SECTION ONE READING QUESTIONS
SECTION TWO READING QUESTIONS
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 the part about sort of shortening your lines to be a big help; I've had trouble with run-on sentences in my writing a few times and I have a nasty habit of being overly descriptive as well. It does seem like common sense to shorten things up a bit to keep things rolling so people don't get bored and start tuning it out, but a little reminder does wonders.
2. What is the name of the story, and on what date did it first air?
"30 years later, gay rights case still relevant" March 18, 2013
3. List and describe four instances of natural sound.
Vehicle backing out of garage - engine rumble
Lift unfolding - squeaking of the hinges
Hooking up the little hammock thing - chains jingling
Moving Sharon into massage bed - creak of hanger hinges
4. List and describe (including the type and what they are showing) four camera shots that you find interesting.
Low angled of van backing out of garage to pick up Sharon
Depth at anti-gay marriage rally of people clapping and holding signs
Extreme close up, kind of depth of the drawer of folders
Extreme close up of lift as it unfolds
5. Write a possible focus statement for the story (strong verbs; no “-ing” words)
"Commitment is complicated"
6. How does this story utilize Dotson’s “Building Blocks” (from Page 68)? Discuss a few of them, please. (100 words)
The most obviously frequent "block" was pictures, there were many pictures from back when Sharon and Karen were younger. There was a picture of the car after the crash (or at least that's what we're lead to believe). There was also a spin-up type of graphic of the cover of the book "Why Can't Sharon Come Home?" and another of the newspaper headline when the case was finished. There was some natural sound, mostly of the van and the hammock thing and various squeaking hinges on the two. There were two short soundbites at the very end that were very nice in my opinion, they were of Karen telling Sharon they were going to get her head comfortable then after Boyd's sign-off there was another short soundbite of Karen lovingly saying "there we go". You can tell just from those two short soundbites that Karen really does care about Sharon.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Interviewing Notes - 5.29.13
1. What is a "Run and Gun" interview? When can we use a "Run and Gun" interview?
Quick, unplanned, informal interview that is usually just one or two questions.
2. What is the first thing you should do BEFORE starting off for the interview?
Test equipment and check that you have everything (including extras).
3. Why do you think we should ask for permission?
It's polite and people could sue you if you don't get permission for something.
4. Why should we always ask the interviewee to state and spell their names?
So you can get the correct spelling for the lower thirds image, and the phonetic way of saying their name.
5. Where should we place the microphone?
Pointing up towards the interviewees mouth; handheld mic at about the elbows; "hang loose".
6. Should we hand the mic to the interviewee?
No because they will hold it too close or too far from their mouth.
7. The photographer is responsible for the sound levels. What are two things the photographer should be aware of?
Sound meters (not in the red or not too low); background noise.
8. COMPOSITION: How we should frame our interview shot:
a. Eyes on ___third__
b. 2 Eyes One ____ear___
c. Camera should be even with subject?
d. Talking space or __nose__ Room
BACKGROUNDS:
9. Avoid shooting in front of __windows___.
10. Why should we keep signs out of the background?
They can be very distracting.
11. If we were doing an interview about the high cost of parking at EVHS where would a good place to interview be?
In the parking lot or in front of the school office where you purchase the parking permits.
12. What is a demonstration interview and what are the benefits?
An interview that allows the interviewee to do something while they're being interviewed, this allows them to forget about the microphone and camera and talk comfortably with the interviewer.
Quick, unplanned, informal interview that is usually just one or two questions.
2. What is the first thing you should do BEFORE starting off for the interview?
Test equipment and check that you have everything (including extras).
3. Why do you think we should ask for permission?
It's polite and people could sue you if you don't get permission for something.
4. Why should we always ask the interviewee to state and spell their names?
So you can get the correct spelling for the lower thirds image, and the phonetic way of saying their name.
5. Where should we place the microphone?
Pointing up towards the interviewees mouth; handheld mic at about the elbows; "hang loose".
6. Should we hand the mic to the interviewee?
No because they will hold it too close or too far from their mouth.
7. The photographer is responsible for the sound levels. What are two things the photographer should be aware of?
Sound meters (not in the red or not too low); background noise.
8. COMPOSITION: How we should frame our interview shot:
a. Eyes on ___third__
b. 2 Eyes One ____ear___
c. Camera should be even with subject?
d. Talking space or __nose__ Room
BACKGROUNDS:
9. Avoid shooting in front of __windows___.
10. Why should we keep signs out of the background?
They can be very distracting.
11. If we were doing an interview about the high cost of parking at EVHS where would a good place to interview be?
In the parking lot or in front of the school office where you purchase the parking permits.
12. What is a demonstration interview and what are the benefits?
An interview that allows the interviewee to do something while they're being interviewed, this allows them to forget about the microphone and camera and talk comfortably with the interviewer.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Components of a Broadcast Story - 5.14.13
1st We come up with a Topic
2nd We decide on a Focus Statement
3rd: We Conduct Interviews to get Sound Bites to use in the interview
4th We Shoot B-Roll to complement the sound bites
5th We Shoot our stand-up
6th: We Edit our story together adding Voice Overs as Seques between interviews
Cross Country Story
1st - Cross Country Tradition
2nd - Cross Country Team runs ball far
3rd - "Every team has their Homecoming game, this tradition is like ours." "Our Cross Country team holds traditions very dear to us."
4th - Overhead helicopter shot of two team members running along highway; camera biking along next to them; low depth shot underneath car looking at school
5th - Linking shot of football being passed (stands as team runs off, does stand up about how they almost forgot the football)
6th - During running shots reporter/narrator would talk (telling audience about how long the run is)
2nd We decide on a Focus Statement
3rd: We Conduct Interviews to get Sound Bites to use in the interview
4th We Shoot B-Roll to complement the sound bites
5th We Shoot our stand-up
6th: We Edit our story together adding Voice Overs as Seques between interviews
Cross Country Story
1st - Cross Country Tradition
2nd - Cross Country Team runs ball far
3rd - "Every team has their Homecoming game, this tradition is like ours." "Our Cross Country team holds traditions very dear to us."
4th - Overhead helicopter shot of two team members running along highway; camera biking along next to them; low depth shot underneath car looking at school
5th - Linking shot of football being passed (stands as team runs off, does stand up about how they almost forgot the football)
6th - During running shots reporter/narrator would talk (telling audience about how long the run is)
Monday, May 13, 2013
The Art of Violin Bow Making
Story Title:
The Art of Violin Bow Making
Total Run Time:
2:25 min
Shot List & Description:
1. Close up of bow makers hands tying apron
2. Close up of bow maker rolling up sleeve
3. Medium close up of bow maker looking up
4. Cut-in of bow being shaved
5. Close up of bow maker while making a bow
6. Close up of bow maker during interview
7. Medium of bow maker testing flexibility
8. Cut-in of bow maker tapping the wood
9. Medium of bow maker examining bow
10. Cut-in of bow maker shaving bow again
11. Cut-in depth of wood moving
12. Extreme close up of bow maker attaching bow hair to bow
13. Extreme close up tracking along the finished bow
14. Cut-in of bow maker examining bow hair
15. Linking of lamp down to work table
16. Cut-in of small table saw
17. Cut-in of hammer and small knife on work table
18. Extreme close up of many finished bows
19. Cut-in depth of unshaved wood by pile of wood shavings
20. Close up of row of unshaved wood
21. Extreme close up of unshaved wood
22. Cut-in of unshaved wood being picked up
23. Close up of bow maker during interview
24. Close up of bow maker pointing at bow
25. Close up depth of bow maker holding bow
26. Close up of bow maker showing how the strings press on the bow hair
27. Close up of bow maker during interview
28. Cut-in of bow maker lighting candle
29. Medium of bow maker feeling the bow
30. Close up of bow maker during interview
31. Cut-in of bow maker shaving wood again
32. Medium of bow maker still shaving wood
33. Cutaway of bow makers face
34. Close up of bow maker feeling the bow
35. Close up of bow maker feeling finished bow
What you noticed overall:
There were a whole lot of close ups in this video, I'm guessing that's because bow making is a very particular art with lots of detail and precision work. In most videos there are more medium shots than close up, but I prefer having a lot of close ups because it's more personal and makes you feel more involved or invested. There were zero wide shots used, though this I also assume is because bow making is very precise so tight shots are more efficient to show the detail that goes into the craft. If his work shop had been mentioned at all then I’m sure there would have been a wide shot to set the scene of his workshop. Instead, the opening shot was of him tying his apron, which doesn’t really set the scene but it does provide a more personal feel that lasts throughout the piece.
The Art of Violin Bow Making
Total Run Time:
2:25 min
Shot List & Description:
1. Close up of bow makers hands tying apron
2. Close up of bow maker rolling up sleeve
3. Medium close up of bow maker looking up
4. Cut-in of bow being shaved
5. Close up of bow maker while making a bow
6. Close up of bow maker during interview
7. Medium of bow maker testing flexibility
8. Cut-in of bow maker tapping the wood
9. Medium of bow maker examining bow
10. Cut-in of bow maker shaving bow again
11. Cut-in depth of wood moving
12. Extreme close up of bow maker attaching bow hair to bow
13. Extreme close up tracking along the finished bow
14. Cut-in of bow maker examining bow hair
15. Linking of lamp down to work table
16. Cut-in of small table saw
17. Cut-in of hammer and small knife on work table
18. Extreme close up of many finished bows
19. Cut-in depth of unshaved wood by pile of wood shavings
20. Close up of row of unshaved wood
21. Extreme close up of unshaved wood
22. Cut-in of unshaved wood being picked up
23. Close up of bow maker during interview
24. Close up of bow maker pointing at bow
25. Close up depth of bow maker holding bow
26. Close up of bow maker showing how the strings press on the bow hair
27. Close up of bow maker during interview
28. Cut-in of bow maker lighting candle
29. Medium of bow maker feeling the bow
30. Close up of bow maker during interview
31. Cut-in of bow maker shaving wood again
32. Medium of bow maker still shaving wood
33. Cutaway of bow makers face
34. Close up of bow maker feeling the bow
35. Close up of bow maker feeling finished bow
What you noticed overall:
There were a whole lot of close ups in this video, I'm guessing that's because bow making is a very particular art with lots of detail and precision work. In most videos there are more medium shots than close up, but I prefer having a lot of close ups because it's more personal and makes you feel more involved or invested. There were zero wide shots used, though this I also assume is because bow making is very precise so tight shots are more efficient to show the detail that goes into the craft. If his work shop had been mentioned at all then I’m sure there would have been a wide shot to set the scene of his workshop. Instead, the opening shot was of him tying his apron, which doesn’t really set the scene but it does provide a more personal feel that lasts throughout the piece.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Make it Memorable Reading Questions Section Two
SECTION ONE READING QUESTIONS
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'm sure a lot of people didn't know that many other European Americans were sent to internment camps as well as Asian Americans, so it was interesting that he did a piece on that and explained that there should always be hope in someones story. If there's no hope for the characters in the story, the reader may find it depressing and stop reading. I agree with pretty much all of what he is saying, as it is helpful for writers to be more casual in their writing and give a sense of almost-friendship to the reader. For myself, I already knew this stuff but don't always actively apply it. Sometimes I prefer writing in a passive voice, to give a little change of pace, a little break per se, and I also like writing in pairs rather than threes.
STORY TO READ LINK 404 ERROR
12 Son Football Dynasty (100 words)
I liked his description of how cold it was, as a Minnesotan that is a familiar level of cold in the air. It was surprising when the lady was actually crying though, rather than just her eyes watering from the cold. I find it a little odd to be so emotional over something so unimportant, but to each his own I suppose. It's also strange to have so many children. The topic could be very cliche - children growing up, and their parents reaction - but this story was definitely different. I thought the story was about the parents not having any children on the football team anymore, but then realised it was about all 12 of their boys finally growing up and heading off to college. It was a somber, heartfelt story at that point, watching the ending of the last game and knowing how the mother must be feeling, knowing soon they'll be alone with no children around to break ceramic figurines.
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'm sure a lot of people didn't know that many other European Americans were sent to internment camps as well as Asian Americans, so it was interesting that he did a piece on that and explained that there should always be hope in someones story. If there's no hope for the characters in the story, the reader may find it depressing and stop reading. I agree with pretty much all of what he is saying, as it is helpful for writers to be more casual in their writing and give a sense of almost-friendship to the reader. For myself, I already knew this stuff but don't always actively apply it. Sometimes I prefer writing in a passive voice, to give a little change of pace, a little break per se, and I also like writing in pairs rather than threes.
STORY TO READ LINK 404 ERROR
12 Son Football Dynasty (100 words)
I liked his description of how cold it was, as a Minnesotan that is a familiar level of cold in the air. It was surprising when the lady was actually crying though, rather than just her eyes watering from the cold. I find it a little odd to be so emotional over something so unimportant, but to each his own I suppose. It's also strange to have so many children. The topic could be very cliche - children growing up, and their parents reaction - but this story was definitely different. I thought the story was about the parents not having any children on the football team anymore, but then realised it was about all 12 of their boys finally growing up and heading off to college. It was a somber, heartfelt story at that point, watching the ending of the last game and knowing how the mother must be feeling, knowing soon they'll be alone with no children around to break ceramic figurines.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Break In Questions - 5.9.13
1. What is the lead in this story? Does it intrigue you to keep watching?
The lead is the woman; she is talking about being robbed which is a very real thing. It could happen to anyone and it is important to be aware of how robbers do it.
2. What are the 5W's of this story: Who, What, Where, When, Why
Who: Woman that was robbed
What: Robbery
Where: Her home
When: While she was out
Why: The robber(s) needed money
3. Give an example of the reporters Voice over or seque (Write it down word for word)
"The mess lead Heather to the kitchen and to the back door where the doggy door had been kicked in."
4. When do we see the reporter's stand-up? Beginning, Middle, or End?
When he's walking down the sidewalk, showing us the front yard of the other house that had been robbed. It's in the middle of the story.
5. What is the purpose of this reporter's stand-up?
-Put a face to the voice
-Move the story forward
-Reporter becomes B-Roll
-Take me to the scene
-Use propts
-Be creative & surprise us
The lead is the woman; she is talking about being robbed which is a very real thing. It could happen to anyone and it is important to be aware of how robbers do it.
2. What are the 5W's of this story: Who, What, Where, When, Why
Who: Woman that was robbed
What: Robbery
Where: Her home
When: While she was out
Why: The robber(s) needed money
3. Give an example of the reporters Voice over or seque (Write it down word for word)
"The mess lead Heather to the kitchen and to the back door where the doggy door had been kicked in."
4. When do we see the reporter's stand-up? Beginning, Middle, or End?
When he's walking down the sidewalk, showing us the front yard of the other house that had been robbed. It's in the middle of the story.
5. What is the purpose of this reporter's stand-up?
-Put a face to the voice
-Move the story forward
-Reporter becomes B-Roll
-Take me to the scene
-Use propts
-Be creative & surprise us
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