Warrior Weekly - ID# 387

Maine West
News Program
Entry Description

This is an episode of the weekly news show for Maine West High School.

Copyright Info

Recent Teacher Comments

  • 4/16 10:09 am - This show has a great intro—especially impressive if it was made from scratch—and a solid mix of stories that go beyond the school walls, like the food truck segment. The composition is strong, and it's great to see b-roll included, especially in the gym sports coverage. That said, using a few shorter clips instead of one long one could keep the pace more engaging. Audio is a key area to improve. Levels vary too much, with some parts—like the sports package—overmodulated and hard to hear. Aim for consistent levels around -6 dB to keep it clear and professional. Also, a more dynamic background behind the anchors (like a news studio image) would help visually. There’s some confusion in the Maine Minute—mentioning a flyer without showing it—and the QR code in the credits doesn’t work. Also, make sure anyone featured as a spokesperson actually represents the role they’re shown in. Overall, good work with room to grow—especially on audio and clarity.
  • 3/3 7:13 am - Good composition and audio. Interesting mix of stories. It is nice that you did sports in the gym and I like that you had some b-roll, but it would be nice to see a few shorter clips instead of one long one during each story. I’m a little confused about why you show a student who is talking like she helps run the event, but she is just a student, right? In the Maine Minute you talk about mental health training, but what flyer do they scan? I tried to scan the QR code for your credits, but I am told that the code has been deactivated.
  • 3/1 10:05 pm - intro sequence is great, even better if that is made from scratch. audio is pretty all over the place. on the sports pack is overmodulated and the background noise is distracting. You want all audio to be peaking at about -6 dB everywhere. The background for the main anchors is a little bland, it would be great to see a news studio BG or something. love that you get out into the community with the food trucks, nice work getting out of the school. Really focus on the audio though, it makes a huge difference.
Judge 1

Positives: This was a well-rounded newscast featuring a range of segment styles – headlines delivered by the anchors, news packages from the field, a sports report and announcements.The segments were well produced, showing skills in a variety of newsgathering and storytelling techniques. Your news packages were solid. Excellent idea weaving in voiceovers from reporters (instead of just stringing together interview clips). The reporters help deliver information clearly. The package also had a good amount of b-roll and lots of interview subjects.

Improvements: Again, this is a solid production showing strong skills in the fundamentals. Now, take the production values to the next level. Add over-the-shoulder graphics when the anchors deliver news, create a dynamic graphics package, use music transitions. The newscast needs a little more polish, which, if done right, will add to the professionalism and credibility. Your news packages were good overviews of their subjects. Try focusing on one unique angle while still providing an overview. Perhaps you could’ve focused on the story of one business at the food truck event or told the story of one of the Nutcracker project. This kind of of storytelling is more engaging than a broad overview.

Judge 2

Positives: Really strong show. video open was good, so was the direction and the packages were well edited Food truck story was especially good.

Improvements: Nothing major. at the top of the show when the anchor tells us what is going to be in the show, there could be video there - or perhaps a graphic tellim s what is coming up. also, when the anchor says "and now, so-and-so is here with the sports report", there's no need for the sports guy to start by saying "Im so and so with the sports report."

Judge 3

Positives: The variety of shots and good composition of interviews in the Intramural volleyball story. Bridget’s Story: Good variety of shots, two interviews, and the match between food and visuals. Art club story: Strong interviews that add context. Maine Minute — Sami: Enthusiasm and a good use of the drop-down for reference. Sports Update * Props for doing a standup in general, showing initiative. * Sports update included footage.

Improvements: Hosts (Background Setup) The background setup could be improved so the anchors don't look like they are "underwater." Consider changing the background setup for better clarity and professionalism. Sports Update The standup was short and repetitive, merely echoing what the anchors said. Consider adding text on screen for final scores and who the teams played for better context. The background noise (people streaking, etc.) in the gymnasium was distracting. Intramural Volleyball Story Experiment with natural audio, such as starting the package with sound like someone serving or spiking the ball. Bridget’s Story Avoid stating the exact time the event occurred when recapping it. Consider interviewing someone who attended but wasn't involved in setting up the event, like someone trying a food they hadn’t had before. Art Club Story The first interview shot would benefit from applying the rule of thirds for better composition. Maine Minute — Sami Add context for meetings or event dates and times on the screen for easier reference.

Judge 4

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Judge 5

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