Feature Stories
Student is given two weeks to produce this story
Report length 2:00 to 2:30 (maximum)
Completed package due 8am day of newscast
This is a specialised form of In-depth reporting of personalities, events or issues based on, but not limited to the following topics:
Crime and Safety
Environmental
Sports and Health
Science and Tech
City and County Government
Social Community (housing, infrastructure, etc)
Cultural, Arts & Entertainment
Education
Social Justice
Reporters who specialise in any particular topic, and craft in-depth stories around that topic, are known as Beat Reporters. In newspaper parlance, the beat is the topic that the reporter is assigned to cover. The reporter will spend considerable time with people and organisations that are connected with the topic and they will develop an expertise to gain the confidence of their sources. Sometimes a reporter might need months to cultivate sources and build a rapport with them. For obvious reasons, NewsTeam students don't have the time they need in the short weeks of the semester to develop their sources. Simply, to be effective as a beat reporter, the reporters must visit sources repeatedly to develop a rapport and build trust.
For purposes of this class, students who are assigned to produce a feature story need to follow their curiosity and choose a subject that they are at least interested in and want to know more about. Students should make time to learn their topic, not just rely on their own basic knowledge. We encourage students to step outside of their own experiences, choosing subjects that they can gain more familiarity with by simply talking with people who are sources within that subject. You can find a treasure trove of rich story ideas from any one of these subjects; a subject is only as dull as the reporter makes it. The story idea may sound interesting, but don't make the story dull. Be sure that you have a clear idea of our audience and tell a story that they will want to hear. Immerse yourself in the topic.
Each student will produce at least 2 feature stories based on the topic they have chosen. Both feature stories must be based on the same topic. 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 must be developed with more in-depth details and they cannot be stories 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 three locations and three sources, two people with expertise
and a character who is impacted by the issue. A character is required - so give yourself time before sending us your story submission to find the character you need and make sure they agreed to participate.
- No phone interviews are allowed, unless you have a persuasive reason why this person's interview must be done over the phone. We will not accept stories with phone interviews because you didn't have time to interview them on camera. These will be people who might come from out-of-state, or even out-of-country and will add credibility to the source.
- Requires that you research and know your beat. Treat the story more as an analysis or investigative piece.
Deadlines:
Student is given two weeks minimum
to produce the feature story. But we encourage students to get as early a start as possible.
- 2-weeks before airdate: Story submission approved. Story submission must be approved before production.
- 1-week before airdate: Script turned in one week before airdate. Script must
be approved before editing. The reason for getting a script done one week in advance is to help you polish the wording and information better, to give you time in case you need to do another interview or get more footage, and to give you more time to polish the editing.
- 8am Day of Newscast: Completion of package must be by 8am day of the newscast
Online (Web Story) Component:
Package is also accompanied by an online story that appears, with the video, on the NewsTeam website. Web story is due the day before the story airs.
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.
