Section 2 --- UMD JOURNALISM 328G/203/628G

Anna Isaacs' Final Project

2009-12-18T10:40:00.002-05:00

A Cappella with a South Asian Twist: Shabaab Kamal and Anokha

Lizzie Horne: Final Project

2009-12-18T10:30:00.003-05:00

Credit due to Ben Martinez for comedy show footage.

Final Projects

2009-12-18T10:19:00.003-05:00

As you all know, the deadline for final projects was 10 am this morning...

To those of you who got your projects in -- congratulations....

If you haven't uploaded yet, get that done ASAP. We will be taking points off for late work, and the later the project comes in, the more will be deducted.

Looking forward to watching the projects.

-Jeff

Katie Smith: Final Project

2009-12-18T09:39:00.001-05:00

Marissa Miller- Final Project

2009-12-18T08:56:00.002-05:00

How to Post Soundslides Projects to the Blog (same info I e-mailed)

2009-12-18T08:04:00.002-05:00

So to post a Soundslides project... There are two ways:

There are two ways you can do this:

1. The first step will be to export from Soundslides (once you're finished), and that will generate a whole folder full of files. Next, upload the Publish_to_Web folder full of files to your Web space.

For Web space, you can use the file hosting service that Maryland provides, ... it's File Manager under TerpConnect
http://terpconnect.umd.edu/myweb

Then post the link to your slideshow to the blog.

The OIT help desk should be able to walk you through any problems that come up with that (http://www.helpdesk.umd.edu/documents/4/4781/)

2. Some of you have found that Soundslides lets you convert your project so you can upload it to Blogger or YouTube without having to put it on TerpConnect. Here's how Michaelle did it (thanks Michaelle!)

First, go to this link:
http://support.soundslides.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=132

Then, after the project is already exported, create a zip file out of the "publish_to_web" folder by using the steps listed based on the type of computer you are using.

Then, click "online video converter." (a link in the first sentence).

Type in your email address and click "continue."

Then, select your file and upload it. It will be converted into an MP4 file and emailed to you.

Go to the link, save it and upload it to the blog.

These steps are all outlined on the Web page.

Issues with Method 2:

Some students are reporting that the captions are dropping out of Soundslides when the projects are converted to mp4 video files (the method I sent most recently). After doing some digging, I've learned that this is a bug of converting Soundslides to video formats:
(see: http://multimedia.journalism.berkeley.edu/tutorials/using-soundslides/publishing/)

So, if you've already finished your project and posted it that way, then post a comment on the blog with the captions you intended and note what time each was to appear.

Or, use the first method of uploading that I described and upload the folder of files to the TerpConnect Web space -- that will keep the captions in place.

-Jeff

John Kiernan final project

2009-12-18T07:07:00.006-05:00

Jonas Shaffer - Final Project

2009-12-18T03:10:00.000-05:00

2009-12-17T23:48:00.000-05:00

Anyone know how to post a Soundslides file? Help!

Final Project - Chris Eckard

2009-12-17T21:35:00.003-05:00

Morgan Gibson- final project

2009-12-17T21:25:00.004-05:00

UMD Fencing: An awesomely awkward bunch

Final Project comments

2009-12-17T17:01:00.001-05:00

I have posted comments for those who have uploaded their final projects tothe blog. I will continue to do this upuntil deadline for everyone else who posts early.
Tim

Final Project: Robin and Meatball

2009-12-16T12:06:00.002-05:00

Kate McGonigle Final Project

2009-12-15T13:55:00.002-05:00

Fro Dude and Tall Guy: The Ones Who Play Music in the Elevator

Kate McGonigle Final Project "Rough Draft"

2009-12-15T02:19:00.003-05:00

Fro Dude and Tall Guy: The Ones Who Play in the Elevators

Photo Assignment 4

2009-12-11T13:02:00.006-05:00

John Kiernan walks to class on December 11, 2009.

Steam comes out of a grate on Fraternity Row at the University of Maryland, College Park on December 11, 2009.

Members of the Branchville Fire Department, located in Branchville, Md., enjoy down time in their recreation room on Sunday November 2, 2009.

Marissa's Photo Assignment 4: Snow!

2009-12-11T12:57:00.007-05:00

Drivers wait to turn onto Route 1 in College Park on Saturday, December 5, 2009. The College Park snow created a small stir, but some students' excitement began to fade as the snow melted just a few days later without causing any classes to be cancelled. (Marissa Miller/JOUR203)

Michaela Miller looks out the car window at the first snowfall of the season on Saturday, December 5, 2009. Within minutes of seeing the snow, she made plans to play outside with some of her best friends as soon as she got home. (Marissa Miller/JOUR203)

Cars wait at a traffic light on Saturday, December 5, 2009, in Annapolis, where many students were excited in hopes of missing school. Some students, however, were concerned about having to walk in the snow, as some Anne Arundel County schools do not provide bus transportation to certain areas of Annapolis. (Marissa Miller/JOUR203)

Photo Assignment #4

2009-12-11T12:52:00.006-05:00

Noel Salgado and Trevor Skibine, both Blake High School Students, drag Caitlin Mitchell on a shovel in a relay race. The race took place in Rockbridge, Va. at a Young Life camp.

Steve Esposito, 20, and Zach Field, 19, take their frustrations out through a friendly wrestling match on the dorm floors of Centreville Hall in College Park, Md. The two roommates/friends did not physically hurt each other during their Tuesday, December 8 wrestling match.

Four Blake High School students quickly construct a gingerbread house using an assortment of candies. Each of the members had a specific job in order to meet the 25 minute time allotment during a Young Life club on Thursday, December 3.

Photo Assignment 4

2009-12-11T12:50:00.002-05:00

"The Awakening," a larger-than-life interactive sculpture by J. Seward Johnson, sits by the Potomac River at the National Harbor in Oxen Hill, Md. The piece was moved from its former location at Haines Point in Washington, D.C., in 2008.

Cara Neufeld, 19, and Allie Mora, 19, share a laugh in Bethany Beach, De., on Saturday, Dec. 5. The two are roommates and met during their freshman year at the University of Maryland.

Julia Halloran, 19, stands atop a brick mound outside of Montgomery Hall at the University of Maryland in College Park, Md. The rain and cold made Halloran second-guess her choice of shorts.

Assignment 4: Community Roots

2009-12-11T12:48:00.004-05:00

Desta Anyiwo, 21, shares his thoughts on sexual responsibility at a Community Roots meeting on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009. Community Roots is a multicultural leadership and activist group that works to bring together the University of Maryland campus and its surrounding community.

Students talk about the importance of sexual responsibility at a Community Roots meeting on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009. The discussion is held in light of National AIDS Day, which occurred on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009.

As other students speak about sexual responsibility and sexually transmitted diseases at a Community Roots meeting on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009, Samirah Farrah, 21, listens closely and prepares to make a statement.

Photo Assignment 4

2009-12-11T12:46:00.003-05:00

The sisters of the Maryland chapter of Delta Delta Delta prepare for an open house on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 with pretzel rods dipped in white and dark chocolate and sprinkled with crushed peppermint to serve to the potential new members. Sororities at Maryland always serve great food at their rush events, hoping to entice new members to join whichever sorority has the best snacks.

A College Park water main broke on College Avenue on Thursday, December 10, 2009. The break flooded the entire street and cut off the water in Alpha Omega Pi's sorority house, forcing the girls to shower in neighboring sorority houses.
Emily Winchatz, a Maryland senior government and politics major, jumps over flooded College Avenue in College Park on Thursday, December 10, 2009. A broken water main flooded the entire street, forcing neighborhood residents to walk in the street and jump over rivers of dirty water.

Photo Assignment 4

2009-12-11T12:42:00.008-05:00

Towson women's basketball coach Joe Matthews talks to the media at a postgame press conference following a 67-55 win over No. 25 Maryland on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009. The Tigers' win was the first over their intrastate rivals since 1975.

A cameraman checks his viewfinder after filming a scene in front of the University of Maryland's Theodore R. McKeldin Library on Friday, Dec. 11, 2009. The Testudo statue in front of the library is often a popular subject for visiting news reporters and filmmakers.

A Northwood High School wrestler grapples with his Albert Einstein High School opponent on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009. Einstein edged Northwood, 42-40, after a late Northwood injury cost the team crucial points.

Photo assignment no. 3

2009-12-11T12:41:00.004-05:00

Clad in a festive elf hat, a woman prepares a plate at the North Campus Diner on Wednesday, December 9, 2009. The decor is part of the Diner's annual holiday dinner.

UMD sophomores Angel Schlogel and Meredith Hall admire their gingerbread handiwork. Unable to find traditional cookie cutters, they opted instead for sandwich cutters in the shape of dinosaurs.

Adam Isaacs, 10, spins around in the living room of his Bethesda, Md. home. Isaacs is a restless fourth-grader with endless amounts of energy.

Photo Assignment 4

2009-12-11T12:28:00.005-05:00

The anticipated snow arrives on Dec. 5, 2009 and Christopher Chan, 15, a student at Thomas S. Wootton High School, goes out to help his father shovel the driveway and enjoy the winter chill.

The University of Maryland Student Government Association Senior Vice President, Elliott Morris, addresses the legislature dressed in festive clothing during a meeting on Dec. 9, 2009. The SGA passed legislation funding a referendum on behalf of student activist group, MaryPIRG, and engaged in holiday gift exchange.

Mike Juday, the campus organizer for Christian fellowship, The Gathering, leads the group in worship on Dec. 10, 2009. As it was the last Gathering meeting of the semester, an especially large group came out to worship on Thursday evening.

Kate McGonigle Photo Assignment No. 4

2009-12-11T00:23:00.010-05:00

Clare Boyle, 22, a 2009 graduate of the Philip Merrill College of Journalism and a current academic advisor for the College, tries to get a construction worker to unlock the door for her at the new journalism building, Knight Hall, at the University of Maryland College Park on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009. Knight Hall, which was constructed with $16 million in state funds and $14 million from private donors, replaces the original journalism building built in 1957.

Susan Frentz, 22, a 2009 graduate of the Philip Merrill College of Journalism, gets excited about the Richard Eaton Broadcast Theater in Knight Hall, the new journalism building at the University of Maryland College Park. Although Frentz graduated before construction was completed on Knight Hall, she worked for the College while the building was being planned and was therefore able to get a tour of it on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009, before the building opens in January.

Nick Montopoli, 20, (right) teaches Ed Galligan, 19 (left) how to use the violin bow to play "Happy Birthday" on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009. Montopoli and his friend, Brad Schachat, 20, both students at the University of Maryland College Park, play their instruments, a violin and a guitar, respectively, in the North Campus residence hall elevators at night when they have free time.

Event photos- Thanksgiving meal

2009-12-04T13:37:00.004-05:00

Jan Gibson prepares a Thanksgiving meal for her family on Thursday, November 26, 2009. Gibson, a registered dietitian, always prepares Thanksgiving feasts, as well as all family meals, with healthy, organic ingredients.
The Gibsons lower their heads in prayer before tucking in to Thanksgiving dinner. The family recently relocated from Houston to Rockville, and this is their second Thanksgiving in their new home.
Michael Gibson finishes up his meal and gets ready for some chocolate cream pie and pumpkin pie. Gibson's favorite part of Thanksgiving is always the desserts, and his sweet tooth can never turn them down no matter how full his stomach might be.
Baby, the Gibson's dog, begs for Thanksgiving leftovers after the meal. Baby always seems to get a little plumper around the middle during the holidays, which is in large part due to the scraps Jan Gibson feeds her out of holiday spirit.

Marissa's U of M

2009-12-04T13:28:00.003-05:00

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Marissa Miller looks at the uplifting aspects of a particularly busy and stressful semester. She admires the beauty of the University of Maryland campus when she gets up early to do some schoolwork, but is most encouraged by the pictures Bible verses that she keeps where she knows she'll see them daily to help keep her focused. She's happy to have gotten this far, and the approach of the Christmas season- identified here by a miniature, decorated Christmas tree that she keeps in her dorm room- drives her through the end of the semester.

Ashley Barkakati Portraits

2009-12-04T13:17:00.007-05:00

Ashley Barkakati unplugs the lights on the miniature Christmas tree in her dorm room before going to bed after a long night of studying for a final on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009. (Marissa Miller/JOUR203)

Barkakati gets into the season as she tosses some leaves in the air on the University of Maryland's South Campus on Friday, Dec. 4, 2009. (Marissa Miller/JOUR203)

Barkakati chats with Ryan Shea, a friend who attends school over nine hours away at Clemson University, via Skype. Shea, who is best friends with Barkakati's roommate, Marissa Miller, met Barkakati after Miller introduced them through webcam. They hope to meet in person for the first time this winter. (Marissa Miller/JOUR203)

2009-12-04T13:14:00.004-05:00

Parrish, an excellent student as well, likes to unwind with a beer.

Parrish, shown outside of our house, still plays football both for fun and in an intramural league.

My roommate Christohpher Parrish was an all-state quarterback at Dallas High School in Dallas, Pennsylvania.

Kate McGonigle Photo Assignment No. 3 (Portrait)

2009-12-04T13:09:00.006-05:00

John Bryant Jr., 36, sits in his home with a part of his San Francisco 49ers memorabilia collection. A Baltimore native, Bryant became a 49ers fan when the Colts left the city for Indianapolis in 1984.

John Bryant Jr., 36, stands by his Bomark Electric work truck. Bryant, who has been an electrician for over 10 years, often tells stories about how much he loves his job.

John Bryant Jr., 36, plays an NCAA college football video game in the electronics department in Walmart. Walmart is Bryant's favorite shopping destination.

2009-12-04T12:59:00.004-05:00

The Kappa Alpha Order, my home for three semesters, is located at Number 1 Fraternity Row. The house, shown on Thursday Dec. 3, 2009, recently underwent renovations which included, among other things, the purchase of new furniture, a trophy case, and the writing of Robert E. Lee's "Definition of a Gentleman" on the chapter room wall.

Photo Assignment No. 3

2009-12-04T12:52:00.005-05:00

Meredith Hall, a sophomore music major at the University of Maryland, practices oboe at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, like she does every day for several hours. Hall has been playing the oboe all her life.

Hall’s boyfriend, fellow sophomore and music major Adam Gallob, covers his eyes and shakes his head as Hall plays goofy for the camera. Gallob often feigns affectionate irritation with Hall’s antics.

Hall presses her face to the counter in the basement kitchen of LaPlata Hall, mouth open for a dropped glob of frosting. Hall and her friends often make use of this kitchen for their baking and cooking adventures.

portraits

2009-12-04T12:51:00.004-05:00

Junior music education major Adam Stephens practices his main instrument, the saxophone, in a music room in the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at UMD on Wednesday, December 2, 2009. Stephens follows a strict, self-implemented practice schedule that requires him to practice for at least two hours everyday to reach his goal of becoming a famous sax musician.

Stephens jumps on top of a dumpster behind Maryland's Fraternity Row one night out with his friends. When he's not practicing, Stephens finds time for the bars and parties on Route1, as he firmly believes college is not just about schoolwork, or the saxphone, but also about enjoying yourself.

Stephens gives driving directions to a friend over the phone on Saturday, November 21, 2009 to come the University View in College Park where he friends were throwing a party for his 21st birthday. Stephens always tries to include his diverse group of friends in all his party plans, giving him the reputation of being a genuinely nice guy among those close to him.

U of M in 3

2009-12-04T12:50:00.005-05:00

Whether it's the venerable Comcast Center, the artsy student-created pieces that dot the university or the omnipresent Testudo statues found all around campus, the University of Maryland certainly has its share of powerful, prideful and identifiable snapshots.

Assignment 3: My UM

2009-12-04T12:42:00.007-05:00

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Lizzie Horne, 18, is a sophomore journalism major and African American studies minor at the University of Maryland in College Park. After long days filled with class and meetings, Horne enjoys walking through her neighborhood and lounging around the local farm. Though she attempts to do her laundry regularly, Horne should probably use the nearby laundry service located on College Ave. Horne often catches the Metro at the College Park station which is covered in vibrant graffiti art.

Portrait - Project 3

2009-12-04T12:35:00.017-05:00

Mary Giuffre, 19 and a romances languages major at University of Maryland, is a member of the Navy ROTC and travels to George Washington University three or four times a week to participate in class and drill.

Giuffre warms up her trumpet before her band practice in preparation for the upcoming Winter Concert. She is a member of the University Concert Band.

In order to be prepared for Navy ROTC, Giuffre often hits the gym and likes to work out throughout the week at the Eppley Recreation Center on campus.

Kate McGonigle Photo Assignment No. 2 (Black Friday)

2009-12-04T12:35:00.016-05:00

Overall

The Mall in Columbia in Columbia, Md. is one of the many shopping malls overcrowded by people looking to find "doorbuster" sales on Black Friday. According to spending data, shoppers spent slightly more on Black Friday 2009, which was Nov. 27, than they did in 2008.

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The day after Thanksgiving, also known as Black Friday, typically marks the beginning of the holiday season. Santa Claus is seen here making his first appearance of 2009 at the Mall in Columbia in Columbia, Md.

Detail

A cash register sits on one of the kiosks at the Mall in Columbia in Columbia, Md. Few customers approached this kiosk on Black Friday, as it was not offering any special sales that day.

Photo Assignment No. 2

2009-12-04T12:32:00.008-05:00

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Anna Isaacs, a sophomore journalism and English double major at the University of Maryland, sometimes goes home for the sole purpose of visiting her beloved collie, Gatsby. Back at school, she returns to work at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism, where she is currently taking two classes. When not doing homework, she can be found in the newsroom of The Diamondback, the university’s independent student daily, writing or watching as an editor reviews her stories.

My UM - Project 2

2009-12-04T12:32:00.005-05:00

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Chris Eckard, a sophomore print journalism major at University of Maryland is a deep Terps fan and has been all his life. He regularly attends every home football game and must rub Testudo's nose before every big game.

Portraits

2009-12-04T12:07:00.007-05:00

Junior engineering major Judicael Bouraima, 20, laughs as he fiddles with the collar of a garment from his native Benin. Bouraima frequently attends multicultural events on the Maryland campus.

Bouraima unwinds from a long day of classes with a nighttime session of video games.

Illuminated only by his desk lights, Bouraima often works late into the night on dozens of math and physics problems for his engineering classes.

Photo Assignment 2

2009-12-04T11:26:00.004-05:00

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Katie Smith, 19, is a sophomore journalism and history double major at the University of Maryland in College Park, Md. After living on Maryland's North Campus as a freshman, Smith enjoys the location of her on-campus apartment. The neighborhood's main street is College Ave., which Smith walks to her classes and to meet up with friends. A favorite gathering place is Bagel Place on the corner of College Ave. and Route 1.

Assignment 2: Portraits

2009-12-04T00:35:00.009-05:00

Erica Horne, 17, goes for a walk around her neighborhood's creek in Silver Spring, Md. on Wednesday, Nov. 25. Horne often spends time around the creek and on the nearby Northwest Branch trail.

Horne takes a day away from the suburbs to experience the life of downtown Washington, D.C. on Saturday, Nov. 28. She visits the nation's capital at least once every week to explore museums.

Horne spends the afternoon taking photos in her Silver Spring, Md. backyard on Sunday, Nov. 29. She is an avid photographer and hopes to study the art further in college.

Photo Assignment 3

2009-12-03T22:42:00.005-05:00

Stephany Tong, 20, a junior supply chain management major at the University of Maryland, College Park, studies for a quiz in Van Munching Hall Dec. 2, 2009. Tong hopes that her degree will help her land a job when she graduates, despite the struggling economy.

Tong wears her makeup in the more heavily-done style she wore in high school. She describes those years as a time where she fought to find her identity, but Tong believes that her personality has changed significantly since then.

Tong laughs while eating at a popular new eatery on College Park's Route 1, Yogiberry, with friends Dec. 3, 2009 before heading to her on-campus church fellowship later that evening.

Photo Assignment 3

2009-12-03T22:03:00.002-05:00

Sarah Smith, 17, plays along to Metallica on her iPod on her electronic drum set in her home in Gaithersburg, Md. on Sunday, Nov. 29. Smith taught herself how to play the drums using video games such as Rock Band® and Guitar Hero®.

Smith sits in her room in her Gaithersburg, Md. home with some of her favorite books. Her bookshelf is arranged alphabetically and boasts titles from authors ranging from Sylvia Plath to Jodi Picoult.

Smith sits atop Sugarloaf Mountain in Dickerson, Md. after a hike on Sunday, Nov. 29. She said, "I like escaping to the country because it feels less filthy."

Photo Assignment 2

2009-12-02T12:21:00.007-05:00

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Michelle Chan, a sophomore print journalism and international business double degree at the University of Maryland needs to relax, so she has ham, among many other foods on Nov. 26, 2009 with her family and friends for Thanksgiving dinner in Rockville, Md. Back on campus, Chan makes sure to notice the little things in life despite a packed schedule, even the imprint of fall leaves on the concrete steps outside Washington Quad. To help her relax, Chan goes to Memorial Chapel on campus occasionally to reflect and relax.

Final Project Proposal

2009-11-30T22:20:00.003-05:00

For my final JOUR203 project I plan on covering the upcoming Maryland High School 3A Football State Championship game between Linganore and Huntingtown. The game is this Saturday, December 5.

The game will be played at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland.

For the project, I plan on incorporating video and photo as well as audio overlapping. Before the game, I will interview fans from across the state about the significance of the game and what they think will happen. I will ask them why they came out and support the team that they do.

I will use pictures from the game/crowd during the middle of the project to show the game in process.

At the end I will summarize the result of the game and then interview people in the crowd about their feelings on what happened.

The main goal of the project is to center around the phenomenon of high school football rather than the actual result of the game. I hope to get good color about following the team all year and looking forward to their games building up to the state championship game.

I will use photo, audio and video in the project.

Photo Project 1

2009-11-23T00:49:00.005-05:00

Marissa Miller spends a bit of her Thursday morning on Nov. 19, 2009, reading some of her favorite Bible passages, including Psalm 73. She says that her relationship with God is the most important part of her life, so she makes this time a priority. (Marissa Miller/JOUR203)

Michaela Miller pauses for a few minutes as she hikes up a steep hill at Wisp Resort in Deep Creek, Maryland on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009. She enjoyed the hike with her sister, Marissa Miller, and two good friends as a way to take a break from the stresses of school. (Marissa Miller/JOUR203)

Ashley Barkakati, who has lived with Marissa Miller for their entire college careers, does some homework on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, while she waits for her roommate to have some free time. (Marissa Miller/JOUR203)

Marissa Miller prepares for another long, late night of work on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009. The cleanliness of her room still suffers from the chaos and assignments of the night before. (Marissa Miller/JOUR203)

Photo Assignment 1- Morgan Gibson

2009-11-20T13:55:00.003-05:00

Morgan Gibson peers into the locked glass doors of her newly constructed journalism school on Nov. 19, 2009. Knight Hall is scheduled to open in Spring 2010 complete with a coffee bar, news bubble, and shiny state-of-the-art eqipment for the Philip Merrill College of Journalism students.

Gavin Degraw hits a high not atop his sparkly piano at a Houston concert on Aug. 28, 2009. Degraw has played shows all over Texas before, and is always met with screaming, and mostly female, fans.

Cigarette butts litter the freshly laid mulch moat that surrounds Knight Hall, the new journalism building, on Nov. 19, 2009. Over 3000 nonsmokers die every year from lung cancer caused by second hand smoke.

As the sun rises early morning on Nov. 20, 2009, it shines its light on two campus landmarks; the academic mall and the nondenominational Memorial Chapel. Religion is a big part of Maryland's campus life; the university has almost 60 official religious organizations for students find and join if they choose.

Photo Assignment No. 1

2009-11-20T13:48:00.003-05:00

Swathi Raman leads her ensemble in song. Anokha, UMD's only South Asian a cappella group, held their first fall show in the Colony Ballroom of the Stamp Student Union Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009.

Simran Kaushal of Anokha takes her solo. Anokha, UMD's only South Asian a cappella group, held their first fall show in the Colony Ballroom of the Stamp Student Union Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009.

Three girls from Anokha watch as the crowd applauds. Anokha, UMD's only South Asian a cappella group, held their first fall show in the Colony Ballroom of the Stamp Student Union Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009.

Covered in flour, Angel Schlogel grimaces for the camera. She and her friends had an epic food fight in the basement of LaPlata Hall Friday, Nov. 13, 2009.\

2009-11-20T13:46:00.010-05:00

A pledge paddle given to John Kiernan by his little brother in the Kappa Alpha order, Mike Copeland, hangs on his wall in his house in College Park, Md., on Friday Nov. 20, 2009. Kiernan joined KA in the fall of 2007, and it has been a large part of his college experience.

By John Kiernan

Boots sit waiting for use by a member of Branchville Fire Company and Rescue Squad in Branchville, Md., on Monday Nov. 2, 2009. Many members of Company 11 are students who must balance their studies with obligations at the fire house.

By John Kienan

A water bottle casts a shadow against the wall in John Kiernan's room in College Park, Md. on Friday Nov. 19, 2009. The water cooler, left by the house's previous residents, provides Kiernan with convenient, cool water and represents his love of the ocean.

By John Kiernan

John Kiernan's hat from his baseball team at St. Andrew's Episcopal School in Potomac, Md., hangs on the wall of his house in College Park, Md., on Nov. 20, 2009. While the cap is no longer donned in official games, it still carries a great deal of significance for Kiernan.

By John Kiernan

Photo Assignment #1

2009-11-20T13:28:00.007-05:00

A fresh pot of Folgers coffee is poured into a white mug in my kitchen in my College Park apartment on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009. I depend on coffee every morning to wake me up and keep my caffeine addiction satisfied.

A window sticker with the name of my sorority at the University of Maryland decorates the back of my 2002 Toyota Solara. Kappa Alpha Theta introduced me to some of my best friends at college.

Two metallic stones that my mother gave me stay on my desk as reminders to trust and love people. I've tried my best to not let negative experiences interfere with these values.

Kate McGonigle Photo Assignment No. 1

2009-11-20T13:27:00.004-05:00

Visitors of Baltimore who make the trek up to the top of Federal Hill are rewarded with a view of the Inner Harbor on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. Federal Hill was given its name in 1788 after serving as a location for a citywide celebration of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

The flag atop Baltimore's Federal Hill blows in the breeze on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. That Sunday was the first sunny day after three straight days of rain in the city.

The U.S.S. Constellation sits docked in Baltimore's Inner Harbor on a sunny afternoon on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. The former Civil War ship was restored and opened to the public for tours in 1999.

Photo Assignment 1

2009-11-20T13:22:00.006-05:00

The fiery red tree that stands alone in the midst of greenery is a sign of joy in the middle of a depressed and boring landscape. This tree is a testament to the thrills in my life and the world around me.

The cold, bare branches of the seasonally leafy oak wind their way into the ominous clouds that hang above. These branches are a dark representation of the sorrow and complication in my life.

The yellow and green leaves that blossom from this butterfly bush provide food and shelter for bugs and other wildlife. I often enjoy eating these crunchy treats when I am especially in need of nutrients.

Photo Assignment 1

2009-11-20T13:20:00.006-05:00

The piano keys inspire Chan, who has played since 1995. Her piano teacher, Mrs. Hyun Park, says Chan should have practiced more often.

Enoch Li writes an essay at his home in Potomac, Md. during a tutoring session on Nov. 14, 2009. Chan tutors in elementary and middle school English, which is an increasingly popular activity among children whose parents worry about their children's academic futures.

After the opera, Ariadne auf Naxos, by Richard Strauss, at the Kennedy Center with fellow Student Government Association friends on Nov. 13, 2009, Chan drives through Georgetown. The Student Government Association Recruitment and Retention Committee coordinates events for legislators and executives to help build community within the group.

Photo Assignment No. 1

2009-11-20T13:12:00.007-05:00

The field at University of Maryland's Ludwig Field, home of both the Terrapin men's and women's soccer teams. The field is home to both the Terrapin men's and women's soccer teams.

The press box at University of Maryland's Ludwig Field. It is the home of print and radio journalists covering the Terrapin soccer teams.

The typical breakfast at South Campus Dining Hall during the week, including chocolate milk, a blueberry bagel and a bacon and egg sandwich. No breakfast is complete without the current edition of The Diamondback.

Two Blake High School kids bob for apples in the Young Life Turkey Club last Thursday, Nov. 11. Young Life leader Kristina Dorrough announces the action to fellow Blake high school students looking on.

Photo Assignment 1

2009-11-20T13:02:00.006-05:00

Niko, a 5-year-old Labrador Retriever, retrieves a muddied tennis ball during a visit to a Silver Spring dog park Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. Dog parks have become increasingly popular destinations for dog owners.

A blood sugar meter shows a healthy reading of glucose. Diabetics must test their blood sugar before each meal.

The state flag of Maryland tosses wildly in the wind at the University of Maryland on Friday, Nov. 20, 2009. The flag's distinctive color and design have become interwoven with the fabric of the university's athletics program.

Final Projects -- Rules and Guidelines

2009-11-17T16:50:00.001-05:00

Here is some information related to your final projects. Please let Tim, Megan, Jeff or I know if you have questions.

1) Final projects may be between one and four minutes in length, depending on your story. Talk to us if your piece is heading toward the four or five-minute range.

2) Consider your final project proposals as an ongoing effort you will refine as you do related assignments and clarify your ideas.

3) To date, no student has done an audio-only final project. We are open to this idea, but it must be discussed and approved in advance.

4) We have written in the syllabus that is is OK for students to use previously shot material if it makes sense for their final projects. Again, this is something that must be discussed with instructors and approved in advance.

5) You can use upcoming assignments to work toward final projects. For example, Section 2 students who just finished the video slice (and are beginning the photo slice) might want to shoot stills of a topic they are considering for their final, even if they have covered similar material during a previous video assignment. The goal is NOT to recycle old assignments. The goal is to use upcoming assignments as opportunities to work toward your final projects and help you decide which approach will work best.

6) Avoid focusing on yourself, roommates, friends or family for final projects. Such topics (and the approaches to such topics) must be approved by us in advance if they are to be used at all.

7) The use of music in final projects is OK if music is a natural part of the story you are covering (for example, if your piece is about a musician and the type of music played by that musician; or, if you're covering a sports-related topic and a band is playing at one of the sports events). Using unrelated music tracks as a soundtrack is not permitted for the purposes of these final projects. In addition, you should not, as a general rule, plan to allow an entire piece of music to run throughout your piece. Talk to us first about your plans to incorporate music.

8) Sources must be identified with names and titles.

9) Final projects must be posted on the blog by by 10 a.m. on Dec. 18, 2009, which is the end of the designated final exam time outlined by the university's exam schedule. Your presence in the lab during exam time is optional and is based on your own computer and equipment needs. Final projects may be posted anytime during finals week but the deadline for posting is 10 a.m. on Dec. 18. Points will be deducted from projects that are posted past the final exam deadline. Contact us immediately by phone or email if you are having technical issues. You may post to an outside site, such as youtube.com or vimeo.com, and provide links to final projects if you are having technical difficulties while attempting to post to the class blog.

10) As discussed during the course of the semester, interviews, audio, photos, and videos may not be staged, coerced, falsified or manipulated. These actions will result in a failing grade on the final project and students will be referred to the dean.

Final Project Proposal

2009-11-13T19:11:00.001-05:00

Anna Isaacs
November 13, 2009
A Cappella With a South Asian Twist

For my final project, I'd like to do an audio slideshow featuring our resident South Asian a cappella group here on campus, Anokha. I'd like to get photos of both their big shows where they're decked out in traditional garb as well as do a behind-the-scenes look at their rehearsals. A cappella music makes for an easily captivating audio subject, and the group performs a huge range of music, from Indian melodies to the stuff you hear every day on the radio. It's a different angle on traditional college a cappella. I'll be getting photographs focusing both on individuals and the group at large.

They have an upcoming show at Stamp-- this Saturday, November 14th-- and rehearse weekly in an empty classroom in the Armory. I'll be taking photos at both of these locations, as well as anywhere else they have a show open to the public this semester.

College a cappella shows are typically well attended; while a longtime college tradition, it also serves as kind of a flipside to tailgating and football games. Most students are probably familiar with a cappella in some way or another, but hearing and seeing a South Asian group will be a new and interesting twist on something otherwise familiar.

I'll need the next few weeks to follow the group from their rehearsals to their shows. I want to make sure I'm not just showing one of each, but rather illustrating something of a process, so I'll likely be doing a weekly photo shoot/audio recording. Editing will take a few days beyond that, so I expect it to be completed by the final exam due date.

I like the idea of an audio slideshow because what's weak visually-- they don't have much choreography and typically stand in a group together, which doesn't provide for much variation, even with a range of shots-- becomes stronger when I can isolate different angles and moments of their performances and rehearsals.

Final Project Proposal

2009-11-12T01:21:00.000-05:00

Marissa Miller
November 12, 2009
Helping the Environment, One Student At a Time

I hope to take a look at what students at UMD are doing to help the environment. Preferably, I would focus on the efforts of one particular group- perhaps the activism of UMD for Clean Energy, a group constructing an EcoHouse, or another group. I will follow and document the group’s efforts, interviewing group members about their goals and such along the way.

We all have to live on this planet, and we’re increasingly becoming aware that we also need to take care of it. Environmental efforts are especially clear at Maryland, where you can’t walk very far without coming across a recycling bin, and where orientation features a small lesson on what is recycled, what is composted, and what is thrown away. This will give the audience a look at what else they can do and who else is going the extra mile.

There’s some difference in opinion about why we even need to take care of the environment- there’s great debate, for example, on the reality of global warming, but that is the only issue that comes to mind.

I’d still need to look into exactly what research this would entail, but I would try to find out about how many students are environmental efforts on campus, and I would look into some of the background and past events of the group that I am featuring.

For sources, I’d get in contact with the leader(s) and members of the group I’m featuring. I’d also try to talk to some people who aren’t quite as passionate as the leaders may be, but who also feel the need to help the environment by helping with whatever project I’m featuring.

I’m planning on doing audio slideshows of interviews with the environmental activists while their work/project is showing on the slideshow, taking video of projects and meetings, and taking other pictures of behind-the-scenes development or process that aren’t captured through the slideshow or video interview, as well as just a few shots of the beauty of Maryland’s campus that the workers are trying to preserve.

Anyone who wonders why Maryland is so intense about recycling and being “green,” or anyone who does want to be more “green” but isn’t quite sure how, will be interested in the story.

The story will occur wherever the environmentally-beneficial project, or the effect or focus of the project, takes place.
I may look into getting a higher quality recorder for any audio interviews that I need to do, and I’ll also have to use a rented flip camera from Tawes. I’m not sure what sort of equipment is most appropriate for photography for this project. I should be able to do all of the editing on my MacBook.

The story isn’t linked to a particular date or event, and the project will be done by the final exam deadline.

Construction Accident Kills One

2009-11-10T23:49:00.003-05:00

http://videos.kansascity.com/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=7233694

0:12 - Wide Shot of the construction area. The camera shows the construction site, the crane and other work equipment. The video is a little jumpy and blurry.

0:14 - Medium shot of the construction site and zoomed in to where the crane is. The video shows people walking back and forth at the site of the accident.

0:22 - Tight shot of people talking on the site where the accident occurs. The two people start to point up and in other directions.

0:24 - Wide shot of the construction site once again to give the viewer another wide glimpse before transitioning to an interview.

I think this video does a good job at creating a visual of the construction site, but it fails to make a crisp transition from shots. The camera is jumpy and isn't focused. It's hard to tell where the accident actually occurred on the site and leaving the viewer only to guess. The choices of shots were decent for showing the construction site.

Sequence Flea Music Conservatory

2009-11-09T13:41:00.002-05:00

Flea's Music Conservatory

0:16

This close shot shows Flea playing the piano, as he is a music teacher and has a Music Conservatory. The shot is well done, albeit somewhat blurry. I wish there were more contrast to the shot, but I think that it characterizes Flea very well. He has a unique sound, and the shot of the piano and his tattoos is very interesting.

0:20

This wide shot shows Flea playing the piano, however it includes his whole body, sitting down with his feet to the side and his legs lying out to his side. It's a unique position, as most piano players don't sit like this. It characterizes Flea well as he, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, are very quirky.

0:27

This medium shot shows Flea speaking to the interviewer, it pulls the audience back to who is speaking throughout the entire sequence and the piece. It gives a closer view of the face, his identity, his age and his persona.

2009-11-09T02:58:00.006-05:00

Diversity Rally

2009-11-05T20:20:00.001-05:00

Interview and Sequence Final

2009-11-05T11:07:00.002-05:00

Final Sequence + Interview

2009-11-05T10:47:00.001-05:00

Final Sequence

2009-11-05T09:06:00.003-05:00

Sequence Final: Step Aerobics

2009-11-05T08:53:00.002-05:00

2009-11-05T07:15:00.002-05:00

Final Sequence

2009-11-04T23:02:00.002-05:00

Kate McGonigle Final Sequence and Interview

2009-11-04T20:54:00.003-05:00

Golf Sequence - Final Cut

2009-11-04T14:08:00.001-05:00

Golf Sequence from Jonas Shaffer on Vimeo.

2009-10-30T14:52:00.003-04:00

Summer and Spring Internships at Washingtonpost.com

Let me know if any of you are interested in applying and I'll try to help. You would have to make the case that you plan to learn (or are in the process of learning) Final Cut Pro. The process is very last-minute for them and it sounds like a bit of a scramble. I'm told they would like to have applications by Nov. 1. If you want me to review your materials, send a resume and cover letter to me by Saturday or Sunday morning. Make sure both are free of spelling and grammatical errors. Here are the details a former colleague sent to me:

Washingtonpost.com is seeking interns to work as production assistants for web video in the spring and summer. The spring internship is unpaid, and technically requires only 16 hours/week from the intern.

The summer internship is paid, $750/week compensation.

The following applies to both the spring and summer internships:

Prospective interns must be students currently enrolled in a degree program, and, if selected, must submit one of the following on or before the first day of the internship: 1) documentation showing that academic credit is being received (i.e. a copy of the course registration), or 2) a letter from a professor, department head, or academic advisor stating that the internship significantly contributes to the student's current degree program, or 3) a letter from the school stating that the internship is part of a work-study or independent study program.

Descriptions of positions:

Position 1

Video/Interactivity Intern at washingtonpost.com

The washingtonpost.com's Interactivity team is searching for a video intern to help with day-to-day video production of video programming. Candidate should have flexible hours and must have experience shooting DV/HDV video and editing with Final Cut Pro. Interns are preferred to have coursework or field experience in visual journalism or a related journalism/media degree.

Duties/Responsibilities

-Help with on-location filming for video shows
-Assist in editing and producing videos on deadline
-Must have be proficient shooting DV/HDV video on prosumer/professional cameras
-Must be proficient at editing audio and video in Final Cut Pro
-Must be organized, detail-oriented, and happy to work within a team environment
-Must provide resume and portfolio, including video samples

Contact: Akira Hakuta

Position 2

Documentary Video Intern at washingtonpost.com

The washingtonpost.com's documentary video team is searching for a video intern to work 16 hours/week for the spring semester 2010. The candidate will help shoot, report and edit breaking news, daily and feature video stories as well as assisting with on-location filming for various weekly video shows. Candidate should have flexible hours, including nights and
weekends. A person and must have experience shooting DV/HDV video and editing with Final Cut Pro. Interns are preferred to have coursework or field experience in visual journalism or a related journalism/media degree. Candidates must provide a resume and portfolio, including video samples.

Contact: Ben de la Cruz

Haunted House

2009-10-30T14:09:00.001-04:00

Haunted House Rough Cut

2009-10-30T10:13:00.001-04:00

Video Sequencing

2009-10-30T08:49:00.002-04:00

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-288909

0:53
Wide
In this shot of the gay pride parade where marchers pretended to be dead in order to promote their cause, that HIV services should not be taken away since it would inadvertantly cause the deaths of many homosexuals, the journalist gets a shot of the streetway, the buildings and all the people, with their signs. It creates a crowded, hectic feeling.

0:56
Medium
This shot brings the camera closer to the journalist, with those people immediately near her and the bodies surrounding her at her feet. There are people lined up and their standing figures neatly line the middle-upper portion of the shot, leaving a small line at the top for air. I feel like this is a good medium shot due to that space at the top, which keeps it from feeling crowded.

1:00
Close
The journalist brings it in closer, with standing figures filling and not fitting into the shot, with signs, arms and bodies partially obscuring the vantage point, making it a little bit more difficult to see where everything is. This shot furthers the feeling of the enthusiastic crowd that was emphasized in the wide shot, so I thought that this cohesion was good.

2009-10-30T03:45:00.002-04:00

I just layered the audio and video, didn't do any editing yet.

Sequence Rough Cut

2009-10-30T01:30:00.001-04:00

Rough Edit: Golf Sequence

2009-10-29T15:05:00.001-04:00

Golf Sequence from Jonas Shaffer on Vimeo.

Rough Edit: Step Aerobics

2009-10-29T12:40:00.000-04:00

Rough Cut 2 (Sequence)

2009-10-29T11:55:00.000-04:00

Rough Cut 1 (Interview)

2009-10-29T11:53:00.000-04:00

Really rough sequence cut (Part 2 - Sequence)

2009-10-29T11:38:00.001-04:00

Just posting the unedited sequence before noon to show that I did it... will edit both parts together later!

Really rough sequence cut (Part 1 - Interview)

2009-10-29T11:30:00.001-04:00

Just posting the interview before noon to show that I did it... will edit later!

Sequence Example from CNN

2009-10-29T11:23:00.000-04:00

This clip starts with an interview, but then jumps right into several tight shots. The first tight shot in the sequence that I am referring to runs from :11 to :13. It doesn't feature much movement, but rather pinpoints something that the man in the interview was talking about while the reporter speaks over the footage.

In the next shot, the medium shot, the viewer joins the interviewee on the phone. The view is close enough to him that we have a good view of him and the tension on his face. This shot lasts from about :14 to :21 as we listen in on a phone conversation that the interviewee, Chuck Lane, is having about credit card pay

For the wide shot, the camera moves back a bit so that we can now see Mr. Lane's computer and desk, where he is moving some papers around (likely the ones we saw in the tight shot). In this shot, he is still on the phone, but the viewer isn't listening to his conversation anymore. This shot lasts from :22 to :30 while the reporter narrates and provides an overview of what is going on, and leads into how it is news, without the viewer having to listen to an entire conversation that this man is having on the phone.

Interview and sequence

2009-10-29T11:12:00.000-04:00

I have NO idea why it keeps exporting in wide-screen format. I can't figure out how to change the settings, hence the black bars and awkwardly cut-off shots. Help?

2009-10-29T10:59:00.000-04:00

This is a CNN clip of good fall vacation spots. Most of the shots are scenic wide shots that show beautiful landscape of the vacation spot, like Jamaica and North Carolina. However, the last vacation place they talk about, Napa Valley, has some good examples of different sequence shots.

They start talking about Napa Valley at 3:30, then show video clips of the place a few seconds later. The sequence begins with a medium shot of a hot air balloon (3:38-3:43). It's a nice shot to see the fun activities to do in Napa Valley before showing some of the more scenic panoramic shots later. The angle is nice for the hot air balloon because you're looking up at it, so you can really see the motion of it floating away from you on the ground towards the sky. In some cases this could be considered a wide shot, however, comparatively speaking with the upcoming shots of scenery it is a medium shot for this sequence.

Following the medium shot of the balloon are a series of wide shots (3:43-3:51). These are all very scenic shots to show the beauty of the place. These shots have the potential to be boring, but because each little scenic shot is short and isn't just static but pans across a large area, the shots work well with the video.

Then there is another medium shot of a train (3:51-3:53). I'm not sure of the exact purpose of this shot or what it does for the story of the piece—at the time they are discussing transportation and activities to do so it goes along with the topic a bit— but what it really does is break up the scenic shots. There are all these gorgeous shots of Napa Valley, but if you have them in succession one after the other that is extremely boring—people can only appreciate scenery for so long. So the scenic shots have been broken up by this medium train shot to add some action and life to all the scenery.

Because sure enough, right after the train shot there is more scenery (3:53-4:15). Again, they work well because they are not static but move across a wide area.

Finally a tight shot is at the very end of the Napa Valley part (4:15). This is a tight shot of a grape vine, showing the plump grapes and leaves. This shot works well with the video because it breaks up the scenic shots and it puts a picture in the viewer's head of the activities they can do in Napa Valley (the audio is discussing how tourists can harvest grapes in the fall). I'm always a fan of tight shots, but I thought this one was really nice. I liked how it came at the end of the sequence, like a cherry on top of a sundae.

Interview and Sequence shots of "living in a sorority house"

2009-10-29T10:52:00.000-04:00

Sequence Identification

2009-10-29T10:50:00.000-04:00

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4372243

I came across this video this summer when I was searching through ESPN's Outside the Lines section. It is a video that explains the heart and determination of two high school wrestlers, one blind and the other with no legs, through a season and ultimately a life-long friendship.

There are multiple moments in the video where the creator uses sequencing but I'll focus on just one part.

[1:20] The video transitions to a train track station. It is a wide shot, fast forwarded so that the viewer can see time elapse and clouds come in. Then it transitions to a tight shot of the tracks itself. Finally, the video goes to a medium shot of the tracks. These shots all set the mood of the video, but lack any kind of action which is important for sequence shots.

The video then shows the wrestler (2:30) explaining the situation. As he remembers what happens, the video goes back to sequencing at the train tracks. Instead this time there is action. It starts with a train coming from away (wide shot) and then zooms in (medium shot).

"I kind of just slipped and fell under." Right after the wrestler says this line, the video changes to a tight shot of just the track and its wheels. I think this is one of the more effective shots of the entire video, as it captures the point of the story with where it took place.

Finally, the video shows the train moving away from the camera. The sounds of the train quiet as the wrestler becomes silent. It is very powerful.

Sequence Identification

2009-10-29T10:36:00.000-04:00

This video from washingtonpost.com of a group performing the "Thriller" dance at Freedom Plaza begins with a sequence of straightforward shots that close in on the group and narrow it from faceless crowd to nameless people to real person, with more detailed tight shots later on.

It begins with a wide shot of the group (:02) that uses the angle of the buildings leading off down the street to the Capitol to bring your eye to the focal point-- the dancers. The shot places the group at the left side of the screen, though, which brings emphasis to the setting and gives a clear view of the Capitol. It's an artsy wide shot that I thought suited the subject, giving a sense not only of what they were doing but where they were.

The medium shot that comes next (:06) does less to invite the viewer. It's exactly the same shot but more focused, with the same emphasis on the Capitol that appeared before. At this point, I wanted to get more of a sense of these people, not of their surroundings. It seemed kind of redundant to essentially zoom in from the same spot. While I realize that's a technique in itself, I didn't think it was particularly illuminating in this video. It just kind of dragged.

The success of the video lies in the series of tight shots that follow, which portray the people, their purpose, and the dance moves. It begins with an interview with one woman (:11), transitions smoothly to an off-center close-up of a few dancers from the shoulders up (:17), goes into another interview (:22), and finishes with a really tight shot of the dancers' feet (:24). I think the flow of this series of shots not only explains what exactly is going on, but gives the impression of getting to know these people, from zoning in on a body part to hearing a childhood anecdote from another. And each of the shots of the group is broken up nicely by a brief but interesting interview.

Interview/Sequence - Knight Hall

2009-10-29T10:27:00.000-04:00

Michelle Obama Hula Hoops

2009-10-29T10:20:00.000-04:00

I've found that I'm partial to shorter sequences that convey a message quickly and quietly. I feel that if a series of images are sufficient enough to show an audience exactly what is going on without much more than ambient sound, it is stronger than any other type of video. This sequence from CNN demonstrates exactly that. It captures the scene and the feeling without really doing much at all.

The sequence begins with a wide shot (:00-:04 seconds) of Michelle hula hooping that zooms out slightly to become even a bit wider. She is hula hooping with other children, and cheering them on as they try to keep up with her. It's clear from the very first shot that she is working with the children in an effort to heighten their health awareness.

Then, there is a close-up that quickly turns into a medium shot (:05-:12) of Michelle continuing to hula hoop and then clapping in encouragement. This shot is the only one that has faint music in the background. It was fitting to have music behind this shot because it is the middle of the first sequence and it sets the tone for the following shot.

The final shot in this first sequence is a close-up (:13-:19) that runs from Michelle's feet up her body to her face. I really like this shot because it shows her body's full range of motion as she is hula hooping with the children. It makes her seem like a real person and shows that she wasn't just at an event for publicity. This shot definitely sets the tone of the short video because it is detailed visually and shows a range of emotion.

There is a second sequence of the children hula hooping that follows the Michelle sequence. I like the first one better simply because it focuses on the main subject of the video, but also because it was clearly more carefully shot than the next.

Sequence Example: Farmwork

2009-10-29T00:35:00.000-04:00

The sequencing in this artfully shot video from washingtonpost.com continues throughout the piece; however, the initial sequence impressed me with its ability to compel me to watch the video although it was very calm and quiet.

From :00-:03 there is a wide shot with the subjects blurred in the background, amongst the field and the tractor. There is little movement and the cattails in the front receive the sharp focus as they move slightly. However, the two people in the background are distinguishable, which lends itself as a transition to the next shot, which I think is very effective.

From :04-:06 there is the tight shot of one of the people in the field weeding through the dirt. Both hands are covered in dirt and actively moving in the shot.

This sequence is completed by a medium shot from :06-:09. The shot consists of one woman partially in the frame on the left side and a good portion of another woman on the right side. Once again, there is focusing that leaves the majority of the frame slightly blurry as the two women tend to the plants and one speaks about her former job.

The wide-tight-medium composition is effective in this example because it establishes a calm, serene setting which is immediately followed by up-close activity that prompts curiosity that is resolved by the medium shot. Also, from the initial wide shot and succeeding tight shot, we do not know for certain that the two individuals are female; stereotyping would lend to the notion that most fieldworkers/farmers are men. The stereotype is defied by the medium shot, when we see women in pastel clothing and feminine straw hats tending the field.

A final aspect of the sequence I liked was the sole presence of ambient sound for most of the first two shots. The natural sounds of the farm (insects, rusting of plants) establishes a calm place that seems relaxing and enjoyable. This good feeling compelled me to keep watching and see what these people were doing because they seemed so at peace.

(Very) Rough Cut of Sequence and Interview

2009-10-28T21:45:00.000-04:00

Kate McGonigle Sequence ID

2009-10-28T20:11:00.000-04:00

I had planned to use a Washington Post video about young people choosing to farm instead of making $80-$100k a year for this assignment, but it would not let me continually go back and forth to look at time stamps; it kept freezing. Although I was going to criticize the sequencing in that video seen here, because there wasn't really a great distinction between tight, medium and wide shots in it, the other video I'm going to critique for the assignment was much worse.

The video I chose, found on The Baltimore Sun Web site, is about the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Pennsylvania. I would say the sequences in this video are unsuccessful, as is the way that the interview portion of the video is incorporated with the sequences. I tried to embed the video, but the code did not work.

The video begins (at 0:00) with a tight shot of a sign on what I assume is a Hawk Mountain trail. The sign is not completely straight in the frame and the bottom kind of gets cut off when there is a little bit of space at the top to possibly fit the whole sign into the frame. Plus, the sign isn't really that interesting or that strong of a shot.

At -1:35 (the video counts backwards instead of forwards), there is another sort of tight shot of a hawk and the camera kind of pans around the room to look at other hawks in this room. The camera is pretty shaky and the movement around the room is kind of like a bad home movie, not to mention the fact that it is unclear whether this is a tight or medium shot.

At -1:21, there is what would probably be a wide shot of the camera traveling up a rocky path to an area of rocks where people are seated. I'm sure the journalist was trying to show the viewer what Hawk Mountain looked like, but again, the shakiness of the camera (and no definite shot, since there is so much movement) just isn't compelling.

At -1:03, there is an even wider shot taken off of the top of one of the mountains, of one of the hawks flying in the sky. This shot is OK, because it is obviously a wide shot and it's a pretty view.

One other major thing that was unsuccessful about this video, though, is the fact that the video is narrated by Lee Schisler, the president of the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, except his voice sounds odd, like the audio isn't clean, almost as if the interview was done over the phone. But then, at -0:32, you finally see Schisler. Schisler should be shown at the very beginning of the video, introduced via a text screen, and then the rest of the video sequences should be incorporated. This would be much more successful because then we know that even though Schisler's voice sounds odd, the journalist did indeed speak to him in person, and he is the one speaking as we view these other images. It was also confusing that the majority of the video did not relate to what Schisler was talking about.

Sequence Identification

2009-10-27T01:22:00.000-04:00

This recent CNN video, entitled "Anti-war march," opens with a very well-crafted sequence.

The sequence begins with a tight shot (0:00-0:01) of Lance Cpl. Joe Glenton, one of the subjects of the video. The sequence follows with a wide shot (0:02-0:05) of the anti-war march in which he and many others are participating, before finishing with a medium shot (0:06-0:13) of Glenton walking in the crowd with several others.

This sequence is very impressive because of how informative and impactful it turned out. With each passing shot, we learn one thing more about the story than we did before. You can turn off the sound and still get a sense of what is actually happening, which I find really telling of this sequence's power.

For instance, the sequence begins with the shot of Glenton, who appears to be on the frontlines of a protest waged against something he simply detests. Seconds later, we see the actual protest from afar. From this shot, we gather that it is the war in Afghanistan which Glenton resents and hopes to put an end to. We can also see from this shot and the forthcoming medium shot that he is certainly not alone in his objections, and that the protest is actually quite well attended.

As important as the first two shots are, I think it is the third shot that really sets the tone for the rest of the video. The shot focuses on Glenton as he marches with other protesters, but he is nearly lost in the shuffle of the masses - a fitting nod to what will be said and shown during the remainder of the video.

Just like in the wide shot, Glenton remains a focus throughout the video, but he is also just one of several characters from both sides of the issue to make their way onto the screen. Despite the early attention paid to him, three other people make on-camera speaking appearances before Glenton retakes his featured spot in the piece.

Sequence Analysis

2009-10-26T21:18:00.000-04:00

There are a variety of sequences in this video with the most distinct beginning at 1:18, with what in this case is a wide shot. It is then followed by a medium shot at 1:23 and a tight shot at 1:27. This sequence shows workers tending to a Coast Guard tribute at the Vietnam War Memorial, which is currently being refurbished. It is particularly interesting that the relatively close-up sequence occurs after a standup interview in which the repairmen, who have no visual prominence or reason to draw one's eye, appear in the background. Then, the sequence brings them to the forefront and shows in an in-depth manner their roles in the project.

The sequence itself provides information with each tightening of perspective. First, the wide shot lets the viewer see the workers at their task. Next, the viewer gets to see the reason peopler are buffering the memorial because scratches and blemishes are clearly apparent on it. Finally, the tightest shot conveys that the piece of the memorial being tended to is a tribute to the United States Coast Guard. The only possible problem with the sequence is that the tightest shot's point of view is rotated around the memorial from where the wide and medium looks were shot. However, it does not completely cross the axis and is done with a purpose, to clearly show the Coast Guard emblem on the memorial. Additionally, it is followed by a second wide shot of the workers at their task that is from the same perspective as the tightest shot, lending balance to the sequence as a whole. Overall, the sequence used in this piece is well done and employed functionally.

Final Cut Pro

2009-10-26T17:47:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to let you know there is a Mac lab in the Computer and Space Sciences Building that has Final Cut Pro 6 available for students. I thought some of you would want to try it out while editing this week's assignment or while you're working toward your final projects. One word of warning: the servers are cleared every 24 hours, so you would either have to finish editing before that deadline or save your work on an external drive. I would recommend using an external drive -- especially if you're planning to use the lab and Final Cut Pro for the final project.

The Knight Digital Media Center has this helpful Final Cut Pro tutorial, if you are interested in checking it out:

http://multimedia.journalism.berkeley.edu/tutorials/finalcut/

Nina

Billiards Sequence

2009-10-26T17:26:00.000-04:00

Billiards Sequence from Lizzie Horne on Vimeo.

Sequences in a Video Post

2009-10-25T23:26:00.000-04:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/26/us/26runaway.html

Running in the Shadows is a video accompanying a print article about the lives of homeless youths who have struggled due to financial troubles.

The accompanying video from this New York Times article has sequences at the following:

1:32 close
This shot, the last in a series of stills, shows the living conditions for one of the youths who is squatting after her parents could no longer afford their home. Specifically, this shot is a close up of how she cooks her food - using what appears to be a small skillet and electric grill. I thought that the shots were obviously not beautiful or appealing to the eye, but that they conveyed the subject matter appropriately. The shots, especially this close up, did not attempt to glamourize the youth's situation, and the uncomfortable positioning of the shot helped convey and reflect the experience of squatting, running away, and financial difficulty.

1:53 medium
This shot shows the youth while she speaks about her academic goals and how they set her apart within her family. She is sitting on a couch in an empty room inside the house holding a basketball, and she obviously does not appear happy. I like this shot a lot because it shows the emptiness of living alone, of squatting and being a young person facing so much financial burden and responsibility.

2:38 wide
This last shot shows the youth walking in her neighborhood. It is a wide shot with lots of depth, as the fencing goes far back on both sides, while the subject walks slowly and alone. It reflects again, the loneliness and disparity of her situation, but strangely, I was surprised that she doesn't appear all that different from any other teenager. I thought that was an interesting way to leave this.

Sequence-Related Assignments

2009-10-24T00:58:00.000-04:00

You will need to layer audio and video clips when it comes time to edit your interview and sequence assignments. If you are in MovieMaker, you can use the lower track on the timeline for the audio from your interview. Then, you can use the dominant track on top for your visual shots. Whatever is on the top track is what you're going to see when you play the video.

You can adjust the audio levels on either clip by right clicking on them in the timeline and using the volume control, or, by going to the top of your screen, hitting "clip" on your toolbar, and finding the volume adjustment option there. As you probably remember from the audio slice, it is OK to have some ambient noise from your visual clips, even when you're layering them on top of your interview track. Still, when layering visual clips on top of interview clips, the audio from the interview should dominate.

In terms of the week's workflow, I would recommend doing the sequence ID assignment first, and posting it sooner rather than later so you can free yourself up for the interview and sequence combo. For that assignment, I mentioned in class that it might help you to focus on a single subject. One example would be interviewing an athlete about the sport he or she does, shooting video of the athlete in training or competition, and combining it all together in your edit. Other single subject ideas include focusing on a musician, an artist, a chef, a barista -- these are just examples that might make it easier for you to blend material from interviews with relevant sequences of the subjects in action.

Feel free to pursue any of these ideas if you need them but do not focus on friends or roommates. I want you to keep things professional and most of the videos featuring friends and roommates tend to get sloppy.

Both the sequence ID assignment and the sequence/interview assignment are due at noon on Thursday. Both are explained in detail on the syllabus. Feel free to drop me a line if you run into questions.

I'm impressed with your in-class sequences so far. Keep up the good work.