THE PROCESS
Get in your group and brainstorm ideas for a news story. There are many topic ideas listed on this website on the Topic page.
Once you and your partners have agreed on a topic, write up your story proposal and do some research. Decide what is the most important aspect of your story? Make sure to answer the 5 W’s through your research. Also, take this time to write questions and schedule an appointment for the person(s) you are interviewing. When selecting an interviewee, try to select the person responsible for event or someone (students are good resources) who can provide a first hand account of what happened.
Next, start creating your storyboard. Sketch out a storyboard for your news package. This should include a picture of each shot you would like with the shot designation (medium shot, wide shot, close up) and location. Now you're ready to move on to production.
It's time to shoot! Make sure you bring a copy of your storyboard. Before you start the production phase, refresh your memory on some tips on shooting (composition, framing, equipment needed). Also, double check to see if you have all necessary equipment before conducting the interview. Remember, you do not have to record your footage in the order you have scripted. Clips can be rearranged during editing.
Now that you have all of your footage, it is time to log your tape. Scan through your footage and use the tape log form to write down all the usable takes/times. A logged tape will save time and aggravation during editing. Be sure to organize your video in a logical sequence.
Now that everything is logged, write your script. Script should have a compelling lead, informative body, and interesting closing. News stories are written in the inverted pyramid writing style; lead with the most important information.
Now its time to capture/digitize your footage. Once you are finished with putting your footage in the computer, follow your script and storyboard to place your clips in the correct sequence.
“Clean up” your video by adding appropriate transitions and titles, adjusting audio levels, and trimming clips.
Once you are finished editing, export your news story to a quick time computer file.
Take your finished video and email it to instructor.