News Report Assignment

News Report Assignment
Media Productions
Mr. Larsen

This Unit will cover many different parts of a news report including pre-production, filming, and post production.  Follow the guidelines below and you’ll have a great experience creating and presenting your news report. 

Specifications

The news report must be between 1:00 and 1:30 in length. 

Things to be included or submitted for this assignment:

• ·         Graphics
• ·         Interviews
• ·         Voice-over
• ·         Script
• ·         Cue Cards
• ·         Edit the footage individually
• ·         B-Roll
• ·         Final Submission

Pre-production: 

News reporters spend a lot of time planning out what they will say, who they will interview, and what they will shoot to make their story interesting.  You story should include each of these elements.  Let’s get started:

1.       What should you say?

a.       You will need to turn in a script.  This script should include any content you will say in front of the camera.   Good stories are well thought out and well written.  They should capture the attention of the audience.  The script will include any words spoken by the news reporter on camera and any voice overs.  Interview questions should be included in the script but the responses do not need to be scripted. 

b.      You will need to turn in cue cards that you will use while you are talking to the camera.  These cue cards will have the words, suggestions, directions and other things you’ll need to have to direct you on what to say while you are on camera.   Cue cards are the best way to make sure you look professional and collected on camera. 

2.       Who will you interview? 

a.       Interviews are used to add variety and to give added information to the audience.  Interview questions should be written in such a way that the person being interviewed can give a great answer.  Avoid writing questions that can be answered simply yes or no. If a “close ended” question is asked then always follow up with another question to get more details. 

3.       What footage will you shoot?

a.       Plan out your B-Roll footage.  This footage will be added to give the story some variety and is perfect for use during voice overs.  Usually B-Roll footage is taken without anyone knowing it’s being shot.  It can include the school facilities, students, classrooms, etc. 

b.      Make arrangements ahead of time if you are going to be filming during class time.  If you want to film a teacher’s classroom you should meet with the teacher ahead of time and tell them what you want to do and when.    

4.       Graphics

a.       You need to include graphics in your story.  Graphics include images, text, special effects and other things to add variety.  Don’t overdo it.  A little goes a long way. 

Filming and Interviewing

1.       Gather all footage, interviews, b-roll, and do any voice overs using the cameras we have available.  If you choose to use your own camera I can’t guarantee it will work with our computers.  Bring it in and we’ll test it. 
2.       Always be courteous and respectful as you interview and film.   
3.       Dress and act professionally.  As a student, your clothes should be neat and clean and reflect the school dress code.  You grade will be affected by a lapse in judgment in this area.  If you have a question about if you should wear something, ask.  
4.       Work with your partner to gather the b-roll, interviews and other footage needed.  You may choose to do the voice overs independently if you want to. 

Post-Production

      Editing should be completed on your computer.  You may use the same interviews as your partner but all editing should be done separately.  Add graphics, text, voice overs and other elements that are a part of the editing process to add variety and tell a great story.