Chapter 5Electronic News Gathering

Objectives

• List and describe the equipment needed to complete an electronic news gathering (ENG) report.

• Identify the videographer tasks necessary for producing ENG reports.

• Identify the reporter tasks necessary for producing ENG reports.

Objectives

• Write scripts for ENG reports.

• Record an ENG report.

• Produce an ENG report.

• Present an ENG report

Electronic News Gathering (ENG)

• The process of reporting events and activities that occur outside the television studio.

Electronic News Gathering (ENG)

1. Getting the story.2. Presenting this information to the viewer.

Electronic News Gathering (ENG) Successful ENG reporting requires both on-

camera and behind-the-camera skills.

Electronic News Gathering (ENG)

A successful ENG team produces a video segment that enables viewers to experience the event as if they were there.

ENG Equipment

The reporter and videographer must be prepared for every situation that might present itself during the reporting of an event.

ENG Equipment

Always check the camcorder and recording equipment before leaving the studio.

Bring the microphones that you need.

ENG Equipment

Perform a sound check before leaving the studio.

Plan for POWER! Charged batteries,

Charger, Ac power supply, extra microphone batteries.

ENG Equipment

Don’t forget the essentials: videotapes, tripod, headphones.

Is portable lighting needed?

Bring pen or pencil and paper for note taking.

ENG Equipment A checklist can be very helpful!

CameraCamera batteriesCamera tapesCamera lens cleanerHead PhonesCamera microphones (external)Camera BagBusiness cardsGaffers tapeSD CardsTripod with camera seat

Camera LightBoom pole for soundBattery chargersAC adapter for camera to plug into wallCamera utility bagFire Wire / HDMI cable / Audio and Video cablesOperation manualPlastic Bag to hold recorded tapes ,programs, flyers, other printed event information

Preliminary Research

Library and internet resources to obtain background information on a larger scale

Telephone calls and face-to-face informal meetings to obtain background information

The ENG Crew Arrives at the Scene…

The Reporter… Talks with the organizer or supervisor of the

event to obtain details. Talks to several people involved in the activity,

and identifies potential interview guests. Prepares the script for lead-in, narration, and

questions.

The ENG Crew Arrives at the Scene…

The videographer… Prepares all equipment (camcorder,

videotape, microphones, tripod, etc.) Starts videotaping activities, Discusses camera shots with the reporter,

making sure to capture video covered by script.

Recording the Story

The videographer… Records several minutes of each activity as it

occurs. Uses a variety of camera angles. Capture sounds of the event to use in the

postproduction process.

Recording the Story

The videographer… Records several “sound bites” to use during

postproduction. Record “talking heads” with comments from

participants. Record interviews.

ENG Videography Tips

Roll plenty of videotape.

Always wear headphones when recording audio.

ENG Videography Tips

Choose a good location for your interviews and comments.

Record stand-ups and narrations at the scene to maintain audio continuity.

Telling the Story

Reporter Lead-ins Two or three sentences that enable the viewer

to quickly grasp the content of the report.

Telling the Story

Reporter Narration Information read by the reporter, usually overlaid

with video clips during postproduction Record narration while at the location. Record two or three takes, and use the best one. Two or three sentences, at a slightly slower rate

than normal conversation The tone should reflect the mood.

Telling the StoryInterviews and Comments

• Ask open-ended questions (questions that cannot be answered with just one or two words.

• Go over questions with the guest before recording.

• Write down (and correctly spell) all names.

Telling the StoryReporter Tag

• Summarizes the content• Opportunity for the reporter to identify

himself/herself and the station affiliation.

Postproduction Tips

• Plan for the ENG reports to last about 60-to-90 seconds.

Postproduction Tips

• Use as much live sound as possible.• Critically watch the completed video in it’s

entirety. Don’t be afraid to make changes.

Postproduction Tips

• Complexity is essential. Use a series of shots, not just long pans or wide-angle shots.

• Use graphics to indicate names and titles.

Producing the Story

• The editor should preview (watch) all of the raw footage and note the components that he or she will use to edit the finished report.

• Develop a working storyboard or outline during the report.

Producing the Story

• An ENG report should have a beginning, a middle , and an end.

• Use the Rule of ThirdsUse the Rule of Thirds: during postproduction, the edited clips are grouped by audio and video into segment of three sentences per style of format.