News/Sports Packages
Student is given one week to produce this story
- Story Submissions due one week before newscast
- Script Submissions due day before newscast up to 5pm (no scripts will be reviewed after 5)
- Report Length: 1:15 to 1:45 (maximum)
- Completed package due 8am day of newscast
The news/sports package is based on breaking or developing news stories related to campus,
community, national or international issues, sports, business, investigative,
science, weather or other current newsworthy matters.
Reports have a
hard news focus regardless of subject, (this is what news directors want to see on a resume reel), but you can do at least one soft news story this semester.
Requirements:
- This is an individual project – the student reports, shoots and edits their own package
- 90-percent of footage is original
- Must use a bridge stand-up.
- Must use at minimum two locations and two sources – one with expertise on the issue and a character who is impacted by the issue (preferred).
- No phone interviews unless you can make a persuasive case that the interview cannot be obtained any other way.
Deadlines:
- One week before newscast: Story submission given one week before newscast. Approval must be made before production.
- Day before the newscast up to 5pm: Script turned in for approval
- 8am day of newscast: Completion and approval of package for broadcast.
Online (Web Story) Component:
Package is accompanied by an online story that appears, with the video, on the NewsTeam website.
- Day before newscast - Web story is due
Grading Criteria:
Visuals
The project is engaging to watch. Camera shots tell the story visually with sequences that clarify and build upon the previous images. Shots change every seven seconds or less. There are no camera jiggles or lighting problems. The stand-up and interview composition is balanced.
Audio
NATS and dialogue are balanced (mixed) properly. SOTS and VO are engaging. SOTS kept no longer than 12 seconds. VO is read with enthusiasm and with the appropriate emotional tone. No pops or other distracting sounds in the audio.
Script
Easy to understand, active voice and conversational, has meaning to the audience and conveys compelling, newsworthy information. There is evidence of research and proper attributions (where the information comes from, such as surveys or studies). Stand-up is interactive, creative, integral and advances the story.
Editing
Shots are trimmed properly (seamless) and transitions fit the piece. No jump cuts or words that have been cut off. Images seem to fit together. Story is allowed to “breathe” with NAT sound inserted between SOTS and VO in certain places.
