Reading Assignment Friday (5/31)

Read in Dotson’s book pages 55 thru 71. Then:
1. What do you find most interesting about what he says on these pages? What stands out as particularly useful to you as a storyteller? (75 words)

 I found it interesting that natural sound and graphics both have significance in a story. The book explains the benefits of adding in varieties of graphics to a story and how graphics improve storytelling. Overusing graphics is not something to practice when storytelling. In the book this action is described as "spinning numbers. Doston reccomneds to keep graphics "low tech" & not distracting or obnoxious for the viewer. It is also important for stories to contain natural sound because it enhances the story. Soundbites play important roles in the story and helps the audience become more connected towards the story.

To answer the rest, you must visit the site for Boyd Huppert’s Land of 10,000 Stories(http://www.kare11.com/news/investigative/extras/stories.aspx). Pick two that look interesting. Watch them. Then, pick one of those and answer the following prompts about it, please:

2. What is the name of the story, and on what date did it first air?

Race for the Cure | May 13th
3. List and describe four instances of natural sound. 

- Cheering Crowd
- People Interacting
- Drummers
- People Walking

4. List and describe (including the type and what they are showing) four camera shots that you find interesting.

 - Bird Eye of the crowd
- WS of people running
- CU of the shoes of people walking
- CU of peoples' race numbers
5. Write a possible focus statement for the story (strong verbs; no “-ing” words)

Always try your best to attain the most out of something

6. How does this story utilize Dotson’s “Building Blocks” (from Page 68)? Discuss a few of them, please. (100 words)

The story uses pictures, silence, natural sound, graphics and soundbites to utilize Dotson's building blocks. The story does a very good job with its presentation and it switches between a variety of shots for different scenes. The sounds that are presented in the story help provide the mood and tone. For example, when the music is played by the band and the crowd cheers it portrays a happier tone for the story.   

Interview

Interview Notes
1. First & Last Name
2. Additional Information3. Avoid verbal responses
4. Let them fill in silence
5. Build connection


FORMAL INTERVIEW:

1.  Show up early, set-up and put mic on chair
2.   Run Mic Up shirt
3.   Reporter should distract and make a connection
4.   Photographer is listening in headphones
5.   Frame up shot:  Eyes on Third, Talking Space/Nose Room, Cam Eye Level,
6.   Photographer gives signal:  Clears Throat... to signal he/she is ready for the interview to start
7.  1st Question is always  State your name and spell it...
8.  Open Ended Questions
9.  Last Question is always "Is there anything else you want to say"
10. Shoot Cut Away of Hands or Reporter


Copy and paste the following questions and answer them on your blog:

Run and Gun Interviews:

1.  What is a "Run and Gun" interview? When can we use a "Run and Gun" interview?
Informal Interviews (1 or 2 Questions)
2.  What is the first thing you should do BEFORE starting off for the interview?
Test Equipment
3.  Why do you think we should ask for permission?
Legal Aspect
4.  Why should we always ask the interviewee to state and spell their names?
Formal Reasons
5.  Where should we place the microphone?
Not to close | Not to far (Hang Loose)
6.  Should we hand the mic to the interviewee?
NO
7.  The photographer is responsible for the sound levels.  What are two things the photographer should be aware of?
Sound Level & Background Noise
8.  COMPOSITION:  How we should frame our interview shot:
a.  Eyes on Third
b.  2 Eyes One Ear
c.  Camera should be Higher, Even, or Lower than subject? Even
d.  Talking space or Nose Room


BACKGROUNDS:
9. Avoid shooting in front of  Window

10.  Why should we keep signs out of the background?
Distractions
11.  If we were doing an interview about the high cost of parking at EVHS where would a good place to interview be?
Eastview Highschool
12.  What is a demonstration interview and what are the benefits?
Demonstration is being done while interview

WALLDO

Friday Assignment {Art of Violin Making}

The Art of Violin Bow Making
Air date: 12/23/12

Total run time (of story, not anchor lead-in and out): 2:28

Shot-by-shot breakdown:

1.) CU of man's hands tying apron
2.) CU of sleeves being rolled up
3.) CU of man preparing for work
4.) CU of man scraping wood
5.) ECU of man reviewing his progress
6.) CU with eyes on third interview and talking space
7.) MS of man inspecting bow
8.) ECU of man testing bow
9.) CU of bow from low table angle
10.) CA and cut in of man turning bow
11.) ECU of man attaching something to bow
12.) ECU of the end of bow
13.) ECU of man stroking bow hair with his thumb
14.) CU PAN shot from lights to work table displaying tools
15.) CU of measuring tool
16.) Cu of other tools
17.) Zoom in picture of bow
18.) Zoom out picture of bow
19.) Pan in picture of bows
20.) CU of bow ends
21.) CU of man picking up bow
22.) MS of man with eyes on 3rd 
23.) MS presenting talking space 
24.) ECU of man fiddling with bow
25.) CU of man tapping bow

26.) MS of man with  eyes on 3rd

27.) CU of man lighting object
28.) CU of man heating up bow

29.) MS of man with eyes on 3rd

30.) ECU of man shaving bow
31.) MS of man  turning  bow shaving each side
32.) ECU of mans face as he's focused on bow staring down
33.) ECU of man holding bow
34.) CU of the finished product
35.) End screen




I thought it was interesting on the number and different variety of shots they used in 2 minutes. The video consisted of a man creating bows for violins and the process was presented creatively through a variety of shots and sequences. The interviews that took place in the video were also well paced and kept the story moving forward. The music in the background wasn't disturbing or obnoxious and fit smoothly throughout the video especially because the music had a connection with violins.

Components of a Broadcast Story

Cross Country Story

1st {Topic}: Cross-Country Homecoming
2nd {Focus Statement}: Cross-Country team runs marathon
3rd: {Interview}: "Our cross-country team holds tradition very dear to us"
4th {B-Roll):
- Highschool Shots
- Helicopter Shots
5th  {Stand-Up}: Linking shot of teammates handing ball
6th:  {Voice-Over}: Reporter states that the distance they have to run is 168 miles.

Make it Memorable 2

Read, in Dotson’s book, pages 43 thru 55. Respond to what you read, and use these questions if you get stuck: What strikes you as interesting? In what ways do you agree or disagree with him? How does this fit where you are as a writer, and how will it help you become a better one? 
(100 words minimum)
I found it interesting on the many different ways news stories could be presented. For example, some news stations present stories mainly through images or videos. Instead of reading paragraphs of words about a story these newscasters just present us with videos and images that usually get the point across. I'm actually fine with both video and script presented stories, but video is highly preferred for televised news. Aside from the presentation it is important that news castors draw attention from various groups and cultures. Keeping the viewers connected by using an active voice, rule of threes, and keep the sequences "interesting". It is also important not to overflow viewers with information about the news. It is good to keep it simple and directly to the point.      

So, Dotson highlights the following:
- How to defeat the TV remote control
- Be conversational
- Gobbledygook and cliches
- Active voice
- Write in threes
- Surprises

Doing the right thing

The strategy of being conversational throughout the writing is highly used in this story. In the beginning of the story the writer tells us a story regarding his past. His short story has connections with the twins that are in the story. The story itself is quite interesting itself and it makes the audience want to keep reading into it. There is surprising moments in the story like how Nate makes the shot with an injured arm. Nate also ended up giving back all of the money because he felt it was the right thing to do. Rule of threes also has significance in the story. Rule of threes occurs when the Vikings were notified of what the family did.   

 

End of a 12-son football dynasty for Minn. Family

This story had a lot of conversation elements included with in it. For example, when the interviewer would ask a question the responses weren't directly related to his questions. The surprise tactic was also used significantly throughout the story. An example of this can be the number of times the parents would attend the games because of their kids. The story is pretty interesting and active voice is used efficiently so the story doesn't get boring. 

Break In Video

Answer the following questions on your blog:
1.  What is the lead in this story?  Does it intrigue you to keep watching?
The reporter intrigues the viewers attention by making the story sound interesting. Quotes from the interview that grabs the users attention are played back. It intrigued me because I was curios on what happened in the story.

2.  What are the 5W's of this story: 
Who: Lady
What: House got broken into
Where: Some neighborhood
When: Time not specified
Why: The thief broke in from the doggy door

3.   Give an example of the reporters Voice over or segue (Write it down word for word)
Reporter is constantly narrating parts of the story so the viewer can understand the situation.

4.  When do we see the reporter's stand-up?  Beginning, Middle, or End?

5.  What is the purpose of this reporter's stand-up?
- Move Story Foward
- Reporter becomes B-Roll
- Take audience to the scene
- Use Props
- Be Creative
- Surprise 

Make it Memorable

ASSIGNMENT FOR FRIDAY:
Regarding the book by Bob Dotson, Make It Memorable: Please read the introduction and Section One (pages 3-41). Then, answer the following questions and be sure to exceed the requested word counts:

o What do you notice about the way he writes? Use specific examples, please.
Bob writes his in a very smooth fashion he also tends to constantly motivate or encourage readers throughout the book. He tells us how he first began his work in the film environment and how he thought himself the basics before applying them to his own work. Bob explains every step thoroughly in his examples. For example, when he is talking about his story on Ruby Bridges he first presents us with his entire story as a whole. Then he breaks down all of the steps and explains how each step is significant in the story.

o What did you learn from reading pages 9 to 27?
I learned about the rule of threes, filling the silence, and the non-question/question. The non-question question is the best way to get a unique soundbite. Instead of steering a conversation the way you want it to go with someone, let the silence go on after so that they can fill in. Also I learned that you shouldn't recycle important thoughts because although they wont be useful in your current story; they might come in handy for any future ones.

o With the scripts: What do suppose is described in each column? Why would it be split like that? What else is interesting about the scripts?
In the scripts, on the right side is directions of what is going to be shown on screen, or the video parts of the story. On the left side of the script is all of the words that will be spoken. I think he splits it this way to show us the difference in how a story should be presented.  

Changing Identity

We will begin by watching a High School broadcast story titled Changing Identity

Answer the following questions on a blog post about the story:

1.  Identify and explain as many WALLDO shots as you can.
Wide: N/A
Angle: Piano scene
Low: Dog interaction shot
Linking: When the wind blows on his face
Dept: Toaster scene
Opposite:

2.  What is Natural Sound?
Sound that is presented naturally it is not artificially created.

3.  Identify several examples of Natural Sound in this story?
- Leaves crunching
- The boy playing the piano
- The toaster

4.  How does Natural Sound enhance the story?
It enhances the environment and tone of the story

WALLDO Shots

Wide Shot - This type of shot can be used virtually all of the time and simply means that the camera view is kept wide to allow an enormous range when filming (very self-explanatory).

Angled - Angled shots are shots that add depth and a sense of dimension to videos, which can be easily accessed. An example of this would be instead of filming flag from a regular standing position you could tilt the camera 90 degrees and go underneath the flag to include mainly the flag itself, waving in the wind.

Low - Instead of shooting a subject whilst standing (which is decent, but too common) you could position yourself on the ground with the camera tilted slightly upward or just straight ahead (this is used when the videographer wants to show a person walking with just the person's feet and legs in order to add a mysterious tone to the film). It's an interesting shot and is mixed in evenly to add variety to videos. 

Linking - This is done by filming your main subject, and either having the camera move to include more description of the subject's environment or by having the subject walk out of the frame and be shown later in a new environment. This adds depth, the next theme. 

Depth - This element can be achieved by having the focus on a major person or thing with a distinct background. This adds a sense of dimension to videos as well (once again this explains itself). Depth is the concept that allows the observer to see "the bigger picture" and adds more detail to the environment of the subject instead of having it alone. An example of this would be two people playing catch on a lawn next to a lake and having a canoe moving across the lake in the background of the scene.

Opposite - This basically means that the videographer shoots the scene in a style different than what would be expected. This can be done by shooting off of a mirror or filming in front of a subject instead of behind it. {Action | Reaction}

Madison's Story

Madison Pixley

The theme of this story can be considered inspirational because of Madison's condition with her arm. She doesn't like it when people feel sympathatic for her, instead she believes that is no different from the other kids. She has a very optimistic approach on her condition and doesn't let her disability get in the way of her life even though she goes through many troubles with her arm. Some of the camera angles that I noticed were wide, medium, and tight shots. The story is interesting and it doesn't really get boring. I think the main reason for this is because of the variety of shots that are taken throughout the video. 

A-Roll

• Interviews
• Reporter voice overs
• Natural sound

B-Roll

• Footage that compliments the story

A Publishers Dream

Zain Ahmad

1. What is the focus statement of this story?

Preserving energy and using more green energy

2. Give examples of W-M-T sequences
- Showing far away shot of the car
- Close of his face in the side mirror of the car


3. Give examples of The Rule of Thirds
- Showing the solar pannels on top line
- Horizon line on the bottom grid line
- Sign shot on the first vertical grid line


4. Give examples of Eyes on Third
The person in the corner of the screen; the eyes are in the crosses where the grid lines meet


5. Give examples of Talking Space
The person talking placed on one side of the screen; they are talking towards the empty space


6. What did you like about story?
The story wasn't boring and the focus statement was presented efficinetly throughout the film

Camera Notes

Zain Ahmad

Focus Statements and Camera Techniques

1.  What is a Focus Statement? 
Focus statement is a the focus on which the news story is built around on.

2.  Why do we need a Focus Statement?
To keep focus on the story and avoid distractions from it.

3.  Give an example of a Focus Statement sentence.
Aftermath of the Boston Marathon attacks.

4.  Give an example of a Focus Statement in 3 words: (Subject-Verb-Object)
Boston Marathon Aftermath

5.  What are the 6 Essential Equipment items you need with you when shooting an interview?
- Camera
- Tripod
- Microphone {Audio Input}
- Headphone {Audio Testing}
- Battery {Power}
- Media

6.  Why is a tripod important?  
Avoids unnecessary movements when shooting footage

7.  The Tripod is my FRIEND

8.  Define:  Pan
Horizontal movement of the tripod

9.  Define:  Tilt
Vertical movement of the tripod

10.  Why are headphones important? 
Most important piece of sound equipment

11.  Why is it important to TEST YOUR EQUIPMENT BEFORE YOU GO ON SHOOT!
So everything works well when you begin shooting

12.  Define Wide shot: 

{Establishing Shots} Shows an overall feel of the environment/setting

13.  Why do we need a wide shot?

14.  Define Medium shot:

Shows less setting and more detail focus on specific area

15.  Why do we need a medium shot?

16.  Define a tight shot:

Shows lots of detail and is shot close up

17.  Why do we need a tight shot?

Useful in the way of the detail is very good.

18.  What is a sequence?

A series of connected shots

19.  Why do we need a sequence?
They give us more understanding of the scene

Criteria or News Worthiness

1. Identify, define, and give an example of the 6 criteria of newsworthiness.

Criteria 1: Unusualness
Definition: The different, unusual, and out-of-the ordinary news, the unusual is more often found in bad news.
Example: Airplane crashes

Criteria 2: Significance
Definition: Significant events that affect people's lives; more personal.
Example: Taxes, elections, wars, the economy

Criteria 3: Timeliness
Definition: Current news that people are interested in; not old.
Example: A flood that is currently taking place.

Criteria 4: Proximity
Definition: Nearby events
Example: New state tax law, the proposed regional highway

Criteria 5: Prominence
Definition: When well-known people, buildings, or places are involved
Example: If a movie star was arrested, it would make the news

Criteria 6: Human Interest
Definition: Stories about ordinary people or animals, humorous, or dramatic stories, heart warming or heart wrenching; an emotional and personal appeal that draws our attention.
Example: A veterinarian who specializes in elephants

2. On page 23 it discusses the differences between print journalism and broadcast journalism. Please describe 3 ways they are different and explain.
Newspapers- Readers choose what they want to read based on their interests by picking and choosing what they want to read.
News magazines- Covers a number of important stories in debt.
Radio news- Breaking news which are updated constantly and is presented by a radio host.
TV news- Dramatic news coverage presented through video; constantly updates with breaking news.

3. List all the criteria the story we watched at the beginning of class fits under and why.
Unusualness - Pigs aren't usually involved in vehicle incidents on the high way.
Timeliness - The event happened recently
Proximity - The event took place nearby

Human interest - Humans might find the story humorous

4. List all the criteria the 2nd story we watched fits under and why.
Significance - The family is looking for a home where the dogs can stay.
Timeliness- The dogs are still looking for the home.
Human Interest- People become interested and feel sympathetic towards the story.
Unusualness - 1 cant see & 1 cant hear.

5. List all the criteria the 3rd story we watched fits under and why.
Timeliness- The awards are based off of the current year.
Prominance- The celeberties are well known to most people
Human interest- Celebrities draw interest from humans who are interested in celebrities. 

Partner Story

This is a story about a student who goes to Eastview Highschool; Carson Albrecht. Carson's typical school day usually starts off with her waking up in the morning. Then she goes to school and hangs out with friends throughout the day. Once she gets home she likes taking a nap and then works out afterwards. Running is her preferred exercise. As the day comes to an end she finishes up her homework and eats dinner. Carson also has two jobs, she works at lifetime on Wednesdays and a child care located at Eegan on Sundays. In ten years Carson sees herself living in California and being employed in a career related to marketing.She has lived in Minnesota her entire life so far. Some qualities that her friends have are funny, nice and fun and one of her favorite things to do is hang out with them. An event that has significantly impacted her life was progressing into high school. Carson's favorite time of the year is summer and I figured this out because when I asked her what her favorite color was she said red. It was red because red reminded her of summer time.   

Interview Questions

Interview Questions {Carson Albrecht}

1. What would your ideal day be like?

Wake up, go to school, hang out with friends before friends, go through the school day, nap, wake up, work out/run, homework and dinner.

2. Do you work?

Lifetime on Wednesdays and Sundays in child care at Eagan

3. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Living in California with a marketing related job

4. Where have you lived?

Minnesota

5. Describe your best friend?

Funny, nice and fun

6. What is your favorite thing to do?

Hanging out with friends

7. Event that has significantly affected your life?

Going into high school

8. What is your favorite color and why do you like it?

Red because it reminds her of summer

9. If you won the lottery what is the first thing you would do?

Go on vacation with friends

10. What kind of shows/movies do you enjoy watching?

Comedy and action movies

11. What kind of music do you like listening to?

Any type of music

12. Do you enjoy playing any certain sport or game?

Running