Chapter 5
Electronic News Gathering
Objectives
• List and describe the equipment needed to
complete an electronic news gathering (ENG)
report.
• Identify the videographer tasks necessary for
producing ENG reports.
• Identify the reporter tasks necessary for
producing ENG reports.
Objectives
• Write scripts for ENG reports.
• Record an ENG report.
• Produce an ENG report.
• Present an ENG report
Electronic News Gathering (ENG)
• The process of reporting events and activities
that occur outside the television studio.
Electronic News Gathering (ENG)
1. Getting the story.
2. Presenting this information to the viewer.
Electronic News Gathering (ENG)
Successful ENG reporting requires both oncamera and behind-the-camera skills.
Electronic News Gathering (ENG)
A successful ENG team produces a video
segment that enables viewers to experience
the event as if they were there.
ENG Equipment
The reporter and videographer must be
prepared for every situation that might
present itself during the reporting of an
event.
ENG Equipment
Always check the
camcorder and
recording equipment
before leaving the
studio.
Bring the microphones
that you need.
ENG Equipment
Perform a sound check
before leaving the studio.
Plan for POWER!
Charged batteries,
Charger, Ac power supply,
extra microphone
batteries.
ENG Equipment
Don’t forget the essentials:
videotapes, tripod,
headphones.
Is portable lighting needed?
Bring pen or pencil and
paper for note taking.
ENG Equipment
A checklist can be very helpful!
Camera
Camera batteries
Camera tapes
Camera lens cleaner
Head Phones
Camera microphones (external)
Camera Bag
Business cards
Gaffers tape
SD Cards
Tripod with camera seat
Camera Light
Boom pole for sound
Battery chargers
AC adapter for camera to plug into wall
Camera utility bag
Fire Wire / HDMI cable / Audio and Video
cables
Operation manual
Plastic Bag to hold recorded tapes
,programs, flyers, other printed event
information
Preliminary Research
Library and internet resources to obtain
background information on a larger scale
Telephone calls and face-to-face informal
meetings to obtain background information
The ENG Crew Arrives at the Scene…
The Reporter…
Talks with the organizer or supervisor of the
event to obtain details.
Talks to several people involved in the activity,
and identifies potential interview guests.
Prepares the script for lead-in, narration, and
questions.
The ENG Crew Arrives at the Scene…
The videographer…
Prepares all equipment (camcorder, videotape,
microphones, tripod, etc.)
Starts videotaping activities,
Discusses camera shots with the reporter,
making sure to capture video covered by
script.
Recording the Story
The videographer…
Records several minutes of each activity as it
occurs.
Uses a variety of camera angles.
Capture sounds of the event to use in the
postproduction process.
Recording the Story
The videographer…
Records several “sound bites” to use during
postproduction.
Record “talking heads” with comments from
participants.
Record interviews.
ENG Videography Tips
Roll plenty of videotape.
Always wear headphones when recording
audio.
ENG Videography Tips
Choose a good location for your interviews
and comments.
Record stand-ups and narrations at the scene
to maintain audio continuity.
Telling the Story
Reporter Lead-ins
Two or three sentences that enable the viewer
to quickly grasp the content of the report.
Telling the Story
Reporter Narration
Information read by the reporter, usually overlaid
with video clips during postproduction
Record narration while at the location.
Record two or three takes, and use the best one.
Two or three sentences, at a slightly slower rate
than normal conversation
The tone should reflect the mood.
Telling the Story
Interviews and Comments
• Ask open-ended questions (questions that
cannot be answered with just one or two
words.
• Go over questions with the guest before
recording.
• Write down (and correctly spell) all names.
Telling the Story
Reporter Tag
• Summarizes the content
• Opportunity for the reporter to identify
himself/herself and the station affiliation.
Postproduction Tips
• Plan for the ENG reports to last about 60-to90 seconds.
Postproduction Tips
• Use as much live sound as possible.
• Critically watch the completed video in it’s
entirety. Don’t be afraid to make changes.
Postproduction Tips
• Complexity is essential. Use a series of shots,
not just long pans or wide-angle shots.
• Use graphics to indicate names and titles.
Producing the Story
• The editor should preview (watch) all of the
raw footage and note the components that he
or she will use to edit the finished report.
• Develop a working storyboard or outline
during the report.
Producing the Story
• An ENG report should have a beginning, a
middle , and an end.
• Use the Rule of Thirds: during postproduction,
the edited clips are grouped by audio and
video into segment of three sentences per
style of format.