Looking Back... And Forward

Growing is how we learn and prosper. As a student of 3 years now in the convergence journalism strand, I have slowly been becoming an exceptional writer, producer, and broadcaster. The skills taken into grip in this class are some that 90% of American high school students do not have available to them.

1. I believe we have implemented a much wider variety of shots, including the 6-shot system that has become almost fundamental.

At the beginning of the year, I took viewers through Sean McPartland's journalism journey and all that he does for the program. Here is where I established just about every shot angle that came to mind. You will see wide, extra wide, medium, close up, extra close, over-the-shoulder, face, and more. Truthfully, it was an iris-brightening production. It truly opened up my eyes as I presented a new system and a story that Sean himself told, rather than I. Stories are best told by the subject, sometimes, the writer does no justice.

You can see it implemented in my work here. One of the most well composed works that I have done from the shots point of view.

2. Keep it together. Documentaries have been something I have been able to discover on my own with Quen Barkyoumb. We attacked and tried to tug at the hearts of all students at Northwest. Mid-way through football season we spent about three weeks shooting and capturing the essence of two kids who are the football teams biggest fans. Jack and Colin have been hindered with Cerebral Palsy from birth but are nothing short of our teams greatest links. Even while playing football, I managed to get many shots as well as Quen. It was more so a documentary short, but we gained and used techniques that gave the story award-winning potential. We will be submitting it to E-magine, our award show. An extended version will be posted later in the year. This is one of my most prided works.

3. Aside from emotions... There is Broadcasting

I know the preview looks like an amateur fuzzy shot but this happens to be our latest edition of our news show, anchored by Kami Gibson and Myself. Broadcasting in sports is something that captured my eye in elementary school. I saw how much fun ESPN broadcasters were having while reporting news and I knew that I could do it someday. Since then, I have broadened my horizons and this year have begun to anchor full shows for all of ONW to see. All my experiences in presenting myself and being a personable guy have helped me to be much more natural when faced with a lens. I have become more proud of my broadcasting and producing. I believe the journalism strand at ONW should always be top in the state and even country. I only hope I am helping the cause.

Semester 2: Aiming High

1. I can only hope that Quen andn I's work, like I said, has the potential to be an award winning story. Our goal is to extend and show everyone the full length story and Emagine is the perfect place. The goal isn't easily obtainable but is within our reach and we firmly believe so. Looking at history, we received a total of 0 awards last year in the convergence journalism strand. This piece will hopefully represent our program in the brightest and most respectable light achievable.

2. Potential. A word I would like to use to describe this whole class. With all of the given technology, the time on our hands, and the amount of creativity kong us all, I know we are capable of unimaginable progress. I mean lets face it, we use this class for a lot of homework and it is almost as if we are shooting ourselves in the foot. Yes it can be handy, however, there are things we haven't even discovered on the tricaster, and of course potential we have yet to reach. Lets get it done boys and girls.

Week in the Life of a Wrestler- Documentary

Even though my expertises are in the Convergence Journalism strand, I figured I’d dip my feet in the entertainment strand as well. My next project is going to be a short documentary about the week in a life of a wrestler. I decided to put together a story proposal as well, which is posted below:

Title: Men of the Mat

Producers: Quen Barkyoumb & Tyler Soetaert

My documentary is about a week in the life of a high school wrestler. They seem to endure a lot and I feel like they deserve more credit than they’ve been given. The main conflict is between how much wrestlers sacrifice or the fear of all the hard work not paying off. Ultimately, I want the audience to feel intrigued and to understand the personal sacrifices these wrestlers make. I also want to make the audience appreciate what all it takes to experience the sport itself.

Characters:

Doug Newcomb- Senior wrestler, 3 time state placer, Wrestling team Captain.

Mrs. Newcomb- Doug’s Mother, involved parent, and a contributor to the Olathe Northwest wrestling booster club.

Will Whitaker – junior wrestler, state runner up at 106 pounds, one of the team leaders.

Coach Mesa- Head coach of the wrestling team, huge role model, wrestled in college.

Coach Rodden- Assistant wrestling coach, former Olathe Northwest wrestler.

Conflict:

These young men put forth every once of energy towards this sport, and it must be fearful to think that all of the hard work won’t pay off.

Climax: Doug placing at a wrestling tournament, or one of the Olathe Northwest wrestlers getting his hand waved after a match.

Plot: Throughout the project, a timeline will occur. Viewers will be captured by every drop of sweat, every painful workout, and every blow of the whistle. Act 1 will entail the beginning of the week, right after a meet in the end preparing for a new week, as well as winning. I picture a rush of events and then it finally stops and enters with an interview to begin Act 1. It will quickly and surely reel in an audience. Act 2 will be composed of mid-weeks work leading to a dual. This is the juice of the story and it will hit viewers hard. It will eventually lead to the dual and the climax will be about reached. Act three will be composed of the actual meet and what Doug Newcomb and every other wrestler had been working towards the whole week.

Resolution: The film will have all come to this. It will leave the audience with an interview by Doug finally explaining how he truly feels about it all and the hand being raised. The smile from ear to ear. The feeling of sheer satisfaction and then, the story will drop. It will finally meet the end with how the beginning started.

Production: Filming will begin over the break, cutting weight and avoiding holiday meals as part of the sacrifice. The meat of the filming will take place when we return and of course the first the meet or dual back after break.

Signing Day Process- Reflect

In Finer Detail: This happened to be a huge learning process. While trying to manage all the interviews and extended footage of signing day and an educational environment, I was being taught the about the entire process these student athletes go through.


"It's a Process": Another process happens to be our production process. This took many hours in and out of class along with many scheduled appointments with Austin Hansen, Jay Novacek, and our very own counselor Angie Salava. Also many inputted hours for upside filming of the signing day and everything in between. Once we started going full speed, we were set on the thought that our project was looking great, however, we continuously needed more B-roll. We didn't plan enough in advance during the pre-production process. Throughout creating another story for the public eye,  Quen and I learned interesting information about the NCAA. Through the process, much was to be gained. Not necessarily from a journalistic aspect, but an educational one. I learned things constantly throughout my interviews about the signing process and all the fine details.


Gained: Technically, we were very prepared and had everything thrown together no problem. The only seemingly concernable detail was not having enough b-roll. Professionally, the teamwork is always there, the cooperation always is in place and the deadline was met. However, its not always a matter of deadlines, sometimes its a matter of quality.


Subject to Change: If I were to change something, I would figure out a filming schedule to catch him working out or in practice. I believe that aspect would have added a whole new element that most people would latch on to when watching the package. Nonetheless, the package was still solid overall. I would continue with the interview setups that we have mastered throughout many packages (Quen and I).


Much Learned, Thanks and Have a Good One: Overall, this package was a process that involved more in-touch knowledge with college signings. Definitely was more than content with the interviews, more so Austin's. I am slowly perfecting interviews now as a senior, but I will always be bettering myself, of course. If you can tell me you know how to make a perfect interview with compelling shots in all aspects, please show me. Quen and I are working on Mr. Trumpp currently as our latest project as well as a documentary short about the life of a wrestler.

A Time of Innovation Reflection

This article is about the new innovation of technology and the future of storytelling and how it just may be in a "Golden Age".

The author does not provide a sense of exactly how and why it has become a golden age. He touches briefly but lacks the real "in-depth" detail that stories need to reel in an audience. From a personal opinion, it almost loses my attention a few times. But, through samples of HBO and Netflix as well as touching on virtual reality and new innovations, he establishes his point clearly. We are in a time of innovation for journalism and technology for all.

The authors points are clear with vivid samples of entertainment and storytelling changing as we speak. He supports his claims well through evidence of the modern world today. His claims such as "This is the opportunity we all have in front of us: to redefine storytelling for an always-on world" to portray an "opportunity in front of us that we are to take advantage of. However, He just seems to trail off in interest. He jumps from a topic of Netflix to Google glass and then finishes off with broadcasting again. So while the points were understood and clearly made, I lost interest as a reader and felt as if the claims were somewhat "tossed around".

Overall, while the story was clear and the point was made, it just didn't provide the spark that readers love to read. The author argues how Netflix has overtaken other strands of entertainment in which people pay way more than necessary. Also, in journalism that today that the “digital, always-on” world is a new Golden Age that once again presents new opportunities that would "pioneer" new storytelling. In other words, we are at a turning point in journalism and broadcasting, and its a golden time.

Cite: Golden Age Article

http://www.wired.com/2014/10/digital-innovation-golden-age/

Tyler's 5 Great Interview Tips

1. Grab a personable subject

You're subject that you are interviewing should be very in-touch with the topic. If it were about someones baeball career, you would want that person to have knowledge on every small detail of the topic and beyond. Hopefully it is about themselves if they are the topic. The person should also speak well. You would never want your subject to be shy and kept about what they have to say. It is very important to find a personable and knowledgable subject.

2. Make it a conversation

Honestly, this is the most vital piece to an interview. Make it known that you are trying to have a conversation by warming up your subject. Welcome them, talk to them before and after the interview. If your subject feels like they are having a conversation with you, their answers will flow much easier and roll without error. The person or subject should never feel scared to answer or feel guarded. If the question is about a personal or touchy subject, ask them before recording about how they feel answering. The little things can go a long way and making a conversation with your subject is critical.

3. Details and little things

Every laugh, tear or smile after or before an answer could be great when editing your package. The small things and emotions they show give the true feel for the story. It adds the humanistic portion to the package and gives the audience a real feel for the emotion. This adds the flavor and everything else falls into place.

4. Different Camera Angles

Using more than one camera as well as using different angles creates diversity in the package. Showing close-ups, wide shots, and side-of-face shots add a whole new element to the interview. To make an audience feel like they are there and actually with the subject is very important. To show all these angles, shows every angle of the person's face and the emotion they are expressing. No one wants to see the same shot of one person in an interview over and over. Make sure to add the various angle in your interview.

5. Lighting

Lighting is obviously critical in any interview. Natural can be good and bad, but I wouldn't rely on it. Using your own light set always makes for the best picture quality. Of course, in the right setting, it can make for  the right emotion when set up correctly.

ONW Now- Behind The Scenes

This project entailed just every little detail that goes on behind the camera rather than the front. Instead of the typical news story we are used to doing, this projects a new look about what goes on in the news studio. The scope of the project was to focus on how much effort is thrown into every news broadcast. The production took several camera switches, a glide-track, and various interviews to make it look great. We believed we had it down the first time, but it took some editing to realize that we needed extra b-roll and more vivid shots. That being said, the shots in this production happened to be fantastic as they captured the essence of the "behind the scene" scene.

If I were to do the package again, I would have changed the setting of the interview. The picture quality just wasn't up to speed with the b-roll. It wasn't horrible but the difference is noticeable. But to keep the same, also the b-roll. The shots were very clear and every detail was captured in the production. Overall, the production was quality as Quen Barkyoumb and I try to continue our reoccurring excellence through packages. Still, there is much improvement as perfection is never truly achieved;. However, the overall production is one to be proud of.

~Tyler Soetaert

Six-Shot System

The six-shot system, in a news package, is vital to its well-being. If you're like me, you may not enjoy set guidelines but in this case however, it is very necessary. The six-shot system composes of shots of the subject including a close-up of the hands, a close shot of the face, an over-the-shoulder shot of your subject, a medium of the subject, a wide to show more background, and an extra-wide or establishing shot to help the viewer fully grasp where and why they are watching. The viewer should feel as if they are a part of the story as each shot gives a perspective different than the last.

Filmed and shot pictures of Connor Bickford:

Establishing/ Extra-Wide: This is the first shot of all sequences. Here Connor is easily seen reading and focusing on his homework. As a viewer you can see the background and all that surrounds him in his environment and you are able to grasp the full effect.

Wide Shot: Connor is seen reading but also communicating with a peer in the room. The shot is not as wide as the establishing but still helps the viewer get closer and understand what is going on a little more. The shot adds a whole new component that is vital to the story.

 Medium: Probably the most used shot in any event. It is known as the most "original" or "regular" shot there is. It is a picture of what is happening, as it captures exactly what takes place in the event.

 Close-up (Face): This shot adds a component that was not available until now. It creates an up-close presence with the subject and lets you see all details. It can add emotion untold by other shots as it shows every wrinkle in the skin or strand of hair.

Close-up (Hands): This shot composes of what the subject may be doing. In-depth of course, it adds detail untapped from the wide shots.

Over-The-Shoulder: A "from-behind" point of view. As you've seen about every detail and every angle, the behind shot adds the final angle necessary. Thanks to this shot we have added almost every component as the viewer should feel as if they are in the room.

Web vs. TV

Three stories based on soccer fanatic, Indie Cowie, give an audience a "wow" appeal with an interesting story on a young prodigy. Indie was gifted with an incredible soccer ability and a drive to be the best. Based on three stories: one created by ESPN, the other by NY Times, and the last by a high school tv network, the best was the longest.

The second web story was easily the best story. With much thought into it, greater detail and a story the viewer can grasp at all directions, it blew the other two out of the water. However, the videos all share certain qualities. They all compose video of her practicing and doing many tricks, it appears her answers on all interviews are very similar but detailed and well said, and they mainly focus on her incredible focus that takes place and how she sacrifices so much.

They all are different in certain ways as well. They all take completely different angles for each story. The ESPN takes a lighter approach for entertainment. The NY Times gives a full story in depth. The TV story is up front reporting and very "newsy".

Basically web videos are meant to portray a story and have different effects to it. You can easily see how the tv segment used standup reporting and went from report to interview as if you were watching the six o'clock news. The web stories took either a "pizazz" route or the in-depth story route. Tv jumps from story to story and then back to the anchor, but as a web story, it can take on any angle and it is a single segment meant for the website only.

Certain elements, such as the standup report or the great attention to detail could be added into packages or stories for my own personal work. A lot of natural noise threw it together and I believe emulating that into a package can be essential. Different shots along with detailed interviews describing what the person is doing in the shot. For instance, Indie describes her tricks and the amount of time it took to master them and then the shot of her doing the trick would display along a caption. Little attention to detail becomes very important to a package.

Q&A with Jonathan Stahl, An Inspiration

Olathe Northwest para Jonathan Stahl works day in and day out with some of the most inspiring individuals this school has to offer. He spoke on how his love and passion is what creates the immeasurable experience.

~Written by: Tyler Soetaert

When you accepted this job, what did you expect?

When I accepted this job, I had no idea what to expect. I tutored students with autism in college and I loved it but I didn't know what that looked like in a school setting so to come back here, I was unsure of what to expect but just fell in love.

Obviously working with the same people day in and day out can be frustrating and not always exciting, but you've seem to love it. Why do you love this job?

These kids are so inspiring and I love being around teenagers all day as well. I also work with them outside school so it can basically be a full time job.

Why did you accept this job?

I originally thought about working in a college setting but since I love working with teenagers, I knew coming here would be what I wanted.

What do you love about these special education students and why?

They are just so inspiring, you would think they have more difficulties than we do but they enjoy life so much and they're hilarious...They're just so much fun.

What has this job taught you?

It has taught me a lot of patience and to have a good attitude because things won't always go your way. I truly believe that this job is also about them teaching me and the life lessons learned are something you don't get anywhere.

How did you get this job?

I work with special needs kids in my church and a lady I work with brought up the idea. Eventually I applied and was interviewed by Greg Smith where he asked about my vision and what I was all about.

What advice to you have for aspiring paras?

First, you have to love teens or else you're not going to make it. You have to laugh at yourself and take the ups and downs as they come.

What sort of patience does this require?

It requires a certain amount but you have to love these kids and take anything that comes at you.

Working with Jack all the time, as well as Robbie, what have they taught you and how have they impacted you?

They are both incredible. Robbie never is sad, only tired a lot and he always brightens my day. Jack is incredible, he is inspiring and encouraging about everything. He's funny and crazy intelligent and he's awesome to be around. He comes into every class and people are excited to see him, so it's cool to be able to bring that into a room.

Any additional comments?

Love what you do and do what you love, especially in this job haha...

Life Changing Lives

This video was created to show my appreciation, as well as Quens, for these two. These young men live their lives vicariously through the sport of football and through the Olathe Northwest team. Growing up with these two, I thought it would only be right to share with the public how I see Colin and Jack. It is portrayed through my eyes and the film itself is as if you were watching from Quen's or my point of view.

The idea came from Homecoming week, we knew Jack Weafer was a senior HC court candidate and a likely king, we thought the timing was perfect. The producing took about three weeks of strung out b-roll and interviews. Filming of the games was done by Quen in which I would be on the field. The post-editing was not too hard, we had our vision of how we wanted it to look and straying away from the regular newsy side of e-comm was what we went for.

Along with the process, I gained knowledge of just how important interviews can be and too be fearless with asking questions. The best material can come with the most risky questions, as long as your subject is comfortable. I would have made the story longer, however. As I was only given a 3 minute time frame, it seemed as if we cut it to a fraction of what it could have been. But, bonuses come as well, and I would continue with the intense b-roll in packages, great lighting, and fantastic interview subjects. These helped the story thrive.

I drew personal experiences from this about life itself, and one is simply to portray a story of something you love. Because nothing more creative and passionate will come. And through your eyes, nothing can grip the hearts of people more. Ive seen my best work in subjects that I have or already have fallen in love with. I have grown up with these two kids throughout my whole life and the story flowed with ease.

Reflection Over First Package

The BYOD Deviceless package ended up becoming very well developed. The story being portrayed was the conflicts that drove through the new BYOD idea. Quen and I told a story, as well as gathered some great B-roll, while trying to deliver a message. I thought we drove the point home in Mr. Skoglund's interview with his "there will always be problems" quote. It gave the package the right spark.



I feel as if my first package started out a little shaky due to faulting audio. My first interview became much like a coaching process, as if I had to almost give Miles certain quotes to say on camera. Trying to extract information from a kid who's not well spoken isn't always the easiest. This just goes to show the selection process in finding an interviewee is vital. Also we lacked the proper amount of b-roll as we had to get some late. The quality, however, was done very well.



Next package, a proper interviewee will be extremely important and finding someone who is very personable. We as journalists need someone who will have a conversation and let their ideas flow of their tongue. These pieces create the best interviews and the attention to detail is critical. Something as small as what happened between meals can create and spark huge interest in your viewers. The next package will consist of a variety of different shots in the interviews as well as picture quality. People love to see color.

Convergence Journalism ONW- Challenge 1

I learned how important camera angles truly are. In a sense, every piece is vital to your package but getting the 6 shot system is key to diversity in a package, whether it be film or pictures. In the next package I would like to incorporate more attention-grabbing sound bytes. In turn, that means my questions will need smoke juice that will squeeze out some vivid and descriptive answers. People want to hear a story and I need to portray to the audience as such.

Senior Year

A personal goal of mine this year just so happens to be to become a better news broadcaster and present myself better. Also, storytelling is a huge component for me. Making the audience feel and absorb my story will be a main focus and goal of mine. Attention to detail and specifics is where it can strike the point home and pull the readers focus in.

A goal of mine associating with this convergence journalism class would have to be being actively involved in the news shows as well as anchoring more. As this is a major of mine in college, it is critical to make the most of it and present myself in the best way possible. If I do so, this class can keep me a cut above the rest when entering college.

My goal is to role as a leader in E-comm. I want the underclassmen to know how things work and that people who have been in the class for three years now should be in charge. A leadership role is one that will be taken by me as well as other experienced individuals.

My Personality Type

My personality type is one that is a little more idealistic, but quick on their feet. ENTP people, like me, tend to be quick, ingenious and alert. I tend to read others well in their emotions and mental standpoint and become very intrigued by new personal experiences. Also, ENTP's happen to be people who like to experience people for themselves, creating their own opinions and never trusting others.

I believe this somewhat accurately describes me; I am an outgoing extravertive person who tends to be insightful, fairly smart, and one who seeks adventure and personal experiences. My personality type also explains how I am "quick" and always "alert", which I personally believe is not that accurate about me. I tend to take my time and extract all thoughts in a slower process.

I dont believe it helps me better understand myself a whole lot. I am pretty understanding of my own personality and how i interact with the world. I do believe this exploration was somewhat of a label but fairly accurate.

In a group of people or team, I am an outgoing person but tend to be very independent. When my roll matches with my personality, it tends to work in my favor because there is no need for accommodation or morphing my personality. When it happens to not fit the roll, I can adapt; change in order to accommodate, but its never near as easy.

I have been misunderstood for not agreeing with people always. Having my own opinion that happens to be my personal experience is not the same as the average opinion, therefore being misunderstood. I dont have many people in my life that I would compare personality types to, like my personality is, I prefer my own experiences.

I have learned through this assignment that I am a quick, extroversive, person, yet insightful and prefers my own experiences about people. This tends to be fairly accurate, although I work a lot through my emotions and thoughts.