Writing.

(1) Your first step is to contact the public affairs office and the protocol

officer. These contacts will advise you as to date and time of arrival, place of

arrival, number of people in the party, and length of stay. As soon as possible, obtain

a copy of the itinerary so that you can plan your filming locations.

(2) Next, you will want to go to the various locations and spot your shooting

positions. Some of the things to check are: location of sun (try to keep sun behind

you), if indoors, is power available for lights or will portable sun guns be necessary,

what areas would be best for filming, and what angles would be best. Also, if power is

available, you need to know how many extension cords are necessary.

b. Let us take a hypothetical assignment. Your unit received the following orders:

"The Chief of Staff of the Army and his party are expected to arrive at your post

tomorrow. Command requires complete picture coverage of all official activities of the

Chief of Staff and his party while on our post." Your assignment is to get the motion

picture or television coverage.

c. After you check with the protocol and public affairs office in charge of this

event, you find that the Chief of Staff and party are expected to arrive by aircraft at

1300 hours tomorrow. The party will consist of the Chief of Staff and three aids. The

purpose of their visit is to inspect the post and to award several decorations. The

Chief of Staff and party plan to depart by aircraft at 1700 hours on the same day.

3.

Writing.

a. With this information, you can now write your shooting outline and estimate the

number of people and the equipment you will need to accomplish your mission. In an event

of this kind, you cannot expect to stage or control many shots. It is similar to a grab

bagyou reach in and take what you can, when you can. The following shooting outline is

representative of what you might come up with:

(1) Scene 1. A series of shots from different angles of the Chief of Staff's

helicopter as it lands at the heliport.

(2) Scene 2. Various shots of the Chief of Staff and party as they disembark

from the helicopter and are greeted by the Post Commander. One stationary and one hand

held camera.

(3) Scene 3. Various angles as the party inspects honor guard. Two handheld

cameras.

(4) Scene 4. Multiple angles of the Chief of Staff presenting awards. One

stationary and two handheld cameras.

(5) Scene 5. Chief of Staff making a short speech. One stationary and two hand

held cameras.

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