Pieces to camera are a time-honoured fixture in a TV package – but without purpose and pizazz, they can make for stale storytelling. It doesn’t have to be this way.
BBC Click’s Omar Mehtab shares some ideas for adding some OMG to your PTC.
Five tips to improve your pieces to camera:
- Use effects - visuals, sounds and onscreen text can bring your story alive.
- If you can't be on location, use creative props or a storytelling device.
- Does it have to be a piece to camera? Try an upsot, or a reaction shot using your phone to set the scene with your perspective.
- After you've got the main shots, experiment! Spend 15 minutes getting extra GVs, saying your lines differently, or recording an upsot, as you never know what might be used in the final edit.
- Involve yourself in every bit of the process even if it's not your main job. Doing some filming and editing will help you think creatively about how your pieces can be shot or spiced up in post-production.
- Rethinking the Piece-to-CameraAn interactive webinar where you'll be challenged to rethink how the reporter uses the PTC to tell the story
- Writing with ImpactA collection about the fundamentals of good writing across radio, tv, online, social and podcasts
