7.3 Production Techniques for TV and Radio

Broadcast journalism relies heavily on production techniques to create compelling TV and radio content. From visual enhancements like B-roll and chroma key to audio mixing and sound design, these tools shape the final product.

Live production elements add another layer of complexity. On-location broadcasting and studio control require careful coordination to deliver seamless content to audiences. These techniques bring stories to life across broadcast media.

Video Production Techniques

Visual Enhancement Techniques

Top images from around the web for Visual Enhancement Techniques

• 

  Chroma Wheel for Gamut Mapping by FengL0ng on DeviantArt View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Product Review: Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  I migliori programmi gratuiti per dividere file video (Video) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Chroma Wheel for Gamut Mapping by FengL0ng on DeviantArt View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Product Review: Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Visual Enhancement Techniques

• 

  Chroma Wheel for Gamut Mapping by FengL0ng on DeviantArt View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Product Review: Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  I migliori programmi gratuiti per dividere file video (Video) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Chroma Wheel for Gamut Mapping by FengL0ng on DeviantArt View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Product Review: Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• B-roll enhances storytelling by providing supplementary footage to illustrate the main narrative
  • Adds visual interest and context to interviews or voiceovers
  • Can include establishing shots, action sequences, or close-ups of relevant objects
• Editing shapes the final product by arranging and manipulating video footage
  • Involves cutting, rearranging, and trimming clips to create a cohesive story
  • Utilizes techniques like jump cuts, match cuts, and montages to convey information efficiently
• Chroma key allows for background replacement in post-production
  • Commonly uses green or blue screens during filming
  • Enables the insertion of virtual backgrounds, weather maps, or special effects

On-Screen Graphics and Transitions

• Lower thirds provide additional information without interrupting the main visuals
  • Display names, titles, or brief explanations at the bottom of the screen
  • Often use animated graphics to introduce and remove the information smoothly
• Fade gradually transitions between scenes or to/from black
  • Fade-in brings an image from black to full visibility
  • Fade-out slowly darkens the image until it disappears
• Transitions create smooth visual connections between different shots or scenes
  • Include techniques like dissolves, wipes, and cuts
  • Can convey passage of time, change in location, or shift in narrative focus

Audio Production Techniques

Sound Manipulation and Blending

• Audio mixing combines multiple audio tracks into a balanced final product
  • Adjusts volume levels, panning, and equalization for each audio element
  • Ensures clear dialogue, appropriate background music, and balanced sound effects
  • Uses techniques like compression and normalization to maintain consistent audio levels
• Fade manipulates audio volume to create smooth transitions
  • Fade-in gradually increases volume from silence
  • Fade-out slowly decreases volume to silence
  • Cross-fade smoothly transitions between two audio sources
• Sound design enhances the audio experience with carefully chosen effects
  • Adds ambient sounds to create a sense of environment (city traffic, nature sounds)
  • Incorporates foley effects to enhance on-screen actions (footsteps, door creaks)

Audio Post-Production

• Noise reduction eliminates unwanted background sounds
  • Removes hums, hisses, or other distracting noises from recordings
  • Improves overall audio clarity and professional quality
• Voice-over recording and editing adds narration or commentary
  • Often recorded separately and integrated during post-production
  • Requires careful timing and volume adjustment to blend with existing audio

Live Production Elements

On-Location Broadcasting

• Live shot broadcasts events or reports in real-time from remote locations
  • Requires coordination between on-site crew and studio personnel
  • Often utilizes satellite or cellular technology for signal transmission
• Remote production setup ensures smooth live broadcasts from the field
  • Includes portable cameras, microphones, and lighting equipment
  • Relies on mobile production units or satellite trucks for signal processing and transmission

Studio Control and Coordination

• Control room serves as the nerve center for live productions
  • Houses equipment for video switching, audio mixing, and graphics insertion
  • Staffed by director, technical director, and other production personnel
• Rundown outlines the planned sequence of segments for a live broadcast
  • Details timing, content, and technical requirements for each segment
  • Allows production team to coordinate seamlessly during the broadcast
• Cue signals the start or end of a specific action during live production
  • Can be verbal instructions, hand signals, or automated prompts
  • Ensures precise timing and coordination among talent, camera operators, and control room staff