BBC News TOTH Smooth transition idea

I've had this idea floating around for a while and it wasn't until this morning that I thought it would be a good idea to actually try it out. I have to say first of all that, this is something that could probably never realisticly be deployed, and even if it was it probably wouldn't go down properly unless it was pre-recorded, and definitely wouldn't work on simulcasts with BBC One.

The idea is that as soon as the countdown hits zero, the news starts. This gives the viewer a sense of precision and accuracy when it comes to giving you the highest quality news (or at least newsreading). Instead of an awkward pause, thunderclaps and then "This is BBC News, the headlines at nine o'clock", that phrase is read out during the countdown around 5 seconds before the countdown finishes. Then, the thunderclaps start at the same time as the last pip at 00:00. A quick transition into the BBC News sting, then straight into the headlines. The only problem is that you don't see the newsreader until after the headlines and the intro. But I still think this is a good idea, that could be improved.

I have two versions. Version 1 uses the old 2008-2010 style countdown where the higher-pitched pips start at 7 seconds and finishes 2 seconds after the timer hits 00:00. This looks better, but it isn't what I had in mind. The second version is closer to my original idea, but doesn't look so good, maybe with a bit of tweaking or making the transition less abrupt it would look better. This version uses the current 2010-onwards style of having the higher-pitched pips start at 9 seconds and end at 00:00. Again, quick transition into the BBC News sting, and headlines start.

Sorry for the wordy introduction and if I repeated myself. These videos could definitely be improved and I want to remind people that this probably could never be implemented - it's just a fun idea. Finally... I hope you enjoy them.

Version 1 - 2008-2010 style
[media:dc76590761]http://up.metropol247.co.uk/122011/1324750327_1409778103.m4v[/media:dc76590761]

Version 2 - 2010-onwards style
[media:dc76590761]http://up.metropol247.co.uk/122011/1324750327_445588064.m4v[/media:dc76590761]

Feedback and ideas would be appreciated.

Got to be honest, I'm not a fan - it seems a bit odd to have the presenter talking over the voiceover, then showing a sting, then doing the headlines! I think it's good as it is now, but maybe something like BBC World do where they start with the main headline and then say 'This is BBC News with me *presenter name*, it's x o'clock - also in the headlines' would work.

Out of curiosity, who is the voice on the video? Not one I recognise, sounds a bit like Ben Geoghegan!

Simon McCoy, from this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laXLaW-ZOj8

No, to the voiceover on the countdown. ...but I do think that having the headline bed start immediately as the countdown hits zero would make for a better TOTH.

Also they should do the intro like BBC World, and just launch into the headlines.

EDIT:
This is so easy to do, the current set up uses three tracks.

• Countdown
• Thunderclap & Headline Vamp (Which is repeatedly played to get the thunderclap to begin each healine)
• Titles

All you would have to do is add the Headline Vamp to the end of the countdown track.

All this is is a music tweak, The only thing that has to be pre recorded is the Music itself, and that's a 30 second job. They just use the old method for the simulcasts.

The more I think about this, the more I come to the conclusion that it will never happen. Its easier to have the countdown separate for both the NC and World, as World has differently branded programming at TOTH which use music that would clash with the countdown, and the NC uses simulcasts.

Good idea, but logistics are just not worth the bother IMO. (Unless they use a different countdown at Simulcast and differently branded TOTHs.)

Yeah, that's why I said this is more of a fantasy/idea than something realistic. Just to see how it would work.

Personally I think it works well with the voiceover on, but in the New Year I'll go back and change it to some of the ideas you've mentioned. Thanks.

Its ok, IMO the bad thing is the voice...its too weak you need a stronger voice like the "Sky News Voiceover" as that is more deeper and then maybe it would sound better.

Yeah i totally agree... That hat has got to go, and the pearls... but the main thing is your voice. Its too high and has no authority...

I love how your post was originally one agreeing with him and laughing with him, now it's one of shock. Like you didn't get it.

To be fair I don't get it either.

Don't worry, all you need to know is Raheem is the butt of the joke.

It's a cultural reference to a film starring Meryl Streep.

I do apologise if i was being too obscure... but there was no alternative.