IJMC - So You Want Into Journalism?

If you're going to try to get into journalism, perhaps you should know 
the lingo. Provided by the Photographer's Lounge and passed through our 
dear ole Uncle Flip...here's a taste. If you really want to be a 
journalist, dig up the rest yourself...not tough.                 -dave







TV news translations

In the TV news biz, we often say one thing while we mean something
entirely different...  The Photographers' Lounge
(members.aol.com/photogslou/) has compiled a few lists of these
inconsistencies...  I've included five from each section.
(BTW, check out the FABULOUS picture of Lee Harvey Oswald in the
'kickers' section.)

Photog says:   (to producer) "The reporter and I talked and we've got
some interesting angles to this story."
He REALLY means:    "I've got 2:00 minutes worth of nat sound that I'm
using no matter how long it's going to be. You might as well give me a
whole block."

Photog says:   "Just two more edits!"
He REALLY means:    "Float this...it's going to be the kicker."
(I've personally been on the receiving end of this line numerous
times...)

Photog says:   "Just need a couple more shots here before I can hit that
next VO."
He REALLY means:    "I'm not leaving this place until I get some of
those free eats! "

Photog says:   "Why yes...my job CAN be exciting."
He REALLY means:    "What a babe!"

Photog says:   "No...we don't have to practice the live shot again, I
think you got it."
He REALLY means:    "Just say the words and don't stumble, pretty boy."

*****

Reporter says:   "I'd like to get ambitious with this story."
He REALLY means:    "You are about to work your ass off getting multiple
sequences, crazy-death-defying angles, slogging the gear in and out of
the trunk 8 times and burning your hand on the extra light...all while I
schmooze with the celebrity in the next room...Oh yeah...shoulda told
ya... producer says we're tight...gotta keep it to under a minute!"

Reporter says:   "What time do you get off?"
He REALLY means:   "I have no chance in hell of getting this thing on
the air if you don't bail my ass out by staying and editing this
monstrosity."

Reporter says:   " Did you get a shot of the...?"
He REALLY means:    "I was so busy telling the receptionist about the
exciting world of television that I didn't notice you were finished."

Reporter says:   "I'm going to keep this short. Shoot for a mini-pak."
He REALLY means:    "You are about to edit a package that will rival the
length of "Gone With the Wind".

Reporter says:   " Do you have a fresh tape?..."
He REALLY means:    "I need this for my resume and I don't want that
news director to be distracted by a creased tape when he's looking at my
smiling face."

*****

Assignment desk says:   "What's your ETA back to the station?"
Really means:    "I have reporters lined up like taxicabs hungrily
awaiting your arrival."

Assignment desk says:   "When your finished with that...SWING
BY........"
Really means:    "You are about to take a very long drive."

Assignment desk says:   " I need you heading SOUTH!"
Really means:    "I have no idea where I'm sending you."

Assignment desk says:   "Do you have any contacts on this story?"
Really means:    "Since you, little photog, have lived here for 30 years
and probably know more about the story than anybody...could you save the
station's ass again so I can get the credit."

Assignment desk says:   " We've had to shuffle around the gear
assignments today."
Really means:    "Be prepared to use a camera built in 1972, with
batteries that were found in a broom closet, set up a wooden tripod,
while driving a vehicle that may or may not have four wheels."
--LOUNGENOTE: "Sorry we're out of petty cash... do you have some gas
money?"