Task
Your assignment will be to work in groups of two to four in order to produce a 1 - 2 minute news story about an activity/event happening in town or around school. Upon completion, you will need to compress the video and email it to the instructor. Finished videos will then be posted and evaluated/critiqued by other groups. Your grade is based on a completed script and storyboard, edited video (posted online), and a critique of your own group and a critique of two other groups.
Student Examples
Below are examples of student videos. You must have media player software such as QuickTime or Windows Media Player in order to be able to view the video. The videos have an audio component, so speakers are needed as well. Also take a look at some award-winning high school news packages. One is the 2005-2006 National Student Television Winners. Another is The Best of Photojournalism 2006.
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| Feature: Locks of Love | |
| News Feature: English Language Learner |
Requirements
Final news package must include at least two of the four interviews you videotaped,
Accurate information and objective reporting,
Edit the news story using software such as Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, or iMovie,
Compress finished video and email to instructor,
Evaluate/critique two finished videos created by other groups.
Jobs/Responsibilities
(Change jobs according to number of students in group so that distribution of responsibilities is equal. Examples are given below:)
2 students: Researcher/Writer/Reporter, Videographer/Editor
3 students: Researcher/Writer, Producer/Reporter, Videographer/Editor,
4 students: Researcher/Writer, Producer/Reporter, Videographer, Editor
PRODUCER has the final authority over the production. The producer works well with others, instills confidence, and is well-organized and able to keep others on schedule. The producer provides critique and encouragement to the members of the team.
RESEARCHER/WRITER searches for new and interesting story angles. The researcher/writer communicates information in a clear, concise, and interesting manner. Before a shoot, the researcher/writer contacts experts, checks for background information and investigates all sides of a story. The researcher/writer provides script information to the reporter and videographer so they will know what to emphasize during the shoot. Information must also be communicated to the video editor who ties words and pictures together in a package.
REPORTER must speak clearly and communicate well with the audience and those involved in the production. The reporter communicates an interest in and an enthusiasm for the story. The reporter guides people who may not be comfortable on-camera to communicate information, ideas, and feelings to an audience.
VIDEOGRAPHER has the technical know-how. The videographer must be well-organized, gathering and transporting all equipment for a shoot and must be able to anticipate problems. An artistic eye is a must for visual appeal when setting up shots to tell the story. The videographer varies camera composition and movements to capture the viewers’ interest.
EDITOR also possesses technical skill and an artistic eye. An editor must turn hours of video and audio into a seamless story. The editor must pay attention to details to insure that voice-overs reinforce the appropriate visuals.