I recently watched a MSNBC video about a hotel that uses honey from three bee hives it keeps on the roof. The bees are cared for by hotel staff and the chefs go up to the roof top to collect honey for the hotel kitchen.
Overall I though it was a pretty decent package. It had some good shots of the bees on the roof and set the background in the beginning with wild bees. The story had a beginning, middle, and an end. I also liked how they tied it into healthy eating and local food. I also liked how they had a bee expert confirm some things the reporter and the chefs were talking about.
There were some things I did not like about the package, or some things I would have done differently. For example, I would have liked to see a customer get interviewed to see if they really liked the fresh honey. I also did not like how the second and third interviews were framed. The bee researcher was framed the wrong way, there was too much space on the viewers left and not enough on the right. The third interview had shadows on his face, it look soft, and look like the camera man was shooting up at him. I also would have tried to make the reveal about bee hives on the roof a little more dramatic or funny.
the story
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
You're only as good as your last story
Yesterday I finished my second reporter shift at KOMU. I was much more prepared this time and I was excited to contribute to the ten pm show. I felt pretty good after my last reporter shift and was confident I would produce another excellent story. I know that producers and news directors do not care about your last story, but the one your working on today.
The story I covered was on two shootings that occurred in the early morning hours of Jefferson city. The unique part of the story was that shoots are rare in Jefferson City and both shootings were unrelated despite their close proximity. I called the officer who faxed us the press release and asked him for an interview. One problem was the officer agreed to meet with me but only if he had time. I waited in the station for two hours to get my sound bite. When the officer finally came to get me he told me I had five minutes to talk to him and refused to use the lav mic. I had to finally convince him to use the mic but he put it far to low on his shirt. As I left the station I felt like I had wasted time and I knew my audio was poor. I need to work on dealing with police officers in the future.
The next problem I had was finding a resident in the surrounding neighborhood who would talk to me about the shooting. I talked to over a dozen people and only had success with one person. I really wanted to interview a man who ran a daycare right next to where the shootings happened. However, he refused to go on camera saying it would look bad for his business. I drove around and knocked on doors with cars parked outside to make sure someone was home but nobody would talk to me. I had to go back to the station with only two interviews.
I think I need to work on convincing people to talk to me. I know that being on camera can be intense for some people but I should have tried harder to get people to talk to me. I really felt defeated but I tried my best to make the edit look good and it turned out very well. The only thing that needed work was my audio levels, I will pay more attention to my mic location for next time.
my story
The story I covered was on two shootings that occurred in the early morning hours of Jefferson city. The unique part of the story was that shoots are rare in Jefferson City and both shootings were unrelated despite their close proximity. I called the officer who faxed us the press release and asked him for an interview. One problem was the officer agreed to meet with me but only if he had time. I waited in the station for two hours to get my sound bite. When the officer finally came to get me he told me I had five minutes to talk to him and refused to use the lav mic. I had to finally convince him to use the mic but he put it far to low on his shirt. As I left the station I felt like I had wasted time and I knew my audio was poor. I need to work on dealing with police officers in the future.
The next problem I had was finding a resident in the surrounding neighborhood who would talk to me about the shooting. I talked to over a dozen people and only had success with one person. I really wanted to interview a man who ran a daycare right next to where the shootings happened. However, he refused to go on camera saying it would look bad for his business. I drove around and knocked on doors with cars parked outside to make sure someone was home but nobody would talk to me. I had to go back to the station with only two interviews.
I think I need to work on convincing people to talk to me. I know that being on camera can be intense for some people but I should have tried harder to get people to talk to me. I really felt defeated but I tried my best to make the edit look good and it turned out very well. The only thing that needed work was my audio levels, I will pay more attention to my mic location for next time.
my story
Monday, June 22, 2009
Journalism reaction
I watched a package on NBC Dallas about a man who invented a security device to protect mailboxes.
I really liked the way this story was done, because it had a good beginning middle and end. The reporter added depth to the story by visiting different locations, and interviewed multiple people. He had his CCC, the inventor, and got a police official to give his thoughts on securing your mailbox. The reporter also did a good job with nat sounds and a nat open. The reporter also did a good job of writing to his video. For example, when they said he demonstrated his device it show him doing so. Another example would be him saying that law enforcement officials were impressed, then boom it cuts to a bite confirming what the reporter said.
The only thing that I could have added to the story was maybe to find someone who was a customer and was using the mailbox. I would be interested to see if they felt it was worth the money. I also was a little confused because the story made it sound like Harry was a victim of mail fraud but then in the package man said his mother was. I also noticed that the reporter used two of the same shots (:53 and :58) which is not a good thing to do.
the story
I really liked the way this story was done, because it had a good beginning middle and end. The reporter added depth to the story by visiting different locations, and interviewed multiple people. He had his CCC, the inventor, and got a police official to give his thoughts on securing your mailbox. The reporter also did a good job with nat sounds and a nat open. The reporter also did a good job of writing to his video. For example, when they said he demonstrated his device it show him doing so. Another example would be him saying that law enforcement officials were impressed, then boom it cuts to a bite confirming what the reporter said.
The only thing that I could have added to the story was maybe to find someone who was a customer and was using the mailbox. I would be interested to see if they felt it was worth the money. I also was a little confused because the story made it sound like Harry was a victim of mail fraud but then in the package man said his mother was. I also noticed that the reporter used two of the same shots (:53 and :58) which is not a good thing to do.
the story
Friday, June 19, 2009
Journalistic Reflection
This week was extremely busy for me. I had a Voice over patrol on Tuesday, a reporter shift on Wednesday, and cut-in training on Thursday. I was very happy with both my shifts and my cut- in training, but there are always things that I can improve on. For example, my cut-in training I need to be more conversational, like I am talking to a person and not just reading off a prompter. I figure that I can practice reading scripts to friends so I get comfortable energy and be more personable on air.
My voice over patrol turned into a long night. I was told to cover honor flight veterans who were returning from Washington DC. They were scheduled to arrive at 10pm and friends, family, and well-wishers gathered to welcome them back. As soon as I got there I captured a good amount of b-roll and filmed some good cut-a-ways. Then when the vets arrived I was ready for them and I got some great shots of people cheering and hugging. I was even able to spot one woman crying, I love capturing people's emotion because that is the best way to tell a story.
I met a man who was waiting for his father, and I asked him if his dad would be willing to talk to me. The man said of course and got his dad who was an army veteran. This story made me remember my Grandpa who was a World War II veteran and I could see why so many people were there in support.
I got back to the station at 11pm and I was really proud of myself because I didn't capture too much footage. This allowed me to write my script and go right into editing because the pictures converted so quickly. I learned from my last VO patrols to not capture more material than you need. I was please with my work and the only problem was that the producer forgot to put my story in the rundown so it never got aired. I was really disappointed because I worked so hard on it, and I wanted to tell the people's stories. I learned to not only double but also TRIPPLE check with a producer that they have everything they need before you leave the station.
My reporter shift went really well and I was proud of my TV package that was aired. I was sent out to do a story on the completion of Route 5 in Camdenton. They only part of my day that I wasn't thrilled about was my hour and forty-five minute drive to the construction site. I really had to have a plan together of what I wanted to shot, because I couldn't waste time. I got there and the road was already finished, but there was a few workers putting the finishing touches on it. I was able to drive down on the road and find some guys working under a bridge. Nobody wanted to interview with me, they kept passing me off on the other guy until only one man was left. I was getting really concerned that I wouldn't get an interview, but I was able to coax Mike Crane into an interview with me. I just told him not to be nervous because it would take less than a minute and if he didn't like it I wouldn't use it. So I kept it short and got him comfortable in front of the camera and he did a fine job.
After my first interview I realized that there was no one out hear to talk too. I didn't want to do a story on how great MoDOT was for completing the project so I wanted to find someone on the other side of the fence. I drove on US 54, which intersects with 5 to try and find a business owner to talk to. The only problem was that it was 6pm so many places were closed. Just as I was about to give up, I saw this little business that was right on the corner of both roads. I drove over, but as a soon as I pulled up the Open sign went off. I wasn't sure if they would want to talk to me, but I knocked on the door anyways. A woman answered and said the construction was causing traffic on the road her business was on making people not want to turn into her business. I asked her for an interview and she agreed, I got very lucky because after that I left right away to go back to KOMU. I have been getting really good at time management and I knew what time I needed to be back to finish my story on time. http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Overall this week was very busy but I learned a lot and I am continuing to grow as a journalist.
My Story
My voice over patrol turned into a long night. I was told to cover honor flight veterans who were returning from Washington DC. They were scheduled to arrive at 10pm and friends, family, and well-wishers gathered to welcome them back. As soon as I got there I captured a good amount of b-roll and filmed some good cut-a-ways. Then when the vets arrived I was ready for them and I got some great shots of people cheering and hugging. I was even able to spot one woman crying, I love capturing people's emotion because that is the best way to tell a story.
I met a man who was waiting for his father, and I asked him if his dad would be willing to talk to me. The man said of course and got his dad who was an army veteran. This story made me remember my Grandpa who was a World War II veteran and I could see why so many people were there in support.
I got back to the station at 11pm and I was really proud of myself because I didn't capture too much footage. This allowed me to write my script and go right into editing because the pictures converted so quickly. I learned from my last VO patrols to not capture more material than you need. I was please with my work and the only problem was that the producer forgot to put my story in the rundown so it never got aired. I was really disappointed because I worked so hard on it, and I wanted to tell the people's stories. I learned to not only double but also TRIPPLE check with a producer that they have everything they need before you leave the station.
My reporter shift went really well and I was proud of my TV package that was aired. I was sent out to do a story on the completion of Route 5 in Camdenton. They only part of my day that I wasn't thrilled about was my hour and forty-five minute drive to the construction site. I really had to have a plan together of what I wanted to shot, because I couldn't waste time. I got there and the road was already finished, but there was a few workers putting the finishing touches on it. I was able to drive down on the road and find some guys working under a bridge. Nobody wanted to interview with me, they kept passing me off on the other guy until only one man was left. I was getting really concerned that I wouldn't get an interview, but I was able to coax Mike Crane into an interview with me. I just told him not to be nervous because it would take less than a minute and if he didn't like it I wouldn't use it. So I kept it short and got him comfortable in front of the camera and he did a fine job.
After my first interview I realized that there was no one out hear to talk too. I didn't want to do a story on how great MoDOT was for completing the project so I wanted to find someone on the other side of the fence. I drove on US 54, which intersects with 5 to try and find a business owner to talk to. The only problem was that it was 6pm so many places were closed. Just as I was about to give up, I saw this little business that was right on the corner of both roads. I drove over, but as a soon as I pulled up the Open sign went off. I wasn't sure if they would want to talk to me, but I knocked on the door anyways. A woman answered and said the construction was causing traffic on the road her business was on making people not want to turn into her business. I asked her for an interview and she agreed, I got very lucky because after that I left right away to go back to KOMU. I have been getting really good at time management and I knew what time I needed to be back to finish my story on time. http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Overall this week was very busy but I learned a lot and I am continuing to grow as a journalist.
My Story
Friday, June 12, 2009
reaction to a news story
This story is about a girl who was accused of killing her roommate while she was studying abroad in Italy. This is a very interesting story to me because last semester I was studying abroad when all the media was focused on this murder. Even in June this trail is still going on. I am really surprised at how the Italian government and police force is handling the trial. From everything I have read or watched it seems like their police force is disorganized and their legal system is corrupt.
I read in the Economist that their Prim Minister has had many instances of corruption and breaking the law. So maybe the lack of order and justice come from their leader.
But I don't want to seem bias, because the girl on trial looks very guilty by just considering the circumstances. For example, she claimed she spent the night of the murder at her boyfriend’s house. The next day she came home she said her door was open and there was dried blood on the carpet. If that was me a few alarm bells would be going on in my head that something is wrong. Or at least I would go talk to my roommate to see why the door was left open.
Either way you look at the story, it is a very interesting one. I also like the national and international aspect to it, because it’s happening in Italy but the girl is American.
the story
I read in the Economist that their Prim Minister has had many instances of corruption and breaking the law. So maybe the lack of order and justice come from their leader.
But I don't want to seem bias, because the girl on trial looks very guilty by just considering the circumstances. For example, she claimed she spent the night of the murder at her boyfriend’s house. The next day she came home she said her door was open and there was dried blood on the carpet. If that was me a few alarm bells would be going on in my head that something is wrong. Or at least I would go talk to my roommate to see why the door was left open.
Either way you look at the story, it is a very interesting one. I also like the national and international aspect to it, because it’s happening in Italy but the girl is American.
the story
First KOMU Shift
Thursday was my first ever shift at KOMU, it was my first VO shift as well. I have had many journalism internships and even worked at KCOU, the student radio station. However, I have never had to put any of my work on live TV before.
As soon as I arrived at the station the producer sent me out to cover a fire that was going on at an apartment complex. I gathered up all the equipment, signed out everything, got directions, set up the car and took off. I was about five minutes on the road when I got a call from the station saying they didn't need me there and all the police and firefighters had left. So I had to come back and unload everything and get another story. I have to say that I was not to surprised that happened, being a journalist means you have to adapt quickly and learn stories can disappear as quickly as they appear.
The second story I went to cover sounded really boring and I didn't think I would get enough good video to make it exciting. I was sent to a Columbia School Board meeting to cover a potential school board election. The producer told me little information about the meeting but I talked to a reporter from KOMU before hand about a similar story he had covered earlier.
I was told to go to the meeting an hour after it had started so I did not know if I would get enough video. I got there as the school board members were talking to the last candidate. I starting filming immediately, and it turns out that I came at the right time because the meeting got very interesting. The school board ended up voting a new member in that night, after three voting sessions. The interesting part was the man who was voted in was James Whitt who will now be the only African-American member on the board. The funny part was that the meeting lasted so long that he left before he found out he was elected. His wife had been at the meeting the whole time and spoke to reporters on his behalf.
I was really pleased with the way my story turned out, I worked really hard to get the best possible shots and interviews. I wish the meeting had ended earlier because I was very rushed with my editing and writing. But all and all my first KOMU experience was very exciting and rewarding one.
My Story
As soon as I arrived at the station the producer sent me out to cover a fire that was going on at an apartment complex. I gathered up all the equipment, signed out everything, got directions, set up the car and took off. I was about five minutes on the road when I got a call from the station saying they didn't need me there and all the police and firefighters had left. So I had to come back and unload everything and get another story. I have to say that I was not to surprised that happened, being a journalist means you have to adapt quickly and learn stories can disappear as quickly as they appear.
The second story I went to cover sounded really boring and I didn't think I would get enough good video to make it exciting. I was sent to a Columbia School Board meeting to cover a potential school board election. The producer told me little information about the meeting but I talked to a reporter from KOMU before hand about a similar story he had covered earlier.
I was told to go to the meeting an hour after it had started so I did not know if I would get enough video. I got there as the school board members were talking to the last candidate. I starting filming immediately, and it turns out that I came at the right time because the meeting got very interesting. The school board ended up voting a new member in that night, after three voting sessions. The interesting part was the man who was voted in was James Whitt who will now be the only African-American member on the board. The funny part was that the meeting lasted so long that he left before he found out he was elected. His wife had been at the meeting the whole time and spoke to reporters on his behalf.
I was really pleased with the way my story turned out, I worked really hard to get the best possible shots and interviews. I wish the meeting had ended earlier because I was very rushed with my editing and writing. But all and all my first KOMU experience was very exciting and rewarding one.
My Story
Friday, June 5, 2009
Story
I thought this was an interesting package that I found on CNN video. It is about a woman who was suffering from severe stomach problems and doctors couldn't find what was causing it. The hook to the story was that she diagnosed herself in her high school science class,
I thought it was a good package it has a good CCC plenty of nat sound and nat pops. It had good quotes and good visuals to help tell the story. The only thing I could see wrong with it was, the twist was not revealed as dramatically as it could have been. It almost seemed nonchalant the way she discovered her own sickness. The package also ran a little long but other than that it was a very interesting story.
the story
the story