Saturday, October 31, 2009
Tomas Balino interviews Meron Keberab about being Ethiopian and head of the ESA
Sorry for the delay; I meant to finish and post this at school before class yesterday, but the car crash derailed those plans. Editing also took much longer than I thought...
Friday, October 30, 2009
A Favorite Audio Piece -- Homework for Next Week
This week the only homework is to pick a favorite piece of audio and share the link with the rest of the class using the blog. Please post by Thursday at noon so we can have time to listen to a few before we meet. We will discuss these at the beginning of next class.
On another note, I've posted comments to most of the final project proposals (and will get to the rest this weekend). So if you haven't seen those yet, go to the blog where you posted the proposal and you can see my feedback.
Feel free to play around with Soundslides some more on your own this week, though that's optional. Some of you may decide to use Soundslides for your final project, so I wanted to give everyone an overview.
Oh, and if anyone want to re-watch the slide shows from class here are the links:
Weslaco Bullridesr - Life Lessons Learned Over 8 Seconds
Under One Roof
On another note, I've posted comments to most of the final project proposals (and will get to the rest this weekend). So if you haven't seen those yet, go to the blog where you posted the proposal and you can see my feedback.
Feel free to play around with Soundslides some more on your own this week, though that's optional. Some of you may decide to use Soundslides for your final project, so I wanted to give everyone an overview.
Oh, and if anyone want to re-watch the slide shows from class here are the links:
Weslaco Bullridesr - Life Lessons Learned Over 8 Seconds
Under One Roof
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Peter Tartaglione - Final Project Proposal
Fields of Glory
Topic – I will talk to various students who played sports in high school and now play intermural sports. I will focus on football in particular and talk to students about their options to stay involved in competitive sports now that their high school careers are over. I want to see if UMD intermural sports satiate their competitive desires or if they still long for the high scool competition.
Relevance – Many students played sports in high school and become less active once they get to college. Many look to intermural sports to fill their competitive void.
Audience – College students and students looking at going to college across the country would be interested in this story.
Research– I will research into national numbers of how many kids play high school sports and intermural sports if they are available, as well as the numbers of students playing intermurals at Maryland.
Visuals (photography) – I will take photos of the intermural football teams in action, during both games and practices. I may also try to incorporate shots of the football players in everyday life to juxtapose it against their athletic life.
Audio/Video – Interviews with students and intermural officials. I will take video of students playing football and other sports as well. I will film interviews after the games and during the week leading up to the games..
People – Various students and staff, exactly who is to be determined.
Location – The
Access Issues – Potential Issues taping staff, but I believe they will allow me to tape them.
Time Frame – The total content will probably take around 3-4 weeks to compile.
Cost – None
Word Reporter Needed – No, it will not be necessary.
Media – Audio, Video, Photography
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Final Project Proposal -- Sam Nassau
Comedy on Campus: Off the Wall
Topic: I will look at the group Off the Wall, started by Maryland student (and Journalism major) Justin Cousson. The group performs stand-up comedy, inviting students to perform at open mics but having a core group of people who perform. In addition, they invite some professional comedians from Washington to do stand-up comedy. I will look at how it was started, how they relate to other comedy groups, and what students think of the group.
Interest: Small, low-publicized comedy performances that students can attend.
Research and Previous coverage: I will look up comedy on other campuses as well as Maryland’s other comedy groups. There was a story in the Diamondback on comedy groups early last year.
Visuals: The group doing standup, workshopping jokes during meetings. Shots of the audience.
Audio/Video: Audience reactions, group interaction, interviews with Off the Wall members and members of other comedy groups, interviews of audience members.
People: Justin Cousson, Vish Bhatt, Mike Casiano, open mic performers, audience members.
Location: Queen Anne’s Hall performances.
Access issues: none
People who would be interested: people who want to perform, people who live where performances happen, people who would like to see or learn about stand-up comedy on campus, anyone who wants to know how comedy groups work here.
Time frame: Attend hour-long open mics (one every 2 weeks), any other events the group does. It will take about 2 weeks to compile everything beyond attending the actual events.
Story will be published after events occur, lets people know about the group for next semester.
Cost: none expected.
Media: All used in the class: audio, photo, video.
Topic: I will look at the group Off the Wall, started by Maryland student (and Journalism major) Justin Cousson. The group performs stand-up comedy, inviting students to perform at open mics but having a core group of people who perform. In addition, they invite some professional comedians from Washington to do stand-up comedy. I will look at how it was started, how they relate to other comedy groups, and what students think of the group.
Interest: Small, low-publicized comedy performances that students can attend.
Research and Previous coverage: I will look up comedy on other campuses as well as Maryland’s other comedy groups. There was a story in the Diamondback on comedy groups early last year.
Visuals: The group doing standup, workshopping jokes during meetings. Shots of the audience.
Audio/Video: Audience reactions, group interaction, interviews with Off the Wall members and members of other comedy groups, interviews of audience members.
People: Justin Cousson, Vish Bhatt, Mike Casiano, open mic performers, audience members.
Location: Queen Anne’s Hall performances.
Access issues: none
People who would be interested: people who want to perform, people who live where performances happen, people who would like to see or learn about stand-up comedy on campus, anyone who wants to know how comedy groups work here.
Time frame: Attend hour-long open mics (one every 2 weeks), any other events the group does. It will take about 2 weeks to compile everything beyond attending the actual events.
Story will be published after events occur, lets people know about the group for next semester.
Cost: none expected.
Media: All used in the class: audio, photo, video.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Next Homework: Profile of Person, Place, or Event
The listening homework for next week is:
Ira Glass on Storytelling #3
Ira Glass on Storytelling #4
The reading homework for next week is "Chapter 3: Writing for Broadcast" pp. 25-38. You'll need these tips for the exercise we'll do in class next week.
And this week the homework project is a Person, Place, or Event Profile:
* The piece must be at least a minute and a half but not longer than two and a half minutes.
* The piece must include at least two voices other than you. That means if it's a profile of one person, also get some tape of the person's best friend (for instance, could be someone else), or have a scene in which the main subject interacts with the friend.
* The piece must include at least 2 ambient sounds. Feel free to have more if it makes sense in your piece.
* You must get your story approved by me before your do it. That means if you change your pitch from the one you submitted in class, e-mail me the new pitch before you do it to make sure it will work.
Have fun
Ira Glass on Storytelling #3
Ira Glass on Storytelling #4
The reading homework for next week is "Chapter 3: Writing for Broadcast" pp. 25-38. You'll need these tips for the exercise we'll do in class next week.
And this week the homework project is a Person, Place, or Event Profile:
* The piece must be at least a minute and a half but not longer than two and a half minutes.
* The piece must include at least two voices other than you. That means if it's a profile of one person, also get some tape of the person's best friend (for instance, could be someone else), or have a scene in which the main subject interacts with the friend.
* The piece must include at least 2 ambient sounds. Feel free to have more if it makes sense in your piece.
* You must get your story approved by me before your do it. That means if you change your pitch from the one you submitted in class, e-mail me the new pitch before you do it to make sure it will work.
Have fun
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Marta Rios interviews Tomas Balino about Six Flags' Season Opening
Making up for the day I wasn't there...
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Alexis Gutter- New Final Project Proposal
Georgetown Cupcakes: How Long Would You Wait In Line?
Topic: In the past few years, gourmet cupcakes have become quite the popular phenomenon in many large cities. In Georgetown, people wait in a line for cupcakes from the bakery, Georgetown Cupcakes, for periods of time that seem silly for such a mundane treat. What makes these cupcakes so great and what makes people obsess over them? Is it a fad? If so, when will it fade?
Relevance: This craze is occurring currently and is a reflection of popular culture. The project will examine the timeline of the obsession.
Audience: D.C. residents, specifically those from Georgetown, will likely identify with the product the most due to its narrow focus on the specific store. However, the store serves as a microcosm for a larger trend that is happening nationally. The people who are aware of the trend the most are probably young professionals because this type of person is likely to follow and participate in trends.
Photography Subjects: Mainly, the subjects will be patrons of the cupcake shop and those who work there. Since the line is long at all times, a variety of pictures from different perspectives will be possible.
Previous Coverage: I have no previous coverage of this topic.
Elements of Finished Project: I foresee strong photographs and audio being generated from the project. I want the audio interviews of patrons to be layered with photos of the line and audio of employees to be layered with photos of the cupcakes. I will work with the idea of video to find a place for it in the project.
Location: Georgetown Cupcakes
Cost: Metro fare to get to the shop (and extra money for cupcakes)
Word Reporter Needed: No
Types of Media Included: Audio, Video, Photo
Friday, October 16, 2009
Details for the Homework - Man-on-the-Street Assignment
For this week's homework:
* Put together a man-on-the-street interview piece (one produced audio piece that weaves together different interviews on a topic of your choice). There is no length restriction, but it must have the following elements:
* Must contain voices from at least 3 subjects. I recommend interviewing at least 4 people and using the 3 best in the final edit.
* Must contain at least 2 clips of ambient sound related to your theme or location of recording.
* You should be talking to strangers, not people you know.
* Each person should be identified in the piece, by first and last name, and by one detail about them that tells something of who they are (i.e. John Smith, a University of Maryland student).
* Think of this as a feature piece you would run on the school newspaper's Web site or some other publication. It should feel like a piece of journalism not a random collection of opinions.
* Edit the elements together. Use a scripted intro and conclusion in most cases, unless you can have the people in the piece give enough context for a radio-diary format piece.
* Must be posted to class by noon on Friday (start of class).
This project is more involved than last week, so it's best to start as soon as possible to leave some time for editing. Having a plan in advance (what questions you will ask and what kind of setting you want to focus on, etc) will help immensely. If you're not sure about your plan feel free to e-mail me any questions you might have.
We also have a short short reading assignment (I decided to cut the required listening to give you time to focus on the other assignments). It shouldn't take long but this is an important part of the class (and it should help you do the assignment). There will be a short quiz at the start of next class on the reading and what we've learned so far:
* Reading: Sound Reporting, pp. 92-119.
E-mail me with any questions.
* Put together a man-on-the-street interview piece (one produced audio piece that weaves together different interviews on a topic of your choice). There is no length restriction, but it must have the following elements:
* Must contain voices from at least 3 subjects. I recommend interviewing at least 4 people and using the 3 best in the final edit.
* Must contain at least 2 clips of ambient sound related to your theme or location of recording.
* You should be talking to strangers, not people you know.
* Each person should be identified in the piece, by first and last name, and by one detail about them that tells something of who they are (i.e. John Smith, a University of Maryland student).
* Think of this as a feature piece you would run on the school newspaper's Web site or some other publication. It should feel like a piece of journalism not a random collection of opinions.
* Edit the elements together. Use a scripted intro and conclusion in most cases, unless you can have the people in the piece give enough context for a radio-diary format piece.
* Must be posted to class by noon on Friday (start of class).
This project is more involved than last week, so it's best to start as soon as possible to leave some time for editing. Having a plan in advance (what questions you will ask and what kind of setting you want to focus on, etc) will help immensely. If you're not sure about your plan feel free to e-mail me any questions you might have.
We also have a short short reading assignment (I decided to cut the required listening to give you time to focus on the other assignments). It shouldn't take long but this is an important part of the class (and it should help you do the assignment). There will be a short quiz at the start of next class on the reading and what we've learned so far:
* Reading: Sound Reporting, pp. 92-119.
E-mail me with any questions.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Alexis Gutter- Final Project Proposal
Weeknight Raging: Students Who See Every Night as Saturday
Topic: Many University of Maryland students have been to bars in College Park, many of whom were not 21 at their time of visit, and many of these students go frequently. Some students, however, do not limit their social excursions to just the weekend. How does this emphasis on bar crawling and potential alcoholism compromise other aspects of these students lives? I plan to do this by finding a couple of subjects to follow and focus upon both sober and intoxicated to show contrast in addition to highlighting the general situation of weeknight partying at bars.
Relevance:
This is a project about students currently enrolled in school which makes it relevant because it will bring a current situation that many are unaware of to the forefront. For those who are aware, it would be enlightening to see the situation from a different perspective. Also, I feel that in the past couple of semesters, the popularity of weeknight partying has increased. I need to do more research to prove this, but if true, it adds to the relevance factor.
Audience:
This is a piece about students, and I feel that it most beneficial for them to see. While I believe that this population is the direct audience, parents of students, University officials and College Park community members are in the indirect audience.
Photography Subjects:
Students at bars are the main subjects. I plan to get many before/after shots of students inebriated with a time stamp to show how quickly things happen.
Previous Coverage:
I have some pictures that are applicable to the topic but do not plan to use them as I want to find new subjects to track.
Elements of Finished story:
I want to overlap either soundless video or pictures of binge drinking/ drunk behavior with audio of students explaining their affinities towards the subject matter sober to show contrast.
Location:
College Park bars and quiet,"sober" places
Time Restraints:
I do not really see any that apply, though I need to work on finding appropriate subjects quickly.
Run Date:
I think that any date would be appropriate.
Cost:
None
Word Reporter needed:
I do not think this is necessary
Types of Media incorporated:
Audio, video, photo
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Digital Recorder
One of the best bets for this class for a reasonable price is the
Olympus WS-300M. I think the WS500-M is the newer version, and also good. They are small, hold hours worth of recordings, plug into a USB port without any cables, and use standard audio file formats.
Here's what it looks like, but I'm not endorsing any particular store.
I think they even have some digital audio recorders in the campus
bookstore -- or you can order them online. Best Buy would definitely
have them too.
If others have other suggestions or recommendations, please post them in the comments to this post.
Olympus WS-300M. I think the WS500-M is the newer version, and also good. They are small, hold hours worth of recordings, plug into a USB port without any cables, and use standard audio file formats.
Here's what it looks like, but I'm not endorsing any particular store.
I think they even have some digital audio recorders in the campus
bookstore -- or you can order them online. Best Buy would definitely
have them too.
If others have other suggestions or recommendations, please post them in the comments to this post.
First Audio Homework
Hey Slice team:
Here are the details for the homework:
* We have a homework assignment this week, as it says in the syllabus and as I mentioned at the end of class. You'll need to upload the homework to the blog by noon on our next class meeting (Friday, Sept 11) -- It has to be online by noon *before the start of class*. I'll take off points for late work, and the system posts a time stamp. And there won't be time at the start of class to do uploading -- we'll start class by playing some of your assignments.
* Once again, the assignment is to conduct an interview with an expert on a topic of your choice. Think of it as a podcast interview for a newspaper Web site or an audio extra to go along with a newspaper story online (feel free to use a subject from an article you're working on now for another class, etc). Please start your interview with some sort of short intro, similar to what we did in class on Friday. For instance, you could say something like:
"Hello, I'm _______. Today I'm talking with ____, who studies ____ at the University of Maryland. His latest book explores ____. Thanks for being with us today."
And have some sort of ending, like: "Thanks for talking with us."
This will be an unedited interview -- no less than 2 minutes but no longer than 5 minutes. Don't worry if there's a stumble here or there. Just do one take and do your best.
I'll be mainly grading on whether you find a quiet enough space record, whether you avoid handling noise, whether you hold the microphone at a proper distance to get a clean recording, and whether you have some sort of clear intro -- and of course ask good questions.
Also, you must do the required reading and listening:
Required Reading:
Sound Reporting - "Reporting" pp. 48-72
Required Listening:
* On the Media: Pulling Back the Curtain
I recommend doing the reading before you do the interview.
Feel free to e-mail me with any questions. Don't wait until the last minute to find an interview subject (so you have time to set up an interview time) or to start the uploading process.
Looking forward to hearing your pieces,
-Jeff
Here are the details for the homework:
* We have a homework assignment this week, as it says in the syllabus and as I mentioned at the end of class. You'll need to upload the homework to the blog by noon on our next class meeting (Friday, Sept 11) -- It has to be online by noon *before the start of class*. I'll take off points for late work, and the system posts a time stamp. And there won't be time at the start of class to do uploading -- we'll start class by playing some of your assignments.
* Once again, the assignment is to conduct an interview with an expert on a topic of your choice. Think of it as a podcast interview for a newspaper Web site or an audio extra to go along with a newspaper story online (feel free to use a subject from an article you're working on now for another class, etc). Please start your interview with some sort of short intro, similar to what we did in class on Friday. For instance, you could say something like:
"Hello, I'm _______. Today I'm talking with ____, who studies ____ at the University of Maryland. His latest book explores ____. Thanks for being with us today."
And have some sort of ending, like: "Thanks for talking with us."
This will be an unedited interview -- no less than 2 minutes but no longer than 5 minutes. Don't worry if there's a stumble here or there. Just do one take and do your best.
I'll be mainly grading on whether you find a quiet enough space record, whether you avoid handling noise, whether you hold the microphone at a proper distance to get a clean recording, and whether you have some sort of clear intro -- and of course ask good questions.
Also, you must do the required reading and listening:
Required Reading:
Sound Reporting - "Reporting" pp. 48-72
Required Listening:
* On the Media: Pulling Back the Curtain
I recommend doing the reading before you do the interview.
Feel free to e-mail me with any questions. Don't wait until the last minute to find an interview subject (so you have time to set up an interview time) or to start the uploading process.
Looking forward to hearing your pieces,
-Jeff
Friday, October 9, 2009
Wynne Anderson- Project Proposal
Trip Leader Training: A Semester of Training at the Outdoor Recreation Center
I intend to cover the training of the University of Maryland Outdoor Recreation Center employees. These employees, referred to as Trip Leaders in Training (TLTs), go through an intense year-long training program in which they learn specific skills for outdoor leadership and safety. By the beginning of next year, these students will become Trip Leaders that take other University of Maryland students to the outdoors on weekend trips. This training includes hands on physical experiences, such as participation in rock climbing, backpacking, and kayaking trips as well as sit down tests and meetings. They also must become Wilderness First Responder certified, often referred to as WFR or "Woofer" certified, which includes a certification program that takes place over the summer. The audience will be able to follow this group of University of Maryland students as they learn to come together as a group and develop their leadership and outdoor survival skills.
My project is relevant as it pertains to average University of Maryland students. It will profile the different students and trips, demonstrating exactly what it takes to become a trip leader. What gives the level or relevance an edge is that my subjects will start out as average students and become leaders throughout the semester. Any University of Maryland students can go on these trips, and now they will be able to see the behind the scenes aspect. These are trips for students led by students.
My audience will be students who are enthusiastic about the outdoors or want to know more about the Outdoor Rec Center (ORC). The subjects will most likely also be eager to see their transformation in this project. Hopefully, everyone will enjoy this project whether they know anything about the ORC or not.
My subjects for photography will be the TLTs themselves, other ORC staff, and the bosses. I will take many pictures of the trips and training sessions as well. The pictures will show the sit down meeting aspects and the actual “get outside” aspect of the TLT training.
My finished product will show photo slides with audio clips and also video. It will have the TLTs speaking, the bosses speaking, and recordings of some of the training sessions.
The locations of my project will differ. Obviously, lots of the settings will be the Outdoor Recreation Center. The rest will be out in the outdoors, such as state parks and rivers. It will show a lot of the outdoors, but some indoor photos as well. I will have to get these pictures and audio clips and videos during the training sessions, making my time window specific to those times. I will run this at the end of the semester, when the TLTs are halfway done with their training. I will have to emphasize that they are only half way through, which is not ideal as I would like to follow them for the entire year. My costs will include my equipment for recording and video taping, and any external cost for outdoor equipment.
The audience will be interested in this presentation as it profiles a group of kids with a common goal as they go from complte strangers to a group of well trained, outdoor savy leaders. The audience, predominately University of Maryland students, will have seen advertisments around campus or have maybe even been on trips before, and will now have the opportunity to see the behind the scenes with these students in training. The peice will profile inidividual students as well as the group as a whole
Zettler Clay- Tentative Final Project Proposal
On Nov. 24 - 29, I will be going to Atlanta to cover the making of The Atlanta Way, a documentary produced by Georgia State University students about the current evolving architecture and demographic structure in the city. This project will show a behind-the-scenes production process of a depiction of a major American city. By 2010, Atlanta will be the first major city to eliminate projects.
Atlanta has seen a drastic shift in demographics in the past 10 years, becoming whiter at a faster clip than any city in the nation. This final project will depict a group attempting to provide a glimpse of the city in a time of flux for the many stakeholders, which include public housing advocates, proponents of reform (the Housing authority, business developers), city politicians and new residents in areas previously marred by blight.
The interviews, photographs and video coverage will tentatively include soundbites from Jarrett Williams (director), Ashley Simpson (producer) and Saba Long (consultant) from the documentary crew; sociologists Deirdre Oakley (Georgia State University) and Lance Freeman (Columbia University), history professors Chuck Steffen and Tim Cremins (Georgia State University); former public housing residents Shirley Hightower, Diane Wright and a few others.
The video and photography will be shot on location. There will be no article needed to fully convey this issue. As an added bonus, Atlanta is poised to have its first white mayor since 1974. Perhaps this is symptomatic of the changing city structure, which would surely heighten the relevance of this project.
Atlanta has seen a drastic shift in demographics in the past 10 years, becoming whiter at a faster clip than any city in the nation. This final project will depict a group attempting to provide a glimpse of the city in a time of flux for the many stakeholders, which include public housing advocates, proponents of reform (the Housing authority, business developers), city politicians and new residents in areas previously marred by blight.
The interviews, photographs and video coverage will tentatively include soundbites from Jarrett Williams (director), Ashley Simpson (producer) and Saba Long (consultant) from the documentary crew; sociologists Deirdre Oakley (Georgia State University) and Lance Freeman (Columbia University), history professors Chuck Steffen and Tim Cremins (Georgia State University); former public housing residents Shirley Hightower, Diane Wright and a few others.
The video and photography will be shot on location. There will be no article needed to fully convey this issue. As an added bonus, Atlanta is poised to have its first white mayor since 1974. Perhaps this is symptomatic of the changing city structure, which would surely heighten the relevance of this project.
Tiffany March - final project ideas
I am thinking about doing a profile story on one of two people, and am not sure which one would be best.
The first is Miriam Avins, who founded Baltimore Green Space, a nonprofit committed to preserving and maintaining green spaces in Baltimore city. Having lived near Baltimore all of my life, I think it's a really interesting idea and I think that it could provide a number of photo, audio and video opportunities. I would interview Miriam Avins, other members of the organization (including partners/funders), and most importantly, the neighbors who live near these green spaces.
The second is Robert Pruitt, a local motivational speaker. I interviewed him briefly for a different story this summer, and thought he might be someone to follow up with. I like the angle of A) what motivates a motivational speaker, or B) in these uncertain economic times, are people more likely to see out life coaching and motivation? Possible photo, audio and video opportunities could include clips of him speaking to an audience, or interacting with a group of people, as well as interviews of him and the people he has coached.
I like the first idea a little better because of the visual interest--garden plots in the middle of Baltimore--but if Ms. Avins does not agree to the project then I could fall back on the second idea.
Ben Giles
Behind Ben Ali: His Family, His Legacy, His Restaurant
On Oct. 7, Ben Ali, the founder of the legendary D.C. restaurant Ben’s Chili Bowl, died at the age of 82. Over the years, Ben has become just as famous for his legacy as a D.C. citizen and community leader as he is for his restaurants famous half-smokes. There is always an audience for stories on Ben and his restaurant, even more so with his death. And as business continues to grow, new customers are looking to learn the story behind the place.
Story Elements:
Video and Audio Interviews
Interviews will be done with members of the Ali family, particularly Ben’s two sons who still work in and run the restaurant. Interviews may also be conducted with patrons and employees, if allowed.
Interviews will be conducted to provide anecdotes from Ben’s life, as well as first hand accounts of experiences with the restaurant.
Music, Video, and Photos
The other elements will provide B roll clips, visual elements to be shown during particular audio elements, which could include the interviews discussed earlier, or sound bites from the restaurant and musical clips as well, since U Street was know as a musical destination when the Chili Bowl first opened.
B roll may also include photos from inside and outside the restaurant. Hopefully, B roll may also contain historical photos of Ben and the restaurant, which may be obtained from the family or other sources.
The use of multiple media elements will create a lively photo/video montage for the story, providing a unique view of the story. Rather than a traditional obituary of photo slideshow, a montage combining three elements at once will create a more complete and visually appealing news package.
People
The Ali family, primarily Kamal and Nizam, who run the restaurant
Virginia, Ben’s wife
Maurice Harcum, restaurant manager
Various restaurant patrons
Marshall Brown, D.C. native, political advisor, and sort of a historian of the restaurant
Other local business owners who were in organizations with Ben for the improvement of the 14tha dn U Street corridor
Possibly D.C. councilmembers, including Jim Graham and Marion Barry
Contacts will need to be made with members of the Ali family, as well as other local businesses. With my previous reporting experience on this subject and others in the U Street neighborhood, I should be able to easily make contact with the necessary subjects.
Location
Ben’s Chili Bowl
General locations on U Street, including Lincoln Theater and U Street Metro
Howard University
Possibly Ben’s home in Northeast D.C.
These locations provide the backdrop for important aspects of Ben’s life, and visual elements from each of these locations will help tell his story.
Equipment
Camera
Video camera, preferably that separates audio from video.
Digital voice recorder
I may require assistance for some of the video work I had in mind, hopefully from someone with more experience behind the camera.
Expenses
Necessary equipment is already either in my possession or may be rented from the University of Maryland. Travel expenses are minimal, since the restaurant is within a reasonable distance.
Publication
This story will take time to research. I imagine in the coming weeks, as Ben is honored in the community and by the restaurant, the family will be able to take some time to heal, and may be more willing to accommodate some of the requests necessary to complete the story in a timely manner.
There are no crucial dates or deadlines that must be met for the story. It will take time, but when finished, it will be the most complete effort to publish Ben’s story.
Previous Coverage
Ben’s death has received plenty of national coverage, and his restaurants experienced its 50th anniversary in 2008, so plenty has been done about the restaurant in the past few years. My hope is create something that captures the story in a way no one else has.
Washington Post Video
New York Times Article
On Oct. 7, Ben Ali, the founder of the legendary D.C. restaurant Ben’s Chili Bowl, died at the age of 82. Over the years, Ben has become just as famous for his legacy as a D.C. citizen and community leader as he is for his restaurants famous half-smokes. There is always an audience for stories on Ben and his restaurant, even more so with his death. And as business continues to grow, new customers are looking to learn the story behind the place.
Story Elements:
Video and Audio Interviews
Interviews will be done with members of the Ali family, particularly Ben’s two sons who still work in and run the restaurant. Interviews may also be conducted with patrons and employees, if allowed.
Interviews will be conducted to provide anecdotes from Ben’s life, as well as first hand accounts of experiences with the restaurant.
Music, Video, and Photos
The other elements will provide B roll clips, visual elements to be shown during particular audio elements, which could include the interviews discussed earlier, or sound bites from the restaurant and musical clips as well, since U Street was know as a musical destination when the Chili Bowl first opened.
B roll may also include photos from inside and outside the restaurant. Hopefully, B roll may also contain historical photos of Ben and the restaurant, which may be obtained from the family or other sources.
The use of multiple media elements will create a lively photo/video montage for the story, providing a unique view of the story. Rather than a traditional obituary of photo slideshow, a montage combining three elements at once will create a more complete and visually appealing news package.
People
The Ali family, primarily Kamal and Nizam, who run the restaurant
Virginia, Ben’s wife
Maurice Harcum, restaurant manager
Various restaurant patrons
Marshall Brown, D.C. native, political advisor, and sort of a historian of the restaurant
Other local business owners who were in organizations with Ben for the improvement of the 14tha dn U Street corridor
Possibly D.C. councilmembers, including Jim Graham and Marion Barry
Contacts will need to be made with members of the Ali family, as well as other local businesses. With my previous reporting experience on this subject and others in the U Street neighborhood, I should be able to easily make contact with the necessary subjects.
Location
Ben’s Chili Bowl
General locations on U Street, including Lincoln Theater and U Street Metro
Howard University
Possibly Ben’s home in Northeast D.C.
These locations provide the backdrop for important aspects of Ben’s life, and visual elements from each of these locations will help tell his story.
Equipment
Camera
Video camera, preferably that separates audio from video.
Digital voice recorder
I may require assistance for some of the video work I had in mind, hopefully from someone with more experience behind the camera.
Expenses
Necessary equipment is already either in my possession or may be rented from the University of Maryland. Travel expenses are minimal, since the restaurant is within a reasonable distance.
Publication
This story will take time to research. I imagine in the coming weeks, as Ben is honored in the community and by the restaurant, the family will be able to take some time to heal, and may be more willing to accommodate some of the requests necessary to complete the story in a timely manner.
There are no crucial dates or deadlines that must be met for the story. It will take time, but when finished, it will be the most complete effort to publish Ben’s story.
Previous Coverage
Ben’s death has received plenty of national coverage, and his restaurants experienced its 50th anniversary in 2008, so plenty has been done about the restaurant in the past few years. My hope is create something that captures the story in a way no one else has.
Washington Post Video
New York Times Article
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Michaelle Bond- Final Project Proposal
Operation: Best Day Ever
By: Michaelle Bond 10/9/09
Topic: A group of University of Maryland students has decided to make every Tuesday the “best day ever,” by holding informal pep rallies on campus. The students hold inspirational signs and give passersby high fives, all while enthusiastically telling them to have the best day ever. The students hope to brighten the days of students, staff and anyone else walking by. “Operation: Best Day Ever” began on Sept. 22 and occurs during lunchtime. The students want to start a Maryland tradition.
Relevance: Many people have seen this group of students on campus and may be curious about the origins of the event. This topic directly affects students, because the group was made to affect students and is made of students.
Audience: This story will appeal to University of Maryland students who have encountered the group and want to learn more about them. It will also appeal to students who have never encountered or heard of the group and might want to see them.
Photography Subjects: I will photograph Teddy Powers, the group founder; Corie Stretton, a group member who has been at the event every week; other group members; and students who encounter the group.
Previous Coverage: There has been no previous coverage of this ongoing event.
Elements of Finished Story: The finished story will include sound bites of the group’s inspirational phrases and students’ reactions to the group. It will include sound bites of Powers explaining his idea and its origin, as well as students explaining their reasons for joining the group. The package will also include video of the group holding their signs and attempting to bring smiles to the faces of passersby.
Location: The group assembles outside of the South Campus Diner, which is a public place. Therefore, there will be no access problems.
Time Restraints: This event happens once a week, so I will probably need several weeks to get the video, audio and photographs I need. I can get sound bites of the founder in between Tuesdays, also. I will then need several days for post-production.
Run date: The run date can vary, since this event occurs every week. However, sooner rather than later would be preferred, since the event could get old to some people after a while.
Cost: No monetary cost is associated with this story. No special equipment is needed. Since the event takes place during lunchtime, I can work on the story during my lunch break, so no one needs to fill in for me. I will not need help working on the story.
Word Reporter Needed?: No word reporter is needed. This is a visual story and is more interesting when it is experienced first-hand in the form of a multi-media package.
Types of Media Incorporated: Audio will be used, so members of the audience can experience the event like they are actually there. Photographs taken in unusual ways will give the audience new perspectives of the event. Video will set the scene for the audience and give them a more wider-range look at the event.
By: Michaelle Bond 10/9/09
Topic: A group of University of Maryland students has decided to make every Tuesday the “best day ever,” by holding informal pep rallies on campus. The students hold inspirational signs and give passersby high fives, all while enthusiastically telling them to have the best day ever. The students hope to brighten the days of students, staff and anyone else walking by. “Operation: Best Day Ever” began on Sept. 22 and occurs during lunchtime. The students want to start a Maryland tradition.
Relevance: Many people have seen this group of students on campus and may be curious about the origins of the event. This topic directly affects students, because the group was made to affect students and is made of students.
Audience: This story will appeal to University of Maryland students who have encountered the group and want to learn more about them. It will also appeal to students who have never encountered or heard of the group and might want to see them.
Photography Subjects: I will photograph Teddy Powers, the group founder; Corie Stretton, a group member who has been at the event every week; other group members; and students who encounter the group.
Previous Coverage: There has been no previous coverage of this ongoing event.
Elements of Finished Story: The finished story will include sound bites of the group’s inspirational phrases and students’ reactions to the group. It will include sound bites of Powers explaining his idea and its origin, as well as students explaining their reasons for joining the group. The package will also include video of the group holding their signs and attempting to bring smiles to the faces of passersby.
Location: The group assembles outside of the South Campus Diner, which is a public place. Therefore, there will be no access problems.
Time Restraints: This event happens once a week, so I will probably need several weeks to get the video, audio and photographs I need. I can get sound bites of the founder in between Tuesdays, also. I will then need several days for post-production.
Run date: The run date can vary, since this event occurs every week. However, sooner rather than later would be preferred, since the event could get old to some people after a while.
Cost: No monetary cost is associated with this story. No special equipment is needed. Since the event takes place during lunchtime, I can work on the story during my lunch break, so no one needs to fill in for me. I will not need help working on the story.
Word Reporter Needed?: No word reporter is needed. This is a visual story and is more interesting when it is experienced first-hand in the form of a multi-media package.
Types of Media Incorporated: Audio will be used, so members of the audience can experience the event like they are actually there. Photographs taken in unusual ways will give the audience new perspectives of the event. Video will set the scene for the audience and give them a more wider-range look at the event.
Eric Villard - Final project idea
A day in the life of a Baltimore County police officer
I plan to follow Christopher Villard, my brother, around as he goes about his day on patrol in Baltimore County. The main idea of the story is to chronicle what the average day for a police officer entails so as to give readers a more in depth look at the men and women in blue who they may not know much about aside from the crime story snippets they see in newspapers or on television and the times when they get pulled over.
Almost all of what gets reported about police officers through the news, aside from the few hero stories of cops, is simply straight and to the point – such as in crime coverage – or largely negative – such as coverage of police brutality or the death of a patrolman. Rarely is the lifestyle of a police officer portrayed or their thought process analyzed so as to give viewers or readers a more intimate look into the person behind the uniform. This story aims to add more humanity to people who are often stereotyped as bull-headed and not personable.
The visuals of this story would likely come from the station at which Christopher works and from the various stops he makes in his patrol car throughout the day. It’s doubtful anything extremely dangerous will happen, but I would have camera ready to chronicle the event if it did. I anticipate most of the story will be visuals of his daily routine in an effort to humanize him for the viewers. This coverage will extend beyond his police car as well – from the places that he meets and socializes with other officers to the privacy of his own home where he interacts with his three children. The story’s focus will be on him, but whoever he interacts with throughout the day will also become part of the story (with their permission of course, since I realize dealing with law enforcement agents can be touchy).
Continuing with that thought, I may have some access issue when covering this because of the fact I am dealing with police officers. Being that the one I am covering is my brother, many of the red tape I normally would have to cut through should be removed. Having already talked with him about the matter, he has told me this is the case. While some might argue that covering my brother would bring about bias, I am confident in my ability to remain neutral despite the ties of kinship.
I anticipate that most viewers would be interested in this story, if only for the reason that it deals with a police officer. It seems inherent in society that people are interested law enforcement agents, albeit in most cases they show more interest in the negatively themed stories covering them.
The entire process of the story should not take longer than a week. The actual coverage would ideally be done in one day, but could take a few depending on the circumstances. The editing of the material, visual and audio, would probably take another few days. It will not require any expenses other than time and I will not need any equipment besides what I already have.
The end result will likely be a Soundslides presentation that gives a visual and audio overview of a day in the life of a police officer, however hectic and exciting or tempered and docile it might be. I think Soundslides will allow for the most complete coverage of the story. Taking actual video recordings would likely not be as accepted by the precinct in which Chris works. Sticking with still photos and audio from my digital voice recorder would be less noticeable and less intrusive, and thereby would be the best choice.
I plan to follow Christopher Villard, my brother, around as he goes about his day on patrol in Baltimore County. The main idea of the story is to chronicle what the average day for a police officer entails so as to give readers a more in depth look at the men and women in blue who they may not know much about aside from the crime story snippets they see in newspapers or on television and the times when they get pulled over.
Almost all of what gets reported about police officers through the news, aside from the few hero stories of cops, is simply straight and to the point – such as in crime coverage – or largely negative – such as coverage of police brutality or the death of a patrolman. Rarely is the lifestyle of a police officer portrayed or their thought process analyzed so as to give viewers or readers a more intimate look into the person behind the uniform. This story aims to add more humanity to people who are often stereotyped as bull-headed and not personable.
The visuals of this story would likely come from the station at which Christopher works and from the various stops he makes in his patrol car throughout the day. It’s doubtful anything extremely dangerous will happen, but I would have camera ready to chronicle the event if it did. I anticipate most of the story will be visuals of his daily routine in an effort to humanize him for the viewers. This coverage will extend beyond his police car as well – from the places that he meets and socializes with other officers to the privacy of his own home where he interacts with his three children. The story’s focus will be on him, but whoever he interacts with throughout the day will also become part of the story (with their permission of course, since I realize dealing with law enforcement agents can be touchy).
Continuing with that thought, I may have some access issue when covering this because of the fact I am dealing with police officers. Being that the one I am covering is my brother, many of the red tape I normally would have to cut through should be removed. Having already talked with him about the matter, he has told me this is the case. While some might argue that covering my brother would bring about bias, I am confident in my ability to remain neutral despite the ties of kinship.
I anticipate that most viewers would be interested in this story, if only for the reason that it deals with a police officer. It seems inherent in society that people are interested law enforcement agents, albeit in most cases they show more interest in the negatively themed stories covering them.
The entire process of the story should not take longer than a week. The actual coverage would ideally be done in one day, but could take a few depending on the circumstances. The editing of the material, visual and audio, would probably take another few days. It will not require any expenses other than time and I will not need any equipment besides what I already have.
The end result will likely be a Soundslides presentation that gives a visual and audio overview of a day in the life of a police officer, however hectic and exciting or tempered and docile it might be. I think Soundslides will allow for the most complete coverage of the story. Taking actual video recordings would likely not be as accepted by the precinct in which Chris works. Sticking with still photos and audio from my digital voice recorder would be less noticeable and less intrusive, and thereby would be the best choice.
Dan Leaderman - Tentative Final Project Idea
Same Old Songs, Brand New Dancers
By Daniel Leaderman 10/8/09
The University of Maryland will host this year’s DC Dancesport Inferno amateur ballroom dance competition in early November. Along with events for advanced and experienced dancers, there will be special competitions for newcomers – people who have just begun to dance and have little or no experience competing.
I want to interview some of these beginners before and after they compete and take pictures while they are dancing. Lately, TV shows like “Dancing With the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance” have drawn a large audience, so I’d like to do a story about people who think they can dance or, better yet, people who don’t really think they can dance but have decided to give it a try anyway. I believe there could be a compelling story here about people who take risks and try something new and scary.
The newcomer competition will be held on November 7 at the Stamp Student Union. The competition is open to spectators so there should be no problems getting pictures, audio, or video. I expect that once I gather my pictures and raw audio it will take only a few days to produce the project using Soundslides.
I haven’t been able to find any news coverage of this event in the past, and while there are a couple of photo galleries from past years online, I haven’t found anything that tells the kind of story about the competition that I would like to tell.
The story could certainly lend itself to a print story, but I don’t feel that one is required.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Sam Nassau--Assignment 4
Tom Rossman, better known as "Dr. Cue," teaches trick shots to students at Stamp Student Union's "All-Niter" event. (U of M photo/Sam Nassau)
The Washington Nationals gave out blankets for Fan Appreciation Day, the last home game of the season. The Nationals beat the New York Mets, 7-4, with a walk-off grand slam. (U of M photo/Sam Nassau)
Maryland student Justin Cousson takes part in a pitching simulator at Nationals Park in Washington. (U of M photo/Sam Nassau)
Zettler Clay - Assignment #4
At a Society of Professional Journalists meeting, a group of University of Maryland undergrads listen attentively to Sue Kopen Katcef, CNS TV Bureau Director at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism. (U of M Photo/Zettler Clay)
Pizza time interrupts the meeting, which took place on Oct. 1, 2009 in room 2114. (U of M photo/Zettler Clay)
A Philip Merrill College of Journalism is held up for the room to see. To a clothes-deprived person - me - this is a godsend. (U of M photo/Zettler Clay)
Tomas Balino Assignment #4
Cookies 'n condoms (in lieu of the traditional cookies 'n cream) are sold by the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority to raise money for the 23rd AIDS Walk Washington this Saturday. (U of M photo/Tomas Balino)
Student on the Women's Ultimate Frisbee Team practices drills. (U of M photo/Tomas Balino)
Bike lands in unusual position. (U of M photo/Tomas Balino)
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