Planning a field interview
Build a question ladder, brief your subject, and set up audio before a single tape rolls.
Isla
Now enrolling: Autumn cohort
Report from the field with confidence
Practical training in interview planning, video reporting, location shoots, and clear storytelling for Australian newsrooms.
Marcus
Field Guides & Modules
A hands-on curriculum built from real newsroom workflows, covering every stage of a field production.
Scouting a location shoot
Check light, sound, and safety at a site visit so the shoot day runs without surprises.
Framing the video report
Compose shots that carry the story, from wide establishing frames to tight cutaways.
Cutting for clarity
Structure a rough cut that leads with the strongest sound bite and trims the rest.
Everything a field crew needs to know
Six practical skill areas that every livestudiovo.org course builds toward.
Interview preparation
Research subjects, draft question ladders, and rehearse follow-ups before you arrive on set.
Location scouting
Assess light, sound, safety, and access at a site so shoot day runs to schedule.
Clean field edits
Capture coverage that cuts together, from wide shots to inserts and cutaway detail.
Shoot day scheduling
Build a realistic call sheet that accounts for travel, setup, and light changes.
On-location safety
Run risk checks for crews working in public spaces, remote sites, and breaking news.
Working with subjects
Brief interviewees clearly and put nervous first-time subjects at ease on camera.
Questions field reporters ask
Do I need my own camera equipment?
No. Studio sessions use house cameras, microphones, and tripods. Location days can be shot on the gear you already have, and we will show you how to get the most from it.
Are courses run online or in person?
Both. Interview planning and editing modules run live online, while location shoot days are held in person at partner sites across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Who teaches the field production modules?
Working reporters, camera operators, and editors from Australian newsrooms lead every session, alongside recorded case studies from real broadcasts.
Can a small newsroom book a private cohort?
Yes. Newsroom and Team courses are built for in-house groups and can be scheduled around your publishing calendar. Contact us to plan dates and content.
Courses built for working reporters
Enrolment is limited to keep crews small. Seasonal pricing is on now, with full details and dates confirmed once you get in touch.
Interview Planning Intensive
A two-day workshop on research, question ladders, and subject briefing for field interviews.
AUD $420$560
Ask about this courseVideo Report Production
Shoot, log, and cut a complete video report across a full week of practical sessions.
AUD $690$920
Ask about this courseLocation Shoot Management
Plan call sheets, scout sites, and manage crews on location for breaking and feature stories.
AUD $540$750
Ask about this courseOn-Camera Story Presentation
Deliver pieces to camera with clarity and pace, with recorded playback review each day.
AUD $380$480
Ask about this coursePrices shown are indicative. No payment is processed on this site. All bookings are confirmed directly with our team through the Contacts page.
Instructors who work in the field
Every course is led by people who plan interviews, shoot locations, and cut reports for Australian broadcasters every week.
Charlotte Bryant
Head of Training
Nathan Osei
Senior Producer
Graham Pike
Location Sound Instructor
Zara Fenwick
Programme Coordinator
Mei Ling Ho
Editing Instructor
Toby Sanderson
Camera Instructor
From location notes to a finished report
Our workflow carries a story from the first location visit through filming and review, so nothing gets lost between the field and the newsroom.
Plan the whole shoot day
Set call times, travel windows, and light changes before the crew leaves the newsroom.
Shoot coverage that edits well
Capture wide, medium, and cutaway footage so the story comes together in the cut.
Review and file with confidence
Log footage against a running order and file a report that is ready for broadcast.