The VO Chap 7

There are 5 basic story form in TV News

Readers Voice-overs (VOs) Voice-overs/sound on tape (VO/SOTs) Packages (Done by reporters)

Voice-over (VO) Usually about 20-30 seconds in length

Any story read that includes Video, Full-screen graphic, or Other visual

Name implies Voice will be heard over some visual

Role of the VO Helps producer vary the pace of show Present information in short form

When to use VOs For short less important stories Late breaking news

With no time to develop full story When stronger news takes precedence

Mechanics of a VO VO content originates from several places

Story Notes (From reporter or ENG) News/Press releases Wire Services Video feed services

After reviewing material Follow up with a source or the reporter/eng Rewrite script with a local angle

Writing VO with video The 5 W’s alone may not be sufficient

Video will just be wallpaper

Write story based on video footage To make content relevant to story Avoid a play-by-play recap of video

The script and video should match Thematically

Choosing the right visuals for the copy Review examples of Vos

Start on pg 111 Compare with revisions starting on pg 113

Literal Video Avoid taking video too literally

Copy doesn’t have to be a slave to images Don’t just describe what viewer is seeing in the video

Video/visuals can also be used As support for story idea To reinforce a point being made

Writing from file footage Sometimes file footage is all that is available Often used to write about a past event

Tip for writing from file footage Reference the specific video first Then discus story that may not be connected to visual

Example pg 116

More on file footage▪ If it’s unrelated to the script content▪ If a reference can’t be made to the video▪ You should probably find some different video

So called “Generic” video is often used for VO’s▪ If people recognize themselves▪ It could be a lawsuit

▪ Some editors say “No Faces”▪ Can help prevent recognition▪ But still problematic if limited people used

Poster children Video/Images are often used over and over▪ Consider the impact on the person in video▪ Seek new or different video for repeated stories

Graphics▪ Used when no appropriate video is available▪ Bullet Points▪ Quotes▪ Charts and Graphs▪ Locator Graphics▪ General Information▪ Weather Graphics▪ Explanatory Graphics▪ Thematic Graphics▪ Branding

Use of Natural Sound Placing sound from tape under VO▪ Gives audience better sense of the story

30 Seconds or Less VOs are typically 20-30 seconds in Although there is no set length requirement

VO DO’S AND DON’TS

DO Write from Video Grab viewer attention

right away Make sure everyone

knows what we’re doing

Don’t Leave out times and

other cues Write generic copy for

generic video Leave out and major

information

Let’s Practice writing some VO’s

Go to www.professorleach.com Click on MCOM 42 link Go to In Class VO assignment