Week 13

This week was busy, relying solely on editing and re-shooting any pieces we needed to fill in the segment. Final Cut Pro was used to first cut up each segment and add in our packages. Overall this set the basis for our program, I was able to add in angles and piece to camera shots after the initial template was edited.

Our segments flowed with hard hitting topics, followed by cultural news and finally sport. During the editing process we also added in a background layout of the Gold Coast, overlooking the coast. Our program had a mixture of local and national news segments that mixed to make the evening news program a local news presentation.

Our rundown sheet suggested the news segments and introductions would take longer than expected, but we noticed the program was under time. As a result of this, we decided to add in a weather and sports segment. I suggested the idea would fill in time and ensure that we covered more detail throughout our program to make it more realistic.

Tom was a resident sports man, covering the day's sport in his 35 second read with overlapping footage. Alternatively our I wrote a script for our weather girl Isabella as she presented the next day's weather forecast. These pieces added to detail and authenticity to our news presentation. It also gave me another chance to work behind the scenes checking audio levels, camera positioning and audio levels.

Overall, the news production turned out to be a success with an even better production than we expected and more detail than we planned in our script and rundown sheet.

Here is the final piece:

Week 12

This week was the dress rehearsal and full run through of the program. To begin we were set up as the panel and read through our individual scripts on the cue prompter. I used vocabulary exercises and deep breaths before hand to ensure my reading would flow during my presentation. Running through the program, Tom was our key focus host and from there I was the news presenter, with each reporter also presenting their own segment.

We ran through the program according to the script and rundown sheet, with only two takes. Our original take was used as a dress rehearsal to monitor how our presentation would run. During the program we noticed that our discussions were lacking excitement and so we formulated directed questions the second time around to ensure the conversions flowed with informed opinions.

 The idea of having a panel worked well with our hard hitting news theme. Again, the program flowed exactly how we intended with only a few minor issues throughout the segment introductions. In the future, we would continue a similar project, but would like to add in more live news programs.

Personally, I believe adding in a news, weather and sport segment would be highly beneficial; fitting in with the hard news program. in addition to this, I would also add in celebrity news, money minute and possibly a social media feedback system allowing the audience to be involved in live chats. These are all pieces we could add into the program if it were re-done.

Week 10 (PUBLIC HOLIDAY) & WEEK 11

As part of the editing process I organised our timing and started to plan the look of the news segment. Throughout this process we also changed the segment of the news story to include a replacement piece for one of my stories. Our script and rundown acted as a plan for the news program, because as the packages were created we edited the packages to suit our story line.

We prepared for our program by revising the rundown this week and pre-empting our freestyle discussions. In order to ensure the discussions looked authentic we chose to leave the segments unscripted. However, we did have an idea of what the main host was going to ask and who he would direct the questions towards.

This week Mo and I also reviewed the packages to ensure they were cut correctly and that the audio levels were all in line. Despite, some minor piece to camera sound issues the levels ran smoothly between -12 to - 6 decibels. Next, we ensured that the final script was prepared, however we needed to make changes to my introduction and add in some notes for when we would run the packages.

Here is the finalised script that I developed in Week 11 (changes and add-ins in bold):

T: Good Evening and welcome to NEWS LEAD.

And just a reminder that we can stay in touch on #
newslead
It's been a big week out there, I'm Tom Moldoveanu.


I: I'm Isabella Laws


N: I'm Natalie Villanueva


M: I'm Mo



C: And I'm Caitlan Gallagher


T: But now it's time for our top story, Isabella.


I: Thanks Tom,

Queensland is in the midst of some major changes in their nightlife, with the Labor Government set to implement new tough laws to help combat alcohol fuelled violence.
Opinions have been mixed from Queenslanders, with some saying the new laws are outdated and they will send the industry back to the dark ages, however the government argues statistics show the changes are necessary.
Let's take a look and you can decide for yourself which side you support.


**ROLE PACKAGE** (TIMED:   )



***DISCUSS TOPIC*** 

WHAT DO WE THINK? 
HOW WILL IT BENEFIT US? 
WILL IT DISADVANTAGE TOURISM? 

- 1 min to CUE

- 30 secs to CUE

- 10 secs to CUE: TOM

T: Stay tuned, next up we talk about social equality and new laws for texting and driving.

-RUN TO BREAK-

T: Welcome back. With our next story here's, Natalie.


N: Social equality and acceptance is a globally leading issue. Recent identity changes in the celebrity world has sparked heavy dispute between those who are and aren't against a gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender society.
The fight to rid stigmatism has grown stronger after parliament failed to pass the same sex marriage bill. Despite this, festivals like Brisbane Pride Day continue to flourish, so last month I took trip to New Farm, to check out the annual equality celebration.

**ROLE PACKAGE** (TIMED: 1.20)

T: Caitlan has our next piece

C: Thanks Tom, Parking in the CBD at Broadbeach and Burleigh might be a little easier thanks to a new council initiative, but it might cost you more. 
I followed up on this local story and here's more...

**ROLE PACKAGE** (TIMED: 1.19)

T: This week Caitlan also tackled the controversial topic of texting and driving. 

C: Yes, Tom. A number of Queenslanders are unaware that the laws have changed and there are heavy penalties for offenders now. 

**ROLE PACKAGE** (TIMED: 1.58)

***DISCUSS TOPIC***

WHAT DO WE THINK - DECREASE ROAD FATALITIES? 
HOW WILL IT BENEFIT US? 
WILL IT DISADVANTAGE BUSINESS DRIVERS? 

- 1 min to CUE

- 30 secs to CUE

- 10 secs to CUE: TOM

T: We'll be back with coverage of the Swell festival and sport next. 

-RUN TO BREAK-

T: Hello again, for our cultural news, here's Mo.

M: Earlier in September the annual Swell Sculpture Festival was held in Currumbin. 
The festival is one of the largest local events as a communal effort, with no government funding. 
This year, over 50 sculptures by local, national, and international artists were displayed.

Let's take a look.


**ROLE PACKAGE** (TIMED: 1.31)

M: This year the winning award goes to Ingrid Morley for 'Lost and Found', with a fifteen thousand dollar prize.

N: It's definitely an event worth checking out! 

I: And now with sport here's Tom,

T: Thanks Isabella, well a new international event that's set to reap millions for the Gold Coast is on its way.
Round four of the XCAT INTERNATIONAL series kicks off tomorrow with the powerboat series predicted to stimulate the local economy to the tune of 9 million dollars.

T: XCAT STORY INTRO HERE

**ROLE PACKAGE** (TIMED:   )

C: Well that's all we have time for tonight, it's been a pleasure having your company. 

Tune in next week for more on Newslead.

M: And don't forget to follow the hashtag source news for the latest updates. 

ENDS

Week 9

The script was my main focus this week. It was originally drafted in appendix A by Mo and Natalie, however I proof-read and edited the script a number of times to ensure we had every detail prepared for the segment.

The script begins with our main Anchor Tom introducing the program and himself, followed by individual panel introductions. From this we lead into our first news piece with a brief introduction into each news package.

To simplify our cues on the prompter we have used initials to outline our lines. As the segment is pre-recorded I have added in cues to ensure the timing of stories matches our recorded presentation. Additionally, I added in timing cues for our freestyle discussions to ensure we keep our discussions to a limit. This will allow for easier editing and runs the program as though it is a live segment.

T: Good Evening and welcome to NEWS LEAD.
And just a reminder that we can stay in touch on #newslead
It's been a big week out there, I’m Tom Moldoveanu.

I: I’m Isabella Laws
N: I’m Natalie Villanueva
M: I’m Mo
C: And I'm Caitlan Gallagher

T: But now it's time for our top story, Isabella.

I: Thanks Tom,
Queensland is in the midst of some major changes in their nightlife, with the Labor Government set to implement new tough laws to help combat alcohol fuelled violence.
Opinions have been mixed from Queenslanders, with some saying the new laws are outdated and they will send the industry back to the dark ages, however the government argues statistics show the changes are necessary.
Let's take a look and you can decide for yourself which side you support.

**ROLE PACKAGE** (TIMED: 1 min 30)

***DISCUSS TOPIC***

WHAT DO WE THINK?
HOW WILL IT BENEFIT US?
WILL IT DISADVANTAGE TOURISM?

- 1 min to CUE

- 30 secs to CUE

- 10 secs to CUE: TOM

T: Stay tuned, next up we talk about social equality and new laws for texting and driving.

-RUN TO BREAK-

T: Welcome back. With our next story here's, Natalie.

N: Social equality and acceptance is a globally leading issue. Recent identity changes in the celebrity world has sparked heavy dispute between those who are and aren't against a gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender society.
The fight to rid stigmatism has grown stronger after parliament failed to pass the same sex marriage bill. Despite this, festivals like Brisbane Pride Day continue to flourish, so last month I took trip to New Farm, to check out the annual equality celebration.

**ROLE PACKAGE** (TIMED: 1 min 20)

T: Caitlan has our next piece

C: Thanks Tom, A new program on the Gold Coast could mean beds are readily available for those who need urgent medical care.
Queensland Health has taken a step forward in health care and now allows patients to head home and receive continued support in a comfortable and familiar atmosphere.
I followed up on this story and here is more...

**ROLE PACKAGE** (TIMED: 2 mins)

T: This week Caitlan also tackled the controversial topic of texting and driving.

C: Yes, Tom. A number of Queenslanders are unaware that the laws have changed and there are heavy penalties for offenders now.

**ROLE PACKAGE** (TIMED: 2 mins)

***DISCUSS TOPIC***

WHAT DO WE THINK - DECREASE ROAD FATALITIES?
HOW WILL IT BENEFIT US?
WILL IT DISADVANTAGE BUSINESS DRIVERS?

- 1 min to CUE

- 30 secs to CUE

- 10 secs to CUE: TOM

T: We'll be back with coverage of the Swell festival and sport next.

-RUN TO BREAK-

T: Hello again, for our cultural news, here's Mo.

M: Earlier in September the annual Swell Sculpture Festival was held in Currumbin.
The festival is one of the largest local events as a communal effort, with no government funding.
This year, over 50 sculptures by local, national, and international artists were displayed.
Let's take a look.

**ROLE PACKAGE** (TIMED: 1 min 30)

M: This year the winning award goes to Ingrid Morley for 'Lost and Found', with a fifteen thousand dollar prize.

N: It's definitely an event worth checking out!

I: And now with sport here's Tom,

T: Thanks Isabella, well a new international event that's set to reap millions for the Gold Coast is on its way.
Round four of the XCAT INTERNATIONAL series kicks off tomorrow with the powerboat series predicted to stimulate the local economy to the tune of 9 million dollars.

T: SURF STORY SHORT INTRO

**ROLE PACKAGE** (TIMED:   )

T: SOCCOROOS INTRO

**ROLE PACKAGE** (TIMED:  )

C: Well that's all we have time for tonight, it's been a pleasure having your company.

Tune in next week for more on Newslead.

M: And don't forget to follow the hashtag source news for the latest updates.
\
ENDS

Week 8

PLANNING SEGMENT

This week we decided on our program and the type of genre it would begin with. I suggested a mixed program offering both entertainment and serious news stories. Our program includes a sports segment with detailed news stories that gain the viewers attention through the use of imagery and authoritative voice-overs.

The rundown sheet gives our program the base it requires to ensure we are meeting our timing deadlines. The sheet also gives our program structure and organisation before the program is recorded. We chose to begin the program with hard hitting news, before discussing some lighter topics and concluding with some strong news. We set the program out like this to keep the viewers attention with a heightened amount of detail at the beginning and end of the program.

The show opener allows for 30 seconds to play the program's pre-recorded introduction. Next, the Panel introduces themselves to the audience. From this point we lead straight into the first story with an introduction, followed by the package. After the hard-hitting/controversial news topics, we have factored in a discussion period, giving more flow to the segment. We also include short break times throughout the piece to break up each segment and make the program more realistic. In total, adding in the advertisements should bring out piece to under 30 minutes total, with our segment taking up only 24 minutes of air time.

The rundown sheet was originally planned in class by the entire team, however in Weeks 9 and 11 I finalised the sheet with air times and program timing.

Week 7

Broadcast assessment Ideas

I chose to investigate the national problem of texting and driving. The issue is prominent in society due to it's frequency on the road and at the time the segment was filmed, new laws were being introduced to combat the issue, following a number of increasing road fatalities across Queensland and Australia.

The story represented the news value timeliness as new legislation was brought in throughout Queensland on the 1st of September. Again, the influence of politicians and law makers highlights the stories prominence, with interviews conducted with the State's Motoring Body RACQ. The issue also affects every driver in Queensland with tougher legislation for road users who choose to text and drive or talk and drive. This highlights the impact of the story across a wider audience and therefore suggesting it is more newsworthy.

I sourced the information from a news release issued by RACQ. The release discussed the law change and a call to action by the motoring authority.

It was difficult to balance the piece with two conflicting views. Facts and information were used to add detail and balance to the story. There was no direct comments against the law change, but a number of comments made by the RACQ suggest this new law would save lives.

I chose to do a Piece to Camera and an interview with the RACQ. The body is a representative of the state's drivers and therefore it offered a balanced perspective on the topic compared to interviewing a politician or police officer.

For visuals I chose to capture a range of shots of drivers using their phones and cars driving in the local area. This helps to localise the state-wide issue, but more importantly the visuals compliment my audio. I also chose to complete a piece-to-camera in my car to outline the topic of texting and driving, getting my major point across.

Week 6

STUDIO ROLES

For the next assessment piece we will need to create our own news program and to being this we need to outline the roles and planning behind a news program.

Firstly, there are a range of studio roles that ensure a program runs on time, to air and as smoothly as possible. A fundamental part of the news program is timing. Therefore, we will create a rundown sheet that highlights out stories and segments for the program, with timing left for breaks and discussions throughout the program. The sheet will also show the film crews where they need to focus and what camera they need to shoot through at anytime.

Studio roles:

Talent: the talent is a focus for the camera man and audio manager. They need to ensure the talent is ready to go and that they are framed correctly. The talent is usually the news reader or anchor of the program and they should be aligned at the front and centre of the camera.

Camera: there can be a variety of camera's working in a studio to capture various segments of a single program or simply as a back-up in the case of an emergency. However, the camera is the looking glass for viewers so the camera operator needs to ensure they focus on each shoot to ensure everything goes to air smoothly.

Floor manager: the floor manager is in charge of the field. They control everything from the cameraman to the studio audience (if applicable) and the talent. Most importantly, they have contact with the main room producers and they have the final countdown on them when the program goes to air.

Audience: the bystanders within some studio atmospheres. They are usually told what to do and when to be quiet or when to be loud and cheerful.

Audio manager: an audio manager has the important role of ensuring the sound levels aren't too high, but more importantly that they aren't too low. Touching orange (between yellow and red) should sit between -6 and -12 decibels.

Auto-cue: some presenters prefer to do their own auto-cue, but there are a number of auto-cue operators. To ensure the talent is comfortable and the stories are read correctly the operator should ensure they pace the script to suit the reader.

Video recorder: for pre-recorded programs the video recorder has the most important and the most simple job. They need to ensure that the news story is recording before the countdown is cued by the floor manager.

Director: the director controls the upstairs controls office with direct communication and controls on the floor too. They ensure the program runs smoothly by making checks with the audio and vision team before going to air.

Vision Switcher: to add variety to a panel a vision switcher is required to know who is speaking and when they are speaking. This will ensure every presenter is reading to the correct camera in their air-time as well.