Definition

• PTC is Piece to camera or face to camera. It is a television and

film term.

• In television and film, when a television reporter or a

correspondent or character speaks directly to the viewers
through camera.

• Pieces to camera (PTCs) are a way of adding impact and

context, and help to bring immediacy and authority to a report.

• PTCs are normally done by reporters to present real information

and insight which cannot be used anywhere in a story.

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 Definition

Acronym of “Piece to Camera”, also known as Stand-Ups. An

element of a package during which the reporter will narrate part of
the report whilst appearing on camera. This is generally around 20
seconds, or two sentences, long. PTCs are generally pre-approved
by script editors

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 Why do we need PTCs?

• A PTC - that is, talking in vision direct to camera - can add something
extra to your report. It can be used, for example, to indicate scale, the
passage of time or significance.

• PTC allows reporter to establish his/her credibility to viewers and also

supports the news story done by him/her.

• PTC is not done for every story. But it is a vital part of any news
package.

• Viewers want to know if you are at the spot…. right where the story is
happening. They want to know what it’s like to be there.

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 Types of PTCs

• There are three types of piece to camera.

• Opening PTC - when a presenter/ reporter starts speaking on camera

before news story begins

• Bridge PTC – In the middle of news story , reporter/presenter gives

information to viewers . Or he/she tries to bridge the gap between empty
space.

• Conclusive/End/ closing PTC – At the end of news, presenter/reporter

acknowledges himself/herself and the cameraman, place and the news
channel.

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 How to do PTC?

• What should a reporter/presenter do before doing PTC?

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To deliver an excellent PTC, a reporter must be
presentable. He/she should look good and
speak well. One must comb one’s hair properly
before delivering a PTC and speak in well-
chosen words with good pronunciation. The
overall confidence of a reporter is reflected in
the PTC he or she delivers. This confidence
comes not from swaggering assertion, but from
knowing one’s subject matter thoroughly and
having a good command over words.

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BBC science editor David Shukman’s PTCs tips

• Pieces to camera (PTCs) are a way of adding impact and context, and
help to bring immediacy and authority to a report.

• His advice is to:

• Use yourself to show height, size or scale

• Maintain eye contact with the camera. Looking away will make a
point, so be sure you intended this.

• Wear a radio mic to avoid having to shout - unless you want to place
yourself in the noise and action around

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PTCs tips from BBC’s David Shukman

• Avoid writing your PTC. Work out a good beginning, a good end and
any key phrases

• Walk only to make a point; otherwise keep still. Use movement to

connect or contrast places, issues or perspective

• Use props when appropriate. Something you can hold in your hand,
like an apple or rock, can sometimes help to simplify a complicated
point

• Some stories don’t naturally lend themselves to a PTC. You can still
try to come up with a phrase that will grab the audience’s attention

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 Jack Cocker, Director of Cultural show, BBC

• He shares five varied examples of pieces to camera from his

work

• Keep it punchy – try reading your script aloud to get an idea of

the timing

• Let your presenter have their own input

• Don’t be afraid to try a technically difficult PTC if your

presenter is happy to do so

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 Jack’s tips on PTCs

• Don’t rehearse if the PTC warrants a natural reaction from your

presenter

• Some presenters are better without a script

• Be bold: don’t be afraid to ask your presenter to try something

challenging

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 CHECK LIST

• Main point of story.

• Background relevant to PTC.
• Reflect the story.
• Say clearly and simply.
• Natural, relaxed and conversational as you deliver the PTC.
• Voice pitch normal.
• Moving or using hands - distracting the viewer?
• Review your PTC - Are you professional? Convincing? Do you look
appropriate?
• Be clear about what you want to say.
• Go to the heart of the story.

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 EXAMPLES OF PTCs

https://www.ndtv.com/video/news/news/up-doctor-s-
detention-under-tough-law-nsa-illegal-free-him-high-court-
559178#video-featuredg

• This story has a bridge ptc and closing or end ptc...bridge ptc
is used when more than one reporter has contributed and end
ptc is used to establish the presence of reporter at the spot
along with camera person.so in closing ptc , reporter
mentions names of reporters, camera person, location and
channel 's name.

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 EXAMPLES OF PTCs

• https://www.ndtv.com/video/news/news/biggest-drop-in-
gdp-in-last-40-years-559163#video-mostpopular this story
has closing ptc with a message for viewers....what GDB drop
means for the people

• https://www.ndtv.com/video/news/news/up-doctor-s-
detention-under-tough-law-nsa-illegal-free-him-high-
court-559178#video-featured

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