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