Challenge: Stand-ups

Stand-ups are an important part of reporting a news story. A good stand-up accomplishes a couple of things:

1. It draws in the audience with a unique hook.
2. It sets the stage for what is to come in the package.
3. It give the reporter face time.

We have not performed stand-ups on ONW...NOW! before. We will from now on.

I want you to concentrate on three types of stand-ups.

1. Demonstration
2. Information
3. Participation

Here are great videos that describe how to do a stand-up. Watch them and take notes:

http://www.advancingthestory.com/2014/04/14/better-tv-stand-ups-in-a-box/

Challenge: Feature story part #1

Next semester, you will create a 3-4 minute short feature about a subject of your choice. Use what you have learned about the 6-shot system, sequencing, editing and storytelling to create your film.

Think about interesting people or ideas here at ONW. Talk to your friends. Ask around. Come up with original ideas.

This feature will be due by the end of 3rd quarter, just before spring break.

Step #1: Watch 3 stories and fill out a "beat sheet." Download the beat sheet here.

This website has great short features and documentaries.







Step #2: Write a project proposal as a blog post. Use this template for your proposal. 

Steps #1-2 are due before you leave for Winter break!

Challenge: Raven Props

For this challenge, you will talk to a person nominated for Raven Props and have them tell you the story they were nominated for.

When you edit, use the crop tool to cut the video into quick sections, one sentence per angle.

The story should be about a minute long, but still contain the same narrative arc we have discussed in class. You must find a good storyteller.

Supplement it with creative B-Roll.

Here are examples:

ICU: You missed another birthday

ICU: I'm not interested in missed connections

Challenge #1: Audio slideshow

For this initial project, you will work with a partner to interview, take pictures and create an audio slideshow answering the question: How do you contribute to the Raven Nation?

1. Develop questions for your interview. Use the 21 question format. Ask open-ended questions and remember to follow-up where applicable.

2. Interview your partner and record it with your cell phone.

3. Record nat noise to use underneath your interview. For example: if you are interviewing someone about playing basketball, get nat noise of the gym.

4. Using your cell phone, take pictures of your partner doing what they discussed in their interview. You will need 25+ pictures.

5. Use the 6-shot system to take your photos:

• Close-up of the hands
• Close-up of the face
• Over the shoulder
• Medium shot
• Wide shot
• Extra wide shot

6. Switch roles. 

7. Using FCPX, edit your audio slideshow. Edit out your voice asking the questions. Pick the best audio and photos to tell your story. 

8. Tips for making good audio slideshows.

9. More tips for making good audio slideshows.

Examples:

One in 8 million

Fostering Love from Connie Preti on Vimeo.