T351 Audio / News Exercise

This exericse incorporates news gathering, audio & field lighting. Students need to bring in 2 copies of a topic, a reporter's on-camera opening remarks, and 3-4 questions to lab for this exercise. (This exercise is worth 20 points.)

In groups of 2-4 you will go out & shoot newstories. Each person in the team will need to shoot their own story. (If there are 3 in a team, you will end up with three stories)

The person being graded will serve as "camera/producer/editor". The camera/producer/editor supplies the topic, writes the intro and conclusion, and supplies the questions. One of your partners should function as talent. While it is difficult for you appear in your own story, you can do this if you want to.

Assuming three people in a group, one will hold the reflector, one will serve as the reporter, and one will serve as the camera/producer/editor. If you have a 4th, they can run audio. After each story is shot the group will rotate to another position and use another story. You shouldn't spend more than one hour on each rotation.

Shoot reporter lead-in and use the reflector to add fill light. Use a wired or wireless lav on the reporter. Make sure the shot is framed nicely and shoot a few takes.

Find a place with high traffic. Stop people and ask questions. Be sure to get a written or on-camera release. ("My name is ________ _______. You have my permission to videotape me.") Use the wireless or wired lav on the reporter and a handheld shotgun for the interviewees. Be sure to frame them nicely and use the reflector to add fill light.

Shoot a closing with the reporter. Make sure it's framed nicely and has fill light from the reflector. (Shoot a few takes)

Helpful production tips (hint hint):

Shoot all of the interviewees at a MCU without the mic or reporter in the shot. Alternate their angles (Shoot half facing right and half facing left.) This way you can edit them together without a bunch of reporter jump cuts. Don't forget to get releases!

You might want to shoot the reporter intro and the outro at the same time (after you've shot the interviews).

Rotate positions and shoot the next producer's piece.

Post-production

When you are finished shooting, edit the piece that you produced and shot. Don't worry too much about the final length- but try to keep it under 4 minutes (5 minutes max!). The only graphic requirement is that you have a slate that lists: the segment title, date, your name as the producer, and the crew names and positions. (For brownie points you can add tastefully-composed lower thirds, and other production elements.) At the end of your piece fade to black. After the black has run for at least three seconds, include all of the on-camera releases (or submit copies of the signed releases along with your critique).

The following week, you should turn in:

• Edited piece on a miniDV tape. (Your name should be clearly printed on the spine.)
• Copy of initial paperwork (Topic intro and questions
• Copy of signed releases (unless you are using on-camera releases)
• One-page critique. Consider addressing any or all of the following:
  • Did you feel comfortable running audio & camera? Did your piece end up looking and sounding good? Did the fill light from the reflector help? Was it fun or scary stopping strangers on the street? Did it turn out to be an interesting or quality story?

Sample topic: Are you making a difference?

Reporter open: Hunger, abuse, poverty, and homelessness are just a few of the problems facing millions of Americans every day. Here on the campus of Indiana University most students are insulated from these troublesome issues. We're going to talk to some students and find out if they are making a difference.

Questions:

• At this very moment, people are suffering from hunger, poverty and disease. Describe how you are affected by any of these issues.
• What kind of activities have you participated in to help the less fortunate?
• Describe how you think you or a typical college student can make the biggest contribution.

Reporter close: (Improvise/write quick wrap up based on responses)

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