Monday, November 29, 2010

News Beta: What Do You Think?


This is the beta of a new project some of my students are working on. They are creating a news show for the school and we made this one to practice. We would love some constructive feedback.


5 comments:

Melville Intermediate School, Waikato. said...

I think the use of props was effective, perhaps you could develop a news logo or something similar and have that on display, possibly you could add the names of each of presenters as they are speaking. There wasn't any transition from one scene to the next, you could add that affect really easily, and just make sure that you paused before you started talking so that it dosen't have a near overlap from one article to the next. I really enjoyed it, about the only other thing that I could think of, the only two things is that the presenters maybe spoke a bit fast (but this is a beta so no problems) and that presenters kept shuffling paper. given how well it was read and the fact that it wasn't read off the paper then that might be something to consider. Great job by the way.
Mr Webb, Melville Intermediate, Hamilton, New Zealand.

Wm Chamberlain said...

@Mr Webb Thanks for the review, I will share it with the students.

Mr. Raisdana said...

Great job! I love the fact that you are experimenting with this form and trying to do a newscast. Some tips:

1. How about some intro music to raise the mood and expectations.

2. Get closer. Move the camera closer to the newscasters and let us see their faces in the frame. That you way you can also crop out the red backdrop that is falling in the right hand corner.

3. Make sure the room is quiet. Yes boys in the background we can hear you and it is really annoying!

4. Slow down. Breathe.

5. Lose the papers and use a teleprompter. Make one with a computer screen and large font.

Great job, can't wait to see the version. Thanks for commenting on our movie posters by the way. Looking forward to getting to know you guys more soon.

Mr Wood said...

Well done on your first news show, I thought you were great. I liked that your news 'bits' were short and interesting.

You have already got some excellent suggestions in the comments to improve and I look forward to your next news.

Sarah said...

I think this is a fantastic idea and it is one that I'm hoping to try out with my class when I start with them in January.

Most of what I'm going to say has been said already but I guess it doesn't hurt to hear things twice.

On the positive side:
- The reports were short and succinct which makes it easier to follow.

- I liked the visual cues e.g. sports present wearing a sports top.

- It looked good (more professional) when students weren't reading from their papers all the time. (I like the idea of a teleprompter.)

Constructive criticism:
- It was hard to hear in parts because of rustling and background noise.

- I think the overall look could be improved with a few simple adjustments. Try using a green screen (just a green piece of fabric) which can then be replaced with a background image in the editing stages on programmes like imovie or movie maker. Does it all need to be in 'the studio?' Perhaps the sports reports could be e.g. on the basketball court with some of the players.

Check out http://theinsandouts.co.nz/
They started a news program this year called Street Talk. There are 3 episodes so far, they might be good to watch.

I look forward to watching the finished product.

Sarah