Lake County Connection - ID# 404

Vernon Hills
News Program
Entry Description

Welcome to The Lake County Connection! This broadcast entails an exposé on local community service and how high schoolers can give back.

Copyright Info

Recent Teacher Comments

  • 4/30 9:44 pm - Main anchors audio sound like the mics are far away, lots of echo. Your strongest packages are the ones where you are on site. Some of the interviews could have used more light, Daniel was almost in complete shadow, break up that interview with some voice over and b roll. Let's hear your anchors report the story and rely on interviews for verification and supplemental information. You anchor should be the one taking us through ght story though.
  • 4/29 8:06 am - Why are the temperatures in celsius? It’s almost 90 degree fahrenheit and it is going to snow? For the Miss Vernon Hills piece was the wrong anchor mic turned up? The closing is the same way. In the clubs piece zoom in more and have more room in front of the person and less room behind them. The anchors are dressed and present themselves very well. During the segments you had some good b-roll but I would like to have seen more.
  • 4/14 12:29 pm - Anchors do a nice just reading. Watch the pacing- the gaps in between the two people talking can sound more conversational with work on that pacing. Audio in the studio sounds very echoey- does the girl even have a mic? Make sure the mics are close to each anchor to avoid that. Interview "live" was a nice idea. Club interviews are really far away- keep the shot close to avoid the long shot and then you can adjust lighting issues better too. We want to see the person talking- not all the stuff around them. Overall the show has potential- fix those audio issues right away!
Judge 1

Positives: 1. The two anchors presented the news in a clear, concise, and professional way. 2. It was cool how y'all handled the weather portion of the broadcast. Additionally, your decision to tease the upcoming stories at the beginning of the newscast was cool as well. That's a technique professional news stations will use from time-to-time depending on what's happening in the day.

Improvements: 1. While the anchor work was good, don't forget to lighten up just a little so your presentation doesn't feel stilted. That will help you connect with the audience a little bit more. For example, the "stay classy" Anchorman reference was a good example of y'all letting your presentation breathe a little bit more. Feel free to do that from time to time. 2. There were times outside the studio when the lighting was too dark to really see some of the interview subjects. Additionally, a few of the interviews were composed in such a manner where there was too much space around the subject, specifically in the story about campus clubs. It would have served you to zoom in a little bit closer to their faces.

Judge 2

Positives: Strong visual production value. The lower third graphics at the top of the newscast were an effective way to reinforce what's coming up. Also good use of the double box in the interview with Miss Vernon Hills. That effect connected the anchor and the interview subject. Great topic development. I liked the thematic nature of the newscast and the way you highlighted one teen and then showed how others can get involved. Keep up the good work highlighting your community!

Improvements: The audio levels could be more consistent. Try to match the audio in the studio and the field. The studio audio started out ok but was a little "hollow" later in the newscast. There was an opportunity in the package about the volunteer clubs to include more student voices. Maybe the president of a club or a new participant? Those interviews could have rounded out the storytelling.

Judge 3

Positives: Nice job on the virtual set - very professional. Really great use of adding motion to still photos. Love the interview double box facetime concept. Whether it's live or pre-produced, it's still a nice touch. Some great production work here.

Improvements: One of the areas we coach reporters and anchors who are looking to break through is maintaining your natural and authentic self. The anchors on this entry are trying to be anchors on NBC - I think they will go much further if they are themselves in their delivery and how they speak to their peers and teachers. Did they forget to have their mics on the end of the show?

Judge 4

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Judge 5

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