News/Sports Packages
Student is given one week to produce this story
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.
- Story Submissions due one week before newscast
- Script Submissions due 2 days before newscast
- Report Length: 1:15 to 1:45 (maximum)
- Completed package due 8am day of newscast and given to TA for final polishing
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. These stories must be original -- they can't be a story you find in the Daily Camera or other news outlets unless you can find a fresh angle. These stories also cannot be produced for other classes or extracurricular activities and then recycled for NewsTeam. In other words, if you produced this story originally for the CU Independent or for CU Buff Sports Live, then it can't be used for NewsTeam without express permission.
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 (a character is required).
- No phone interviews are allowed unless you can make a persuasive case that the interview cannot be obtained any other way. You cannot do phone interviews because you've run out of time to get the interview on-camera.
Deadlines:
- One week before newscast: Story submission given one week before newscast. Approval must be made before production.
- 2 days before the newscast: Script turned in for approval, but earlier the better. You can't edit the package before you have approval. Approval means that we've read the script and have had a chance to provide feedback before you edit. Such feedback could lead to improvements in the story that could lead to a better grade.
- 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. You should write the story the day before the newscast and then email it to the TA for review and to get feedback.
- Day of newscast - Final Web story is due (polished with video embedded and a screen shot from the package (see more about producing Web Stories.
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.