After putting together a package for show three, I returned to videography work for show four, and this show really feels like everyone is working as a unit, churning our high-level stories. We had a little extra time to put show four together, thanks to our university’s spring break, and that time allowed me to reach out and help more people than in previous shows.
I really like going out in the field and helping people put their stories together, and everyone shoots incredibly differently. Some people show up with the package already in their mind. They know what they want me to shoot, and they know where in the package it will go. But others will take their time in the field, and let the shots or the soundbites come to them naturally. Because of this, I really have to learn to adapt.
Show four was my 14th news show I’ve been a part of while at WVU, and I have helped a ton of people over the past year and a half. I can tell you, you just have to learn to speak the language of the person you’re working with. And this class has done a great job at teaching me to think on my toes and adapt.
One thing I will say has been consistent as I have gone out and shot in the field is that reporters are leaning less and less on me for advice and help. I can see how some people would grow concerned about that, but the reality is they are starting to get the hang of it themselves.
We’re steering away from the very rookie questions like “Is this framed on the right side?” because they know what they’re doing by now, which makes my job all the easier.
I will say, though, I feel like I am at my most helpful when I am in the edit lab. I know what I’m doing in the field with the cameras, sure, but I understand Premiere Pro so much better than I will ever understand a broken audio kit. And while I am not trying to toot my own horn too much, I just really think a big reason why I feel more and more comfortable helping people this semester is just because I keep getting more and more experience. This class has prepared me so well on so many fronts, but it just comes down to repetition.
Like I said, I’m about to go into my 15th news show, so I’ve been around the block. And of course, I still slip up and ruin a shot, or forget to check the audio before recording, but I am so much more equipped to fix those problems now than I ever could have imagined myself being capable of.
Going into show five, I am hoping to do another package, but even though I will certainly be busy with that, I will still try to help as many people as possible because I love going out, doing my job and getting that experience.