I'm surprised at the number of out of focus, badly framed and white balanced shots that feature in Northwest Tonight's stories. Tonight there was an item about the Leeds Liverpool canal and the British Waterways person was really out of focus.
I also think that most people these days have large widescreen or HD televisions that are 32" or bigger. Some of the interviews are shot very close. A Big close up on a 42" screen of a person is not flattering and proves uncomfortable viewing at home.
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Yes, shall we just point all members who wish to complain about programming to the relevant broadcaster's email address? I think you would find that we would be left with a very quiet forum!
Er - what was the point of that Beep? I think it's a valid point about sh*t camera work.
No, the way the first post is written is like a complaint, even if it wasn't, it shouldn't be written like one, and more to the point - what can anyone on this forum do about it.
For all you know there may well be people on this forum that could do something about it.
Oh, I know that, what I am trying to say is the only people that care about it won't be able to do anything about it.
What's wrong with just discussing it? I'm really sick and tired of all this nitpicking over what should and shouldn't be posted. It's so boring. The irony is that if you just ignored posts you think are irrelevant, you'll find they just drift to the bottom of the forum.
It's possible that NWT employ 'Video Journalists', and because they have to multi-skill, the picture quality is usually the first thing that suffers. Mainly because they are journalists primarily. I've noticed a lot of VJ's even leave the cameras on Auto. So if someone walks past the shot, the camera will suddenly go out of focus and drop exposure, then suddenly go back.
It's possible that NWT employ 'Video Journalists', and because they have to multi-skill, the picture quality is usually the first thing that suffers. Mainly because they are journalists primarily. I've noticed a lot of VJ's even leave the cameras on Auto. So if someone walks past the shot, the camera will suddenly go out of focus and drop exposure, then suddenly go back.
Hmm - in my experience the sound suffers just as much as well, it's just that we've got used to compromised sound since the two-person camera crews (camera and sound recordist) dropped to one-person crews (with the sound done by the camera operator).
It's all a compromise though - using VJs has allowed cost savings that have meant that local services can be expanded rather than closed. The practical aspects (particularly camera weight) have made it physically possible to do it, and there are some VJs who are very good, but the one-size-fits-all model doesn't always work.
You'd probably be surprised how many non-News shows are now shot by self-shooting directors - who do their own camera and sound (though often on higher end cameras than VJs get)
Yes sound is often a problem, really because the Journalist has to interview a person at the same time as they're monitoring the sound on the camera. Something i've had to try and do, and because you're trying to concentrate on what the person is saying, it's hard to actually hear if there are any crackles, hiss or level problems with the audio. Plus you can't really check the level meter on the camera screen, because it feels rude if you're not actually making eye contact with your interviewee.
Don't get me wrong though, I've seen some great camera and sound work from VJ's, some even take the time to do some clever camera work, or even some camera trickery like split screens to illustrate points. All depends on the person and how much time they have I suppose.
I guess my original post did sound like a complaint but since I've have been watching the local news more I am more aware of how the content is presented. (I will forward the original post to the email address posted earlier)When the camera and sound is good then the programme flows seamlessly but every night there are several faults with the picture quality. From the other posts I understand the pressure the VJ's must be under and by the sounds of it sending someone out alone to film, record sound and ask questions on a story must have health and safety issues. But surely there must be someone monitoring or technically assessing the footage before it goes out and can remove or try to correct the footage in an edit suit? I guess they let it go because they can and it's cheaper than having to pay for a camera and sound person.
I also feel that the sports presenter should have a shave and wear a tie. (Again this may sound like a complaint but interested to hear other peoples opinions) He seems like a nice bloke but it why is he allowed to slouch on the sofa with a designer stubble and an open neck shirt when all the other presenters and journalists are dressed appropriatley? (I'll move this post over to the North West Tonight Post)
Last edited by jonnyredpants on 5 February 2010 8:22am
