Kirk Tupaj
Multimedia Journalist
“There’s a shooting on James Street. We need you to go…”
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Getting a call at 2 AM isn’t unusual. If you plan on working in television news, expect the unexpected. It’s a job that’s filled with something new every day. One minute you’re at a fire, and the next minute you’re interviewing the Governor about economic development. It’s not a boring job!
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There really isn’t a typical day, but there is a method to this madness. The day often starts with a brief meeting: who’s assigned to doing what stories. I normally arrive at work about a half hour early to get equipment loaded up and my computer ready for the day. Then, it’s off to cover your assignments.
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My method of operation first involves thinking about how to make each story visually interesting. I then think about how to provide new information if the story has been covered in the past. Most of the thinking is done while chugging down coffee on the way to the story. If there’s time to shoot video (called B-Roll) ahead of time, I’ll typically get as much video as possible. Spot news happens and can alter your day, so getting this video ahead of time helps ensure success when editing.
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If time allows it, I like to get on-camera interviews that will keep the story moving. Planning is critical as people have limited time to stop in the middle of their day to do an interview.
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Lunch is the most important part of the day. Eat when you can! Once all your interviews and videos are shot, it’s back to the station to log the video, write the story (including tease videos), and edit. The story then needs to be posted to the web.
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Is it a busy day? Yes. I do have some advice for those considering a career in the business. Learn to shoot! My first 29 years were spent shooting video and editing for news. Once you have a good understanding of what to do (and what not to do), your shooting will make or break your story.
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It’s also important to know how to edit. Stories should have a flow, not just a bunch of meaningless eyewash thrown together. Learn to write to the video you have, not the video you wish you had. Edit to the video!
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Learn to write! A well-written story stands out from the typical, and please check your spelling. We all make mistakes. When you make them in front of an audience of thousands, somebody is going to catch it.
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My final piece of advice is to have fun! This can be one of the most satisfying careers with the right attitude."
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