It is not necessary to produce a "b-roll package" for your company, but it can be helpful if you anticipate a high volume of TV news coverage. Having b-roll limits the need for camera crews disrupting your office and producers appreciate the efficiency of having the basic footage available.  In addition, producing your own b-roll gives you the ability to control some of the storytelling, though it is subject to editing.

A standard company b-roll package is about 5-10 minutes long and is divided into sections that should include:

• CEO/founder and executives working and walking

• Internal shots of employees working

• External office shots, preferably with company signage

• Product shots with various angles

• Everyday people using the product in different environments

2. Get wide, medium and tight of every single shot, at least 10 seconds from each distance.  (Tips for better shooting)

3. Make subjects stand at least one foot from the backdrop. It looks way more interesting. (Depth of field)

4. Establishing shot. Get one. Don’t assume viewers know where you are or what you’re talking about.

5. Make sure ANYONE you interview, is also included in at least a few shots of your BROLL footage.

6. Light goes behind the camera; don’t leave your subjects in the dark. Check out these tips on 3-point lighting techniques:

7. Look nice on camera. Dress Professional.

8. Always shoot with editing in mind. Look for the action shots, the reaction shots, and interesting activities/people.

• • Motion = Emotion!

  • Don’t shoot inanimate objects and use as your BRoll. BORING!

• Action – Reaction

9. Test your equipment BEFORE you leave for the shoot.

• • Camera

  • Battery (bring 2)

  • Tripod

  • Tape/SD card

  • Microphone

  • Headphones

10. Check your AUDIO levels on the camera and the mic if needed.

11. Basic editing techniques

• • Edit at LEAST 3 different shots of BRoll together in a series

  • Don’t put 2 of the same CAM angles back to back (MS-MS or WS-WS or CU-CU)

  • 3-5 seconds long for each shot.

  • Show a sequence – WS-MS-CU, or MS-CU-WS, or CU-WS-MS

  •              - WS = wide shot

  •              - MS = medium shot

  •              - CU = close up (tight shot)

12. Begin recording any interview with, “Say your name and spell it.” This is a great way to test your audio levels, while recording the correct spelling of their name. And then spell their name correctly on the lower thirds in post-production.

13. And remember, if there is a technical problem, it is probably YOU! The camera is not broken. The microphone and tripod DO work. 99% of all technical problems are user related. Know how to troubleshoot your equipment!

News Package Ideas:

• Sophomore Semi-Formal

• Senior-Freshmen Mentoring Program

• Spartan Card

• Hypnotist Show

• Inauguration Trip

• Italy Trip

• QHS Sports Team (In-Season)

• Community News (poststar.com)

• Superbowl

Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkbPysvD6YE

I am Broadalbin-Perth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WsPEqymHPA

Schenectady Digital Academy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPbnuXUCD_c

GFSD Capital Project: https://vimeo.com/41367112

Technology within project: https://vimeo.com/41366147