WEEK 2 (MON. JAN. 14TH, 2019) – RUBENSTEIN ARTS CENTER, ROOM 131
PITCH 101 + production lab
• In-class discussion:
Equipment check-out; questions on readings, viewings and reflection papers; securing stories; production resources.
• In-class activities:
• Pitch 101: tips for finding and securing your stories; expectations for pitch sessions.
• Production Lab: professors will bring camera and audio equipment to class for a hands-on production workshop on composition, natural light, camera speed, aperture, focus, audio, zoom set-up with wired and wireless mics, interview techniques, and more. Review shooting guidance for videographers and HD vs DSLR cameras.
• Field Production: students break into groups of three and venture out onto West Campus to film an interview and b-roll.
Equipment check-out; questions on readings, viewings and reflection papers; securing stories; production resources.
• In-class activities:
• Pitch 101: tips for finding and securing your stories; expectations for pitch sessions.
• Production Lab: professors will bring camera and audio equipment to class for a hands-on production workshop on composition, natural light, camera speed, aperture, focus, audio, zoom set-up with wired and wireless mics, interview techniques, and more. Review shooting guidance for videographers and HD vs DSLR cameras.
• Field Production: students break into groups of three and venture out onto West Campus to film an interview and b-roll.
SPECIAL GUEST
Napoleon Wright (Pan II Creative)
Pilar Timpane (Duke Multimedia Producer). Check out some of her videos on her website video page.
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Assignments
• Each student needs a hard drive. Bring hard drives to the next class (1/28).
• Story #1 will consist of multiple interviews and b-roll (TRT: under 3:30).
Each student comes prepared to pitch one story idea next week (1/28).
• Write Pitch #1:
See reading #1 below (“Pitching Story Ideas”) and write your pitch according to these guidelines:
Theme: Identify a story that fits with one of the four themes of the semester (identified in week 1: Identity, Politics, Mental Health, Arts & Culture)
Platform: Identify a specific media platform for your story (NPR, Vice, BuzzFeed, etc.)
Title: The title should grab the class' attention!
Length: One-two paragraphs. Keep it pithy and on point.
Character: Identify a possible character to carry the story.
Arc: Share a possible story arc, including visuals you'd want to capture. Describe how you envision the story playing out.
Story Aspirations: Identify how your story can connect with one or more of the following storytelling devices: transformation, identity, nostalgia, beauty and authenticity.
Please note: Do not pitch a story unless you have contacted the subjects and confirmed their interest in participating. You will have <5 minutes to present your pitch to the class next week.
• Story #1 will consist of multiple interviews and b-roll (TRT: under 3:30).
Each student comes prepared to pitch one story idea next week (1/28).
• Write Pitch #1:
See reading #1 below (“Pitching Story Ideas”) and write your pitch according to these guidelines:
Theme: Identify a story that fits with one of the four themes of the semester (identified in week 1: Identity, Politics, Mental Health, Arts & Culture)
Platform: Identify a specific media platform for your story (NPR, Vice, BuzzFeed, etc.)
Title: The title should grab the class' attention!
Length: One-two paragraphs. Keep it pithy and on point.
Character: Identify a possible character to carry the story.
Arc: Share a possible story arc, including visuals you'd want to capture. Describe how you envision the story playing out.
Story Aspirations: Identify how your story can connect with one or more of the following storytelling devices: transformation, identity, nostalgia, beauty and authenticity.
Please note: Do not pitch a story unless you have contacted the subjects and confirmed their interest in participating. You will have <5 minutes to present your pitch to the class next week.
Read, Watch and Write.
• Reading #1: Columbia Journalism Review "Q&A: Ira Glass on structuring stories, asking hard questions"
• Reading #2: Ari Daniel, Transom.org: “Pitching Story Ideas”
• Reading #3: Sally Herships, Transom.org: “The Art Of The Pre-Interview"
• Viewings:
• Reading #2: Ari Daniel, Transom.org: “Pitching Story Ideas”
• Reading #3: Sally Herships, Transom.org: “The Art Of The Pre-Interview"
• Viewings:
Where Do Ideas Come From? from Andrew Norton on Vimeo. |
Produced by AMP 2016 alumna Alice Marson.
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• Reflections: Students should write reflections on readings and viewings and submit reflections using their personalized Google Doc link (emailed following week 2). Reflections must be submitted by 12pm Sunday, January 27th. Don't forget to include your pitch.
REMINDER: 25% of your final grade will be based on class participation and reflection papers. See Reflection Papers under grading on the overview page for an exposition of this assignment.
Week 3 – NO CLASS (MLK Day)
Turn in your reflections on January 27th and we'll see you on January 28th for Week 4.
Turn in your reflections on January 27th and we'll see you on January 28th for Week 4.