Final Package

My third package had to be one of the most challenging tasks I’ve faced this semester. Every problem that could occur did, but with perseverance I successfully completed it.

When I began shooting footage for the package, I didn’t realize that the lighting was bad until after I started logging it. I was so disappointed. However, what I’m learning in this field is that sometimes you have to improvise. That’s exactly what I did. I did the best with what I had and in my opinion, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.

One significant difference I’ve noticed is the amount of time it took to edit. Unlike the first package, it didn’t take me all night. I was more comfortable with Final Cut Pro and the project just flowed.

While I am sad that the semester is ending so soon, I am so grateful for what I’ve learned in TV News and I’m looking forward to expanding that knowledge.

 

My Second Package for TV News

With my first package behind me, I was determined to correct previous mistakes this time around to ensure a better finished product. While this time the task seemed much easier, I did encounter some minor problems. It took me nearly two weeks to find an official source for my story and I gave up after struggling to confirm an interview. But to my surprise, I was able to get an interview within minutes of me placing my head in my hands.

 I went out that same day to get B-roll and interviews and at this point things are running smoothly. When I got back to the edit bay to log my footage, I noticed that my official's interview had some static in the background. I tried to fix the issue and even called on others to help me, but was unsuccessful. It was too late to try and get another interview and time was simply running out. As I spent a couple of days editing, I began to realize the importance of planning ahead and starting the editing process early. I couldn't imagine having to do all of what I did last minute. I'm anxious to see what my grade is and as I plan for my newscast, I'm excited about what's in store next.

"The Package"

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Our last Friday

When I found out that this was our last week of the six-week multimedia course, I was shocked. It went by so fast. In these few weeks, I learned so much. I went into the course not knowing very much about video and I am leaving this class confident in all that I have learned. I am also confident that I can pass that knowledge on to someone else. Shooting the video (package) was exciting and although it took a couple of times for me to get the VOs right, I enjoyed every bit of the course. I am truly grateful that I got the opportunity to be a part of the course and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn and become more marketable in the field.

"Out of Town"

  A group of us from the Famuan staff attended a journalism conference in Norfolk,Va. and it was exciting. We did so much in just a matter of days. We attended workshops and got our newspaper critiqued. Some of us signed up for interviews for a summer internship and overall, we just soaked up all of the knowledge we could from the professionals who were there. What was really exciting was the opportunity we got to network with students from other schools. We met so many students who just like us, want to become successful journalists.  I am glad that we were invited to attend the trip and I am sure that what we learned there will be helpful to us for the rest of our lives.

Almost time to Edit

Today wasn't a really long day. All we did was record the VOs for our package and we listened to them to make sure they sounded alright. It took me forever to get the script right. I kept starting over and over, but I'm glad I finally got it. Next week, I think we'll be ready to start editing and I am super excited. It's only week four and we're already making so much progress. I'm a little nervous about editing though because I have never had to do it before. But I'm sure it will be exciting. I am looking forward to finishing this package and I can't wait until next week.

Writing the Script

So far, my group and I have everything together. We have plenty of B-roll and we have our stand-ups done. All we have left to do now are VOs. Last week was pretty interesting because we had to look at all of the footage we had and come up with a script  that actually matched what the package is going to be about. It didn’t take us too long, but we had to make sure that what we plan to say matched up with the video clip we wanted to use. This, to me, was the hardest part so far because I saw how tedious putting together a script can be. At first it seemed like it was going to be simple, but last week definitely showed me that it takes time. Thankfully, it eventually started to flow the way we wanted it to.  Hopefully, we'll get our entire package done early so that we'll just have to edit if need be. Overall, I’m excited and anxious to see what we do next week.I am learning so much in this class! I’m extremely excited about this package and I really can’t wait to start piecing it all together!

"Getting B-roll"

Last Friday, my group partners and I conducted interviews on camera and had a blast. When I first saw all of the different buttons we had to remember and what we had to do just to set up the camera, I was a little intimidated. I had never used a camera like that, so it seemed like it was going to be a long and difficult day, but it wasn’t. I actually enjoyed myself so much that it didn’t feel like an assignment or project.

On the other hand, we had to carry all of that equipment; the camera, tripod and case wherever we went, which showed me that broadcast journalism is not only different, but it also feels like a workout. Overall, I really learned a lot by just going out there and allowing myself to learn from my mistakes and I learned the importance of having patience. Some people didn’t want to be on camera and others just watched us as we walked in with our equipment. However, the interviews we were able to do were awesome and although it was hard work, it was fun. We got a chance to speak with staff members at the recreation center and students who were there working out. I am looking forward to learning more in this class and I can’t wait until our next session!