question in their answer. Frame your interviewee well, refrain from panning and zooming. Try to get consistent audio levels around -12dB and make sure ambient noise is at a minimum. Switch on the zebra line indicator and watch out for overexposure.

3) Write your script: Check out this sample. Broadcast scripts are written in short, active, simple sentences. Video to the left, audio to the right. If you write in uppercase letters, the audio on the right column roughly adds up to a minute per page. So, you would need no more than 2 pages for 2 minutes. Your script is reporter narration tying together sound bites from interviewees, which are about 20-40 seconds each. The stand-up can be a bridge (in the middle of the story) or at the end.

4) Record voice over and edit the package: Log your tape and capture only what you're going to use. Follow your script. Lay down your narration and interview audio for the 2 minutes, then add b-roll. Do color correction and use the broadcast safe filter to clamp overexposure. Raise or lower audio levels as needed.

5) Write anchor lead and give to producer: Check out this sample. It should be 3-4 short sentences, the first being a hook and the last leading you to the first part of the video as well as crediting the reporter. You will also need to provide names/titles of your interviewees as well as any end credits such as music used/crew assistance to the producer.