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.