Altered Athletic Seasons - ID# 148

Downers Grove North

News Package

Entry Description

High school athletic teams and players adjust to major season changes in the 2020-2021 play.

Copyright Info

Recent Teacher Comments

• 4/28 10:16 am - Great interviews and b-roll, but could use some more storytelling and in-depth answers from the students aside from just what they’re saying. Anchor could help tell the story a bit more. Keep up the good work!
• 3/28 9:01 pm - Good edits for the audio so the edits aren’t harsh. But at the same time, make sure that fade in isn’t too slow where you don’t quite hear the first word being spoken. Good framing of the interviews and I’m glad you did them all outside in a space that ties in with their sport. What is a better way that you can conclude your story?

Judge 1

Positives: I like how your track at the beginning is very conversational. You had a variety of athletes and sports, which helped tell the overall story. Shots and lighting were good.

Improvements: Remember less is more. Not sure what the assignment was, but this piece was really long for the topic. At about a 1:20 in, I was getting bored. You're not obligated to use every person you interview or even use long bites. Go back and try to tighten this. Often you can tell the same story in less time. It's good to have nat sound but make sure it's worth it. You could easily cut the student swinging a golf club at 1:27 and instead start his sot over that shot. Try to have a little more energy on your tracks. I know you don't want to sound happy about a COVID related topic, but make sure to sound interested

Judge 2

Positives: - You let some natural sound play in during some of your tennis and football practice b-roll. The use of that sound is tremendous. It helps people feel as though they are there, meaning your package comes off as more natural. Great inclusion. - The framing of your interviews was fantastic. I love how you used the rule of thirds, and didn't just stick your subjects up against a fence or wall. Using that extra two-thirds space to show their sport was a great decision -- and then having them on different sides looking different ways was smart too.

Improvements: - This story is way too reliant upon interviews. You need to include more of your own reporter track. Weave that track between natural sound pops and your soundbites -- which should be shorter (try to keep them under :15). A good rule of thumb: Anything that is fact -- reporter track. Anything that's opinion/emotion -- soundbite. This will help your story flow much better. - Your b-roll needed some sequencing and shot composition. You had some, but when athletes are doing the same thing over and over, it's so easy to get them. Here's an example for the golf practice: 1. wide shot practice 2. medium shot two golfers swinging 3. close up golf ball being hit 4. close up person following through This will make your story look that much smoother.

Judge 3

Positives: Good framing during interviews Good use of natural sound to transition in between clips. I liked the sound of tennis balls or being hit in between interviews

Improvements: -Would’ve liked to see the reporter narrate more in between interviews ... perhaps introducing his interviewees, describing what year they are in, sport they participate in... then allow the interviewees to share their experience. -would have been great to see the reporter. Perhaps add a stand-up at the end of the piece to add an important face to the piece and show presence.

Judge 4

Positives:

Improvements: