This is our monthly news package featuring school events and activities for October.
Positives: I appreciated the inclusion of so many student interviews in the news packages. This is the perspective your audience wants to see, and the interview subjects, through strong interviewing, delivered the information clearly and professionally. The b-roll in the packages was engaging and the opening and segue graphics were strong.
Improvements: Your news packages would have benefited from greater use of a reporter through on-location standups and voiceovers. The voiceovers would help segue between the interview clips to tell a stronger story and are needed to take these news packages to the next level professionally. Few news programs are just a string of news packages. You have a good start with the calendar at the end. Now, have the anchors deliver some school news and then throw it to the reporter in the field for the news packages. A variety of news elements will help create a more well rounded program demonstrating multiple reporting techniques.
Positives: Open was clever - the use of the visual, the music and the anchor in costume really worked. Story selection also was good Sometimes "cute" stories like the favorite Halloween candy story can run too long, but this one seemed to be the perfect length. Also, the characters were very strong, they really drove those first two stories and you didn;t need anchor or reporter track in the package.
Improvements: The first two stories needed an anchor tag - it could have been something left out of the story. On he first story, if youre going to use two voices, don't shoot them in the exact same position (in this case on the left of the screen - you could have put the second student facing right for instance.
Positives: Engineering Students Package: The visuals are strong and contribute well to the overall storytelling. This is a positive aspect of the package. Time-lapse of Show Prep with Stage Crew: The time-lapse is a great visual tool. It effectively showcases the effort and time invested by the stage crew, giving the audience insight into the behind-the-scenes process. Anchor Transition into the Bat: Creative transition! The spin adds a unique touch and enhances the overall presentation, making it engaging and memorable for the audience.
Improvements: Anchor: While it’s understandable this is an October episode, dressing up for Halloween in the news report doesn’t add value to the storytelling. Instead, it may make the anchor seem out of place. For a more professional and cohesive feel, avoid costumes unless it’s a special Halloween feature. Engineering Students Package: As the interviewer, sitting closer to the camera and having the interviewees follow you is important for creating a natural and engaging shot. Right now, the interviewees are looking across the shot, which can feel disconnected. Also, switching sides during interviews can help create visual variety and prevent monotony. Interview location changes in general: Since multiple interviews are being done in the same area, changing locations can add more visual interest and enhance the story. John and Alec: The segment where John and Alec walk around campus asking a one-word question in the spirit of Halloween lacks journalistic value and may come across as more of a fun filler than substantive news. Instead, consider something more visually stimulating and relevant, like giving students a challenge to create costumes from low-budget items or having a Halloween-themed bakeoff. This would allow for more engaging b-roll and tie into the spirit of the season while still having journalistic value. Mic Cords During Interviews: Consider hiding the lav mics during interviews. These distractions can take away from the overall quality of the piece. Keeping the focus on the interview subject without visual distractions will help maintain a more polished and professional look.
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