These aren't hard and fast rules, but they are industry-standard guidelines. Professionals expect a tape that is 5-6 minutes long and looks something like this:

Slate to open (10 seconds or less)

• Use Final Cut Pro on Print to Video: name, address, phone number, e-mail
• NO COLOR BARS OR COUNTDOWN

Standup montage (30 seconds or less)

• Your three best. This is the first image the news director will have of you
  as a video journalist. They might not even look at the packages if your
  standups aren't up to par.
• Ideally, they won't be from the packs you use on the tape
• Look adult and professional.
• Nothing too fancy or far out; leave those for packs with fuller story context.
• These can be produced, but material should be from actual events/stories. No fictional productions please.
• Straight cuts between takes, with no black or arty wipes. Keep it clean and simple.
• 5 seconds black at the end of the montage.

Three packs (each pack, 1: 30 or less)

• Your three best packs.
• First pack should be solid news coverage.
• Second could be a good enterprise piece.
• The third could be another enterprise piece or a light, offbeat pack.
• 5 seconds black between each pack.

Labeling

• The box that holds the cassette and the cassette need to be labeled with your name, address, phone number, e-mail and a contents list with running times.
• All labels need to be carefully edited and typed.
• There should be no additional video on audition tape.
• Cue tape to slate.

University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communication Office of Internships and Assessment -- E324 Adler Journalism Building
telephone: 335-1406
jennifer-hemmingsen@uiowa.edu