ONW Now- Behind The Scenes

After scrambling and trying to come up with a story idea, my partner and I pulled this one out of our back pocket. Nothing too interesting is happening at our school right now, so producing a story this week was tough. Tyler and I like to create stories that make a difference; stories that catch peoples attention. By showing others how much preparation goes into our weekly shows, I've been told that this was a great story.

Even though we had two weeks to finish the product above, I feel like the quality of the package is high.We incorporated the 6 shot system, sequencing, and a storyline. All of which are good elements in creating a journalistic package. The camera we chose to use was a canon 60D, and it just so happens to be my personal favorite. The lens captures an HD view and can blur out the background like no other.

The biggest "law or rule" we broke was not having a sit down interview. Obviously we were aware of this, we just wanted to create something distinctive. In my opinion, the stand up interview actually added to the package. The title "behind the scenes" makes the package seem informal, and by not having a formal interview, the stand up made sense to consolidate.

In my works, I enjoy giving off morals. If the story doesn't give people a moral, then what's the point of creating it? Authors incorporate morals into their books and writings, so I feel the need to do the same. Out of everything I have in this life, serving others gives me the loudest sense of joy. The moral I tried to embed in this work was togetherness. I hope I made it somewhat clear.

The 6 Shot System

After critiquing news packages as a class, my teacher taught us the "6 shot system". With this new arrangement, I think that my packages will increase in quality. The system is known to capture a dominant visual story, and help identify the important subjects that are featured in your story. Professional news stations use this B-roll technique in their packages, and it's safe to say that I will incorporate this system into my works as well.

The biggest conclusion I gained from the 6 shot system was sequencing. I discovered how well I can tell a story just by using visual shots. If I were to take out all of the background noise from my packages, my viewers should still be able to tell what my story is about.

1. CU or close up of items- This rule is self explanatory but long story short, your camera angle should be close and in focus of a relevant item that's applicable to your story.
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2. CU or close up of subjects- This rule allows you to get up close and personal to your interviewee's face or hands. If you can, try and acquire some sort of movement from your subject.
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3. MS or medium shot- The medium shot angle demands a brief background view along with your subject in action.
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4. WS or wide shot- The wide shot perspective includes your subject in action as well, but includes more of a background view. This will let your viewer see the big picture.
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5. OTS or over the shoulder- The camera angle should be placed over your subjects shoulder and should provide a unique shot of your subjects behaviors.
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6. XWS or extra wide shot- The XWS is close to the medium and wide shot, but it is just bit more extensive than the two. This will capture the entire background and the panning technique is encouraged.
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Analyze Web vs. TV Stories

Check out these three videos about the same subject: a soccer freestylist. Two were produced for the web (ESPN), and one was produced for a local TV station.

Web


Web #2


TV

My favorite version of the story was definitely web #2. The main reason being was the overall quality and it really informs the viewer on the subjects’ storyline. For example, I really enjoyed how Cowies parents were in the picture during this version. Their interview makes it clear that they're on their daughters’ side and are really supportive of her goals. 

All 3 videos contain B-roll of the character juggling or "free styling", and of course Indie Cowie herself. Seems like she gives good answers to the camera on all three interviews, and all producers made her love for soccer clear. The only difference that's visible from my eyes is the shot variety. The ESPN version contains a GoPro camera angle and I believe that's what makes this version of the story unique. The New York Times version (Web #2), incorporates a longer storyline and what Indies free time entails. The TV form gives a summary of where soccer free styling has taken Indie Cowie. All of which have different angles while going on about the featured story. 


After watching the three versions of this story, I noticed the gap between TV and Web stories. It seems as if web stories contain a higher HD quality, better shots, and an overall better storyline. Most of the stories being shown on TV aren't as long and are expected to be aired in the next few hours. This leads to the creator rushing through the story not thinking about the quality of the all around product. I'm basically saying that Web versions of stories are a lot better than TV versions because of the amounts of time issued. 


I really enjoyed the 6 shot system that was integrated in these video stories. I saw both close up shots, two medium shots, and a great deal of wide shots. I think it'd be really cool to put all 6 shots into a video story of my own. I have only put an average of 4-5 of these shots in my work and that's just because of the time crunch I'm always under. If I could put all 6 of these shots in my next package, then my next story would be considered "textbook" quality. 

Q&A with Manny Psihountas

As a high school football player, Manny Psihountas is not only a captain, he's also a standout athlete in the Sunflower League. After being recognized for one of the best receivers in Olathe, Psihountas is determined to make his team better.

The Olathe Northwest Ravens are 2-2 as of right now. The goal is to make the playoffs, and maybe even the state tournament. Lets hope that the rest of the season goes as planned and Psihountas can lead the way to a victorious season.

How do you think the Olathe Northwest football team has been performing this year?

We are clearly better than we have been in the past, but we need to develop a consistency. Performance is all about the preparation. Our practices are pretty consistent I'd say, but we need to be more focused and more tuned in during pre-game.

How close are the seniors that are on the football team?

We're definitely brothers. We've been playing together since 3rd grade and I really feel like we take the team under our wings.

What do the seniors do outside of football as a team?

We have breakfast on game days, go out to dinner through the week, and this Friday we're going to see the movie "When The Game Stands Tall". Coach Sherman thinks it's a great movie for us to experience as a team, and I really feel like it'll make us that much closer.

How do you think you're doing as an individual?

I would like to say that I'm not perfect. I've dropped a few balls, but I'll always give maximum effort. I'll always do what I can to advance the play and lead the team.

What is your goal to finish out the season individually?

As of right now I don't have any personal goals. As an individual I want to do my part in helping the team advance, and I want to make my senior year count.

What is your goal to finish out the season as a team?

The main goal is to go as far as we can. If that means making it to the playoffs or leaving everything we've got on the field then so be it.

Do you have anything to say about Kansas journalist's calling the ravens the "olathe rag dolls"?

I obviously don't believe it now, but in the past he's not lying. We've only beat Olathe North twice in the history of this school and have yet to beat Olathe East and South. I believe in my heart that this year we will not be the Olathe ragdoll.

How are you guys different from other senior classes?

The biggest difference is that we are not worried about our individual stats. The last senior class focused on how many touchdowns, interceptions, and tackles they had. This year we are out on the field to play as a team and do the best we can.

Is there anything else you'd like to add about the team?

Yes, I would say we have a lot of interesting characters this year. I have good teammates not only on the field, but off the field too. We have great leadership and we push each other to get better everyday.