Any experience with news standups/segment production?

[custerc]

I've just started doing some freelance work for this indie TV channel. They hired me primarily because of my content expertise, and secondarily because I have at least a rudimentary ability to put together documentary pieces. But they want me in the videos and I'm not great in front of the camera at all.

http://www.linktv.org/video/6624/inflation-in-china

There's the first piece I did for them. Content wise it's a little all over the place, because originally it was organized around a different theme -- the show is brand new and they're still working out the kinks, so what they wanted from the piece changed repeatedly before, during, and after the shooting process.

Anyway, what I'm looking for is advice on my performance. Like I said, I'm not usually an in-front-of-the-camera guy, and I can tell it shows watching this video again, especially in contrast with the very smooth and natural tone of the host. (Of course, when I shot this, I had no idea that would be the vibe of the show, but whatever).

So, what am I doing wrong/could I be doing better or differently to make this feel more natural and less cold and artificial? I can tell that's what it needs, but I'm not sure how to accomplish it as I'm not at all an "actor." Of course, this isn't really acting, it's news, which is why I'm posting it here.

So, if you know about this sort of thing, any and all advice would be appreciated. I'm going to be doing short segments on China for them on a semi-regular basis, and I want to be able to give them better and better stuff to work with as time goes on (obviously).

 

[Gregg Juke]

Hey man, you actually did really great. It will just take you getting used to being on camera-- seeing yourself and hearing your own voice, and getting comfortable.

You kept things moving, did nice voice-over, and didn't have any "verbal pauses" ("ah, um," etc.). the rest will come with experience.

A few little things I did notice-- I could see the screen from your laptop wobbling back and forth ( a little physical nervousness?). Not sure why that was happening, but you should probably try to avoid that, as it is a distraction to the audience. Also, if we're getting microscopically nit-picky, I could see your eyes move as you read. What were you reading from? The laptop?

There is an app for iPad/iPod Touch (which they might have for Mac computers as well; I don't know) that is a very simple and easy to use teleprompter. Maybe you could look into that (you can change the crawl speed to make you most comfortable, but keep the "eye flutter" to a minimum).

But those are really, really nit-picky nits. You did a great job.

GJ

 

[custerc]

Hey man, you actually did really great. It will just take you getting used to being on camera-- seeing yourself and hearing your own voice, and getting comfortable.

You kept things moving, did nice voice-over, and didn't have any "verbal pauses" ("ah, um," etc.). the rest will come with experience.

A few little things I did notice-- I could see the screen from your laptop wobbling back and forth ( a little physical nervousness?). Not sure why that was happening, but you should probably try to avoid that, as it is a distraction to the audience. Also, if we're getting microscopically nit-picky, I could see your eyes move as you read. What were you reading from? The laptop?

There is an app for iPad/iPod Touch (which they might have for Mac computers as well; I don't know) that is a very simple and easy to use teleprompter. Maybe you could look into that (you can change the crawl speed to make you most comfortable, but keep the "eye flutter" to a minimum).

But those are really, really nit-picky nits. You did a great job.

GJ

Thanks. Yeah, the laptop was actually balanced on my knees. They wanted a shot of me using the computer, but I don't have a desk, and our coffee table was too low; it just ended up being that was the best way I could think to get the laptop into the frame on short notice (I was really rushed because they wanted it that day, and I was almost out of daylight by the time I started shooting that!)

I was reading from a paper script...how does the teleprompter app work though? I will have to look into that. Does it require extra gear? I do have an iPhone so that might be a good option for me....

 

[Gregg Juke]

The app seems to work great (I just bought another used iPod Touch, and the demo version came pre-loaded). I forget the name, but Google or iTunes search-- "telepromter app."
The demo is free, of course, and works fine, but you can't save scripts and some features are locked. The full version is only $10 or so, so I'm definitely getting it.

Looks pro, and you can change your font size and scroll; you might even be able to rig your iPhone just below the camera lens and if you're close enough, you're golden. Otherwise, you can just find a place close to you that's out of sight to stash it off camera.

GJ