We’ll do it live!

When a viewer sees a live shot, it is essential we deliver something exciting, visual, and better than just simply any video we could show. The specific benefit to a live shot is exactly that, it is live, and the most up-to-date, current way to tell and show the news exactly as it is happening in that moment. But a live shot comes with its challenges and requires the work and cooperation of more individuals than one may presume; therefore, the selection is important and not to be wasted.

In response to the ongoing violence in Libya, the ANSWER Coalition staged a demonstration outside the federal building in Westwood. The potential for exciting and colorful visuals was high, but there were a number of challenges to overcome in order to make it happen. The unpredictable weather was the first problem standing in our way, with rain forecasted for the evening. Mother nature would make a live shot difficult, not only for the reporter standing in the rain, but also for the camera operator responsible for keeping the equipment dry. Luckily the forecast was on our sides; however, we discussed a back-up plan and worst-case scenario of filming the live shot from underneath the awning of the building across the street.

With the first hurdle overcome, then came the timing of the protest itself. The demonstration was scheduled to begin at 5 p.m., one hour before ATVN goes live at 6. We called early in the morning to confirm the protest would still be taking place, whether or not the demonstrators would be there in inclement weather, and how long they expected the event to last. According to those involved, it was projected to last until 7 p.m., and protestors would be there, rain or shine.

Once the logistics were settled, the third task of the day came with finding a reporter available to do the live shot itself. Though the actual shot only takes a couple minutes in the show, preparing for a live shot is a much more demanding activity than it may appear. Not to mention, in L.A. traffic at rush hour, Westwood is not exactly a close location.

Once we had our reporter, it seemed everything was set in place. But it is always an inherent fear that no one will show up for a protest. Regardless of whatever high number of attendees we are told in the morning will show up for the event, what do we do if no one is there? We got a call from the reporter at 4:48, and just about fifteen minutes before the expected start of the protest, zero people were to be found. This seemed like an appropriate time to panic, but we hoped for the best and prepared for the worst.

Fast forward an hour, and the protest was lively as demonstrators chanted, marched around the front of the building, and waved signs. After a number of hurdles, it seemed we would actually pull it off; the quality of picture during our run-throughs was decent and the scenery behind her was great. Unfortunately technology was not on our side during the actual show, and while viewers got to see where she was for a brief moment, we experienced technical difficulties following. Regardless, the experience taught me that while a live shot may come with its challenges, it is worth working around them to deliver an exciting, real newscast from the field.