I shadowed videographer Brandon Kusz at local NBC affiliate news station WNDU (News Center 16) during the first hours of his shift, which tends to start around 2:30 or 3 to edit and get live shots for the morning news.
Much of WNDU is empty and dark at 3AM, with about 3 reporters and 2 photographers inside
The dark hallway of editing bays
Editing the NBC national packages for local air — how much time he has dictates how picky is about fixing the audio
Helping out another editor on the morning news before leacing
On location, calling into the station to set up the live shot
Kate holding a smile anticipating the first live shot. Brandon’s backpack submits the signal since the room was too far to run a cord to the truck
Kate’s first shot, as it would be seen on TV
Adjusting the camera
Learning more about the people she is about to interview
Joking around between shots
“Hurry up and wait” — a lot of waiting for the next live shot
The camera is unmounted on a tripod, and held steady by the photographer
Raising the mast on the truck
Directing the reporter
Showing the reporter how to use a cell phone to call in to hear the show live
Whitebalancing the camera
Packing up the car, mast still raised
Kate laughs as she accidentally adds “Okay, thank you so much” to the end of a conversation with a coworker by habit, on the ride back
Getting some breakfast at Martins before heading back to the station around 8AM
