(5) Oddity in an event is that which causes it to deviate from the normal.
Unusual events or occurrences are inherently newsworthy.
(6) Conflict implies physical contact. Exploits of a football or baseball team
are tales of conflict. Films contain conflict when they show man pitted against man, or
man against the elements, or describe battles, riots, etc.
(7) Sex receives a large play in the news reporting. As military cameramen,
direct your thinking to that which interests the sexes. Male readers are usually
interested in sports, finances, and those things that affect their work. Women, while
also interested in these things, are also usually interested in fashions and social
events.
(8) Emotion is an allinclusive term that sums up all the feelings, curiosity,
sympathy, and anger possessed by human beings. It ranges from satisfaction of purely
animal instincts to the highest spiritual strivings. It includes innate desire for food,
clothing, and shelter; the ebb and flow of ambition, hate, love, envy, generosity, humor;
and many other instincts.
(9) Progress is news that shows a change for the better. Anything concerned with
maintaining peace, atomic energy, a cure for cancer, or technical developments, contains
a newsworthy element that not many editors will pass up.
4.
Treatment of documentation.
a. The most important thing to do when filming or taping documentation is to orient
yourself to the event or happening. Then lay out a mental or written shooting script.
Film your key shots first. Think in terms of a one or twominute edited story.
b. Provide as much pictorial continuity as the situation allows. Locate the scene.
Show where the event is happening. This would be the establishing shot. Try to create
interest through a good choice of angles. Show people whenever possible and avoid static
scenes. If possible, stage action when the situation permits. Complete the story by
filming any immediate consequence of the event.
c. Try to think ahead so as to anticipate the action. Try to find out as much as
possible about the event before you start filming. Ask questions of people in charge.
This could be the police, fire fighters, or public officials. When possible try to speak
to the highest official available on the scene. Many times the person closest to the
action is not aware of the overall event. Locate the best camera angles before the event
whenever possible.
d. If possible, duplicate important scenes. The second scene may result in a
better expression or action. Try to vary the angle, distance, or where necessary, the
focal length. When the action moves from one area to another or lighting conditions
change, it is important to maintain proper exposure.
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