Stand-Uppers

The stand-upper (stand-up or piece to camera) has always been considered one of the mainstay techniques of television reporting, although it goes in and out of favour according to fashion. It remains a yardstick against which confidence in front of the camera is measured, and while there is nothing complicated about the technique, no reporter is likely to make serious career progress without mastering it.

The term speaks for itself. The stand-upper consists of a straightforward spoken delivery to the camera–and through it to the audience. Also:

● It establishes the reporter’s presence on the spot.

● It takes little time to do.

● It offers versatility because it can be used by itself or as a single ingredient within a story.

Given a choice, some reporters prefer not to use the stand-upper at all, believing they have failed if they have to resort to their own talking head instead of what they consider should be more adequate illustration. Others are reticent because, surprisingly, they lack the technique, which depends on three things:

● An ability to compose direct, spoken language.

● A good memory.

● Fluent, confident delivery.

The emphasis on good, broadcast-style writing has already been stressed, so let us examine the other main requirements.

The right backgrounds

These are essential to all stand-uppers, which are intended to prove to the viewer that reporters are where they say they are. Pieces to camera are enhanced by relevant backgrounds, which should always be preferred to those offering only anonymity. It’s worth taking time to investigate the most appropriate setting, but be sure to consult your camera crew before deciding where to place yourself. Don’t allow so much to go on in the background that the viewer will not be interested in what you have to say. Noisy settings can be just as distracting. And never leave the audience wondering why a particular background has been chosen. Opening words must be sure to set the scene.

Centre-screen or to one side?

Some news organisations like their reporters to be positioned in the centre of the picture while delivering stand-uppers. They believe it adds authority. Others with an eye on the composition prefer the performer to stand to one side or the other, arguing that in this way the reporter becomes part of the scene and does not appear to be a superimposition on it. You may not be given the choice. If you are, err on the side of consistency.

Stand-uppers

Find an appropriate place from which to tell your story. A background will put your piece in context (1), but take care not to distract the audience by cluttering the screen with too much detail (2). An anonymous setting is boring and adds nothing (3). Some news organisations prefer their reporters to be positioned centre-screen (4). Others believe picture composition is enhanced by placing the reporter to one side.