ABSTRACT
Some people prefer to start to write their story and then add the audio or video clip to it, making whatever adjustments are necessary. Others prefer to pull the audio or video cuts first and then write the story around them. When using Associated Press (AP) audio or video, the lead-in is already provided for us. The lead-in is the line that immediately precedes the interview cut. When we are working with audio or video that we have collected ourself, the lead-in becomes our responsibility. One mistake that beginners often make is that they say exactly what is in the cut in the lead-in. When we use ambient sound, be very careful about the levels. We want to make sure our audience can hear it, but we don't want it to drown out the voice or interview track or make it hard to understand.
