Broadcasting rule of thumb

Luke

Well-known member
I’m going to be shooting a commercial for a local business which will be shown on a local station. I’ve never done this before. I’ve only done DVDs (shot in 24p). So what’s the general rule of thumb? I understand it won’t look anything like im use to, but what yields the best results. Im worried it’s going to look to, how do I say, local.

Luke
 
Rule of thumb? Good production value which mostly means good lighting and good sound.
Most local productions here are firehosed-camera (run and gun, no lighting) and poor sound.

I think if you think like a filmmaker and work tirelessly on every shot it should look pretty good....

But, remember, all national spots are shot on film with dozen+ man crews.
There's a reason they look so good.
 
Thanks for the response. I am very picky with my work and understand the essentials of producing a high quality product. What im not familiar with is how I should prepare my work before being broadcasted. Should I shoot 24P? What should I render it as? I just don’t want it to look like total crap once it is aired. Suggestions?

Luke
 
sink said:
find out what format they want it on.

Will a TV station take mini DV for commericals? Or do you have to transferred to something else. One local station around here used to pay for car accidents, fires, etc, but you had to put it on VHS tape. They might now, but they stop paying!!
 
depends on the place. our DVCPRO decks will take Mini-Dv but some places may not, just ask.
 
1. The video signal will not exceed 100 IRE

2. The video signal should have 40 units of sync and 9 cycles of burst; and,

3. Peak audio level should fall within -3 and 0 dB and shall have reasonable clarity.

4. All programs must begin with fifteen seconds (:15) of black before the program opening titles and music. Any disclaimers should be counted in as part of the program.
 
The standard for audio in the U.S. is -12 db, if I am not mistaken. Most commercials, especially local, seem to be running at about -9db. That is why commercials always seem louder than the other content in regular programming.
 
And don't forget that blacks should be between 7.5. and 10 IRE, no less, no more, and of course color must be 100 units or below.
 
Very helpfull, thanks to all. There shouldn't be any problems shooting in 24pa right?
Thanks

Luke
 
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