2014 Reflection

This semester I have grown as a convergence journalism student in many ways. Transitioning to two hours of convergence journalism has been exciting and full of many new learned things. Throughout my years of e-comm I have learned how to incorporate technology, video, and social media. From software to collaborating convergence journalism has made me a better student.

Filming with a purpose

This year I learned many aspects of what it takes to make a package with storytelling and sequencing.   I started this year not really understanding the 6 shot system or how to create a sequence. I have now become a "pro" at using the 6 shot system and use it in nearly every video. Following the 6 shot system has taught me the concept of video sequencing and storytelling.

Here is an example of a video I have produced this year that follows the six shot system and other video skills I have attained this year.

Once I began incorporating different techniques such as sequencing, following the 180 degree rule,  and rule of thirds I have seen an overall better change in the way I edit and produce videos.

Interview with Mr. McRoberts following the rule of thirds

Producing ONW NOW 

One of the most exciting aspects of this class is getting to be involved with ONW NOW. This year

our set changed to an infinity wall green screen and a tri-caster which is a new system for producing the show. Before this year I did not have any clue how to use a tri-caster and now I have learned how to use it in many different ways. I have grown as a convergence journalism student by now knowing how to run a news show and learning the different areas such as anchoring, running the tri-caster, sound, and floor director.

Learning the tri-caster

The tri-caster has changed the way of production and allowing us to smoothly put together a professional news show that is exciting for students to watch. Overall I have had a great experiencing learning the tri-caster and anchoring.

Anchoring an episode of ONW NOW

Video Editing

I have been working with Final Cut Pro since my sophomore year. I did not begin to really improve my editing skills until this year. I have learned how to quickly put together packages and use all the features final cut pro has to offer. 

If I had not learned the tricks and shot cuts on Final Cut Pro then I would not have been able to grow in my video editing skills. The quick process of putting together videos to air on ONW NOW each week has taught me to become a better video editor and maker.

Goals for the future...

1. Become a better blogger and writer. This next semester as a class we will be starting more web stories and improving our blogs. I would like to start writing stories for the website and learning how to present ideas and reflections through my blog in a professional yet interesting way.

2. Better ideas for packages. Something I have struggled with this semester is finding story ideas. This next semester I would like to come up with better ideas for stories and a unique angle to present them. I think that more interesting story ideas would create a better ONW NOW that more students would like to watch, as a class we should strive for interesting packages with better angles.

Overall I have come a long way throughout my journey as an e-communication student. I have grown in many ways and hope that in the future I will continue to expand my knowledge of storytelling, video making, and blogging. I am excited to see what else I will accomplish and learn.

Documentary Proposal

Working title: Road to Fame(?)
Producers: Samantha McCue and Rachel Brookhart

My documentary is about Maryann Traxler's rise to fame. The main conflict is the outcome of her experience on American idol and what she hopes to become. Ultimately, I want the audience to feel inspired and to understand that you can become whatever you want to become and to always dream big.

Maryann Traxler is a student, daughter, friend, singer, and actress. She is an aspiring singer who tries out for American Idol this season and makes it to Hollywood. The main character is interesting because she has a dream and goes after it.

Maryann's mother has been a huge supporter throughout her endeavor. Her mother went with her to Hollywood and has been there her whole life. This character is interesting because she can share what Maryann was like as a young child and how she has grown as a singer and actress over the years.

Mrs. Williamson is Maryann's choir teacher at ONW. Williamson has been Traxler's choir teacher for the past 3 years. This character is interesting because she has seen hundreds (possibly thousands) of excellent vocalists, Williamson can express her perspective on what makes Maryann different.

The conflict of this film is the rise to fame and Maryann's aspirations and how she accomplishes her goals. Throughout the film we will show how Maryann does on American idol, the ultimate conflict is if she stays on the show or not.

Act I:  Maryann as a child, it will show her home life and her love for singing from a young age.
Act II: Her rise to fame and trying out for American Idol and where that takes her.
Act III: American Idol results and what she hopes for in the future.

This film will end by showing Maryann's outcome of her time on American Idol. It will tell what she later hopes to accomplish in life. This film will leave the viewer inspired and hopeful. Overall whatever the outcome of American Idol is it will be hopeful for more experiences and accomplishments to come in the future.

To produce this film we will begin by pre-interviewing our characters and planning locations to film. We will plan out the timeline of the story and how to incorporate all of our characters. We will shoot the documentary by following Traxler's everyday life/schedule. We will use videos and pictures from when she is younger. Once all filming is done we will begin the editing process and choosing the best footage to use in order to portray this film in a visually attractive way.

From Peru to America

Señora Walsh- A Spanish Teacher at ONW

Why Señora Walsh? Señora Walsh has been teaching at Olathe Northwest for many years. This project focused on Walsh's unique story and her teaching style. This story portrayed her move to America and how she has adapted to this change.

Preparation and Production: To begin this package Tiajah and I brainstormed different teachers that would be a good subject. After deciding on Walsh we went to ask her if she would like to do the video and when would be a good time to interview her. During pre-production we wrote out our interview questions and planned on what shots to get when shooting b-roll. During production we set up for an interview at her desk and then got b-roll during her second hour class. Creating the video we favorited interview clips to get the best answers and then put it together with the b-roll on final cut pro. We revised the final video multiple times to make sure all b-roll matched up and the video turned out the way planned.

What I learned: Along the way I learned to get different angles during the interview to make it more visually interesting. I learned that it is very beneficial to use two cameras while getting b-roll that way when some shots don't work out there is more than enough. I also learned that you must work around your subjects schedule and find times that are convenient for them.

Change or keep the same? If I was to do this video again I would compose the interviews in the same way because I think the location was good in portraying who Walsh is. I would also keep the storytelling the same because it had a beginning, middle, and ending.

Things I would change about this video is next time I would interview one of Walsh's students. I would also make sure the camera wasn't shaky when getting b-roll. 

In the future... My experience from this project has shown me how to feature a certain person with an interesting story and put it together in a video. I will enhance my next projects by continuing to use the 6-shot system, set up an interview, and revising the final project.

Overall I think this video turned out good for what we filmed. I do think that in the future this could be improved by adding more substance such as more interviews and a variety of b-roll.

We're Off To See The Wizard

The scope of this project was a feature on Olathe Northwest's production of Wizard of Oz. This story focused on Grace Horvat and Allie Carroll who play lead roles in this years musical, this video also displays the hard work that is put into the musical and how it is coming along.

 Rachel and I wanted to promote this years musical, so we began by choosing an angle and picking who to feature, we decided on Dorothy and the Wicked Witch. We then planned out interviews and when to get b-roll. After getting interviews we then stayed after school to film a full costume dress rehearsal of the musical. The video needed to be done in just a couple days so we quickly edited and put all of the footage together.

From making this video I learned how to change the lighting in our studio to make the interviewee look their best. I also learned that putting a song/nat noise throughout the video will enhance the overall feel and tone of the video. Lastly I learned that interviews should be done in interesting places.

 If I was to do this video again I would chose a more interesting interview spot and possibly do a combined interview of both lead roles. Another change I would make is to interview each subject on a different side to add variety to the interviews.

 I would use a lot of nat noise again because it makes it more interesting, I would also get a lot of b-roll again because it makes editing go faster.

I will use my experience of the new techniques I have learned and work to improve my videos.

 Overall I was very happy with the turnout of this video on such short time of editing, the b-roll was very visual and the nat noise made this package interesting. Our interviewees also had excellent interview answers.

5 Tips to a Great Interview

1. Plan and prepare questions to get the best answer out of your subject. When planning an interview the questions must be well written in order to get a good answer out of your interviewee. Start by asking questions to warm up your subject and make them feel comfortable, then proceed to harder questions. Ask questions that need an explanation with their answer, opposed to yes or no questions. Getting good answers are crucial in an interview.

2. Set up before the interviewee arrives. Prepare where your interviewee will sit (never do a standing interview, it can be uncomfortable and awkward), make sure that all camera and audio is ready to go without any technical difficulties before the actual interview. Doing this allows for a more professional and prepared feel. Remember to use the rule of thirds so the subject is not straight on the camera but at a corner of where the imaginary lines meet.

3. Lighting can make or break the look of an interview. You always want your subject to look the best so make sure the set is well lit. Too bright and the interviewee will look washed out, too dark and it would be hard too see. An interview should never be shot looking straight into a window, ideally the light would be facing the subject. Good lighting is essential and will make the overall look of the interview polished and professional.

4. During the interview keep quiet. Allow the interviewee to completely answer the question without any interruption. Head nods and smiles are good to let your subject know you are interested and engaged in what they are saying. Speaking while they are can be tempting but causes editing to be quite difficult and unable to use certain audio clips because of the interruption. Keep your lip zipped during the interview.

5. White balance the camera. Without white balance the hue of the camera will be either a yellowish orange or blue. Press the white balance button on the camera to balance all color. While editing the color can be corrected on the computer but it can be timely, always white balance before the interview.

Unique Artist: Shannon Smith

The scope of this project was to show a unique artist at ONW and how she expresses herself. We found out what her hopes are and what she wants to be. Shannon Smith talks about why she paints her face and applying to colleges.

To start this project we began by meeting with Shannon and asking her if she would like a feature story. We then began getting b-roll in her art classes and conducting an interview. After getting all of the footage we began editing. We pulled pictures of her artwork off of her Instagram for the package. This package was unique because we filmed her painting her face with different angles. Once editing was done we exported it.

 Along the way I learned that audio can be difficult to balance but to switch it to dual mono on final cut pro. I learned how to use extreme close ups to enhance a video. As far as collaborating I learned how to work with the subject and make them feel comfortable and not intimidated by the camera, I also learned how to shoot an interview with two cameras.

If I was to do this project again I would make the second interview at more of an angle and get more b-roll of her artwork. I would also steady the camera and make sure it is focused to create better sequences.

 I would set up two cameras again for multiple interview angles, I would also do the sequencing the same.

I will use my experience of setting up interviews, getting b-roll, and using the 6-shot system to enhance my next project.

Overall I liked the turnout of this project and how the beginning was unique. Next time I will make the audio more balanced.

6 Shot System

How to: 6 Shot System 

The 6-shot system is an easy way to display someone or something doing anything in a visually interesting way. While filming the 6-shot system make sure to follow the 180 rule(only getting shots from one side/angle of the subject). 6-Shot system creates a unique sequence.

• Close up of Hands- Shows a close up of what the subject is doing.
  

• Close up of face- Shows emotion and who or what the subject is. Close up shots are often most visually interesting for a viewer.
  

• Medium shot- Allows some of the background to be seen. This shot should show the subject from waist to head.
  

• Wide shot- Subjects whole body takes up the frame. The shot should fully explain what the subject is doing.
  

• Over the shoulder shot- Shows the subjects point of view. Gives the viewer a different perspective of the situation. This shot should be done by putting the camera over the shoulder of the subject.
  

• Extra wide shot- Establishes the enviroment and what is going on. The subject should be visible but the not the focus of the shot. This could be a shot showing the entire classroom from an extra wide angle.

Web vs. TV

Web vs TV: Indie Cowie soccer freestyler

I really like the web stories, my favorite of the two was web #2 because of the composition and the video quality. The diversity and content of the shots made the package exciting.

All three videos are similar because they are done over the same story and all the interviews interview her with the same type of questions which result in similar answers for all packages.

The videos were different because in the web stories I observed better camera quality and quicker shot cuts. In the T.V. package the shots were repetitive and irrelevant. The interviews and voiceovers were awkward on the TV package. On web story #1 the shots were composed in the same setting which really took away from the package but still was better than the TV story. Web story #2 really caught my eye with all the different shots and it had a storyline with a conflict.

Overall the web stories were much more creative and diverse with better coloring. The web stories were also much more appealing and caught the viewers attention. The T.V. story was bland and full of repetitive shots.

In my own stories I can emulate the shots and how the video was composed by using a variety to keep the viewer entertained. Adding slight music in the background can set the mood and enhance a video. Using examples like how she showed different tricks can make a package interesting.

Reflection: Trunk or Treat

1. The scope of this project was to find out about the interpersonal skills class at ONW and their community service event, Trunk or Treat. Trunk or treat is an event held around halloween every year where students and children from elementary schools come out and get dressed up to get candy.



2. To start this project we talked to Mrs. Reiter about an angle to take on this package and plan when to film. We then interviewed Mrs. Reiter and students in the interpersonal skills class and got b-roll. After getting all of the footage we edited the video together to make the package.



3. Along the way I learned that the interviewee needs to be looking across the screen rather than at a corner. I also learned more on using a mic. As far as collaborating I worked with students with diabilities and learned how to work in that situation.



4. If I was to do this project again I would set up the interview differently so the subject was looking across. I would also change the color to match up. The mic was not working, if I was to get that mic again I would come back and get a different one to better the audio quality on the package.



5. I would do the sequencing the same because I thought the sequences in this package were well done.



6. I will use my experience of various 6- shot system to get b-roll, I will set up interviews according to the rule of two thirds, and record audio with better quality to enhance my next project.



7. Overall I thought this package could have been better if the audio and video quality was better and used a tripod.

Q and A with Hannah Pugh

Q: State and spell your name

A: Hannah Pugh

Q: What are you involved with here at ONW?

A: I am involved in Raven Service Club, swim team, Avid, and that's it.

Q: How long have you been involved with swimming?

A: I have been swimming for about 10 years.

Q: What made you want to swim in the first place?

A: I was diagnosed with arthritis at the age of 6, and I was playing soccer at that time, it was too hard on my joints. My neighbor who coaches for Olathe East swim team said that he had a high school student who had arthritis and she swam because it helped with joint pain. So I tried it out and ended up loving it.

Q: Where all have you swam at?

A: Olathe lightning, Cyclones, COOL, and ONW swim team.

Q: Who is a swimmer that inspires you?

A: I would probably say Missy Franklin or Natalie Caughlin because they are both strong girl swimmers. Natalie is kind of like me because she is a backstroker and ever since I was little I wanted to be like her, like a strong women figure. She has a lot of muscle, she's super pretty and she's just amazing at back stroke and how Missy is so young and how she could pull of being in the olympics and a normal high school student.

Q: What are some of the relationships you have made through swimming?

A: I have met a lot of friends through swimming from different schools that I would have never met if I wasn't swimming. It's nice, we go to practice and we all can talk like one big family, we know each other so well and we are just really close. 

Q: How has being a swimmer impacted your life?

A: It teaches me that I need to balance my time with school and swimming. It's taught me that I can really do anything I put my mind too, and also that I can do unexpected things that I never though I was able to do.

Q: Describe any struggles you have had along the way?

A: I have had struggles with my arthritis and my joint pain. Swimming is supposed to help with it but certain strokes do hurt and I have to know where my limit is and I can't push myself over that limit, there is a point where I need to stop, most kids can keep going and should, but if I keep going I may cause my joints to be in more pain, and hurt them.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish from swimming?

A: My main overall goal is to make it to the olympic trials and I will not probably make it to the olympics because that is a lot of time and training but I would just like to be able to experience the olympic trials with other top swimmers.

Q: What are some of your accomplishments so far?

A: Out of our whole swim team each year we have awards for males and females, and out of all the girls I got female of the year award, last year. I also got a "heart and soul" which is like you always put your time and effort and you love what you're doing. I also qualified for state and got 9th in the 100 backstroke. 

Q: What advice do you have to give young aspiring swimmers?

A: There may be some days where you don't want to go to practice or swimming but you should go because it's going to make your day better, it's going to make you as a person better, and a stronger swimmer. And that you should never give up even if you're getting slow and feel like you aren't getting anywhere just keep going and always give it your 100% and you'll eventually get to where you want to be in the end. 

Q: Do you plan to do something with swimming later in your life?

A: I want to swim in college and then after college I will probably be done, but maybe coach swim if that is something I feel like doing.

Q: What are your biggest hopes and fears about swimming?

A: My biggest fear is that I won't get faster, like I practice a lot but don't get to where I want to be, which is olympic trials, or that I don't love it as much as I do right now. My biggest hope is that I will qualify for olympic trial cuts and swim in college.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

A: Swimming is a sport, for everyone who doesn't think it is, because we use a lot of muscle. We use our legs when kicking, we use arms for pulling, we use abs when flipping. We use every single muscle possible and it's not easy.

Package #3 Reflection

1. The scope of this project was to find out what homecoming was like when ONW teachers were in high  school. We also found out what their experience was like being on the homecoming court and how it has changed.



2. To start this project we planned a certain angle to base the package off of. We then found out what teachers were in the homecoming court and went to ask them if they would be interested in an interview and to bring in pictures for a video. After getting the interviews, b-roll, and pictures we then started editing all of the clips and put together the package.



3. Along the way I learned how to use Ken Burns and the scanner to put pictures in the video. I learned how to put audio over a photo and balance it.  As far as collaborating I learned how to work well with my partner to get the video done in time, I also learned that some subjects will be more reliable then others.



4. If I was doing this project again I would make sure the teachers were planning on bringing pictures before doing their interview and then not being able using it. I would also add more photos and b-roll.



5. I would do the interviews and story idea the same because I thought it was a good angle and good interview questions.



6. I will use my experience of editing and filming to enhance my next project.



7. Overall I thought this package turned out well and would not change too much if I did it again.

Package #2- Reflection

I think this package went well overall, we did a good job of getting shots and making a sequence. We also did well on setting up the interview and asking interesting questions to our subject.



Something we could improve on would be white balancing the color correctly before we shoot and also having a variety of different shots, such as more in the classroom rather than just the gym.

BYOD

Reflection on BYOD package



1. On this project I think that we did a good job of sequencing and getting shots. We also did well on our interviews and the questions we asked. Overall I think that we made a good package.



2. From doing this project I learned how to get a sequence for a video and edit it, I also learned how to color balance better than I did before which helped to enhance the colors in the video.



3. If I did this project again I would hold the camera more steady and keep all audio balanced.

Challenge #1

1. From making this video I learned how to create interview questions that cover all of the topic, I also learned the 180 rule which is to stay on the subject from one side and get different angles all from that side (180 degrees).

2. For the next project I do I will apply the 180 rule, I will create a story that follows the 6-shot system, and I will do my best to make a package that is interesting for the viewer to watch with the audio and color balanced.

Goal Setting

Goal setting

1.  This year my goal my personal goal in convergence journalism, is to become a better at editing and filming. I would like to learn more camera angles and shots to create creative packages. I also want too expand my editing skills by learning different techniques and tricks. 

2. This year my goal for the class is to make ONW Now the best it can be. As a class I want to create exciting and unique packages that students are excited to watch on Wednesday. We should connect with our watchers (students/teachers) by using social media to get their opinions on various topics. I think we also should make a new segment on the show that hasn't been done before. Overall I want as a class for us to be engaged in what we are doing in order to create an awesome show!

3.  As an e-comm student my goal this year is to collaborate with other strands of e-comm. As a group we all possess many skills and talents in lots of areas, and if we brought all of our skills together we could make really unique and impressive projects.

Responsive Web Design

Responsive web design is a website that resizes itself depending on what size the screen is such as a tablet, mobile phone, or web browser. Responsive web design has become so important because there is an increasing high percent of people looking at websites on a phone or tablet and it needs to be easily accessible. Media queries are a great way to give different styles for different devices, lets the designers style based on width of the screen. A breakpoint in web design is a marker in the code that tells the debugger to stop the operation or request.

Example Site: Every Second Counts
http://www.everysecondcounts.co.uk

The layout of this site displays a lot of content as columns of photos that fill the page. This version of the site does not have the menu visible but rather has a sidebar that when clicked will open the menu.

The width of this site allows their to be variation in the size of the content. The menu is this site is displayed across the top and has one main content in the middle. The text stayed a similar size.

The version of this site looks as if it is just a big video but when scrolling down you can see the other content. The navigation bar is smaller on the width of this site.

Favorite Vector Web Designs

Favorite vector web designs

Dean Oakley
http://deanoakley.com

I really liked the design in Dean Oakley's website because it was unique. The design has characteristics of a gradient and graphic that make the website inviting and fun but still looks very professional. The graphics create a focal point for the design. The colors chosen also give the site balance.

Two Toasters
http://twotoasters.com

I liked this design because the the home is easily accessible and displays the highlights with a rotating menu. The design used big blurred photographs as a background for the site and I thought it gave the site a lot of dimension and looked good. I think the site shows all apps really good. The colors are grays and red which compliments all of the pictures and main. Overall I thought this vector site was a really cute and well composed.

Web design with Adobe Illustrator

 I was surprised to see all of the ways Illustrator can be used to make different designs. From what I read, I think that it is a very good tool for making web designs. I learned how to texture a design in three methods on Illustrator. The "9 Slices" scaling tool looks like a very good way to resize an object without distorting it. I also learned how to keep the design consistent by viewing all elements at once. From the article I learned many different ways to utilize and use Illustrator. I can see how Illustrator is a very good tool, as photoshop is. Overall I am impressed by Illustrator and want to continue to get better at it.