Project: This video project involves telling the story of a person who has an extraordinary talent of some kind. This person could be an athlete, artist, musician, chef, comedian, dancer, etc. “Extraordinary” is open for your interpretation. However, peers in the same field must recognize this person’s talent, not just you or their family. Think action. If you do report on a person outside of Gainesville, keep in mind that you will most likely need to travel again for more interviews and b-roll after draft critiques.

The goal of this project is to tell the story of this person and show his/her talent and skills with video. The audience should get to know this person – What is practicing this skill like? Frustrations? Challenges? Competition? How did this person first get interested in this activity? What’s his/her work attitude like? Any fears? Dreams? What’s next for him/her?

Your character will narrate this piece, not you. A second source must be interviewed about your character and his/her talent.

All story ideas/pitches must be approved by your editor first to receive credit.

The following criteria is required:

• Video (no longer than three minutes, at least two sources)
• Sources must be fonted with name and title
• Short music track(s) in piece — http://creativecommons.org/legalmusicforvideos
• At least six photographs (different from the video) that are shot by you must be included within video story. One can be used for the cover shot.
• Third-party source credit must appear at time material is introduced (upper right)
• SEO-friendly headline, intro blurb (at least two sentences) and video posted to site
• A still photo cover shot with readable display title and your name By XXXX XXXXX

Project Deadlines

• Tues., Feb. 14: Draft due at 9 a.m. on course site*
• Thurs., Feb. 16: Critique of two classmates’ projects (via comments), so 48 hours**
• Tues., Feb. 21: Final project due at 9 a.m. on course site.

*NOTE: To participate in one-on-one critiques, students must have drafts that are at least 80% complete. Talking head videos with little b-roll or missing storyline will not be accepted as draft quality. No draft means no draft/critique points and no attendance points for that critique week. Late drafts will not be accepted.

**Extra credit: Give constructive feedback (via comments) on at least two classmates’ projects within 48 hours of draft deadline and receive up to 5 points on grade. Those students with non-acceptable drafts or no draft may not participate in extra credit opportunity. To critique others’ work, you must have a draft quality work, too.
Evaluation of project

Storytelling: The Content: 30 points
Opening: the hook, introduction of character (10)
Reporting: the narration, questions asked, sequencing (10)
Story arch: climax or turning point (5)
Closing: Appropriately sums up piece/tone (5)

Video/Editing:  130 points
Quality (15)
Interviews/Second source (15)
Variety of shots (15)
Transitions/Fades (15)
Sound transitions (10)
Sequencing (10)
Camera steadiness (10)
Lighting (10)
Framing, composition (10)
Natural sound/music quality (10)
Timing/Tempo (5)
Fonting/third-party credits (5)

Photos: 35 points
Quality/composition/cover (20)
Audio-image matching (5)
Transitions/Timing (5)
Lighting/Color (5)

Other: 5 points
SEO-friendly headline, intro blurb (at least two sentences), video posted to site
Total:       200 points

Story pitches (via email or in person) to editor must include:

5-6 sentences about named person or issue/trend
Answer: Why is this a story? Who cares?
At least six to eight types of visuals you will shoot/locations
Other named sources you will interview

Questions to ask

• Name, title, what they do (in easy-to-understand terms); spell name on tape.
• How did they get into this activity? (Tell me a story, show me visuals)
• Describe how they practice and get better in detail. (Jot down b-roll ideas)
• What are some of their goals, short-term & long-term? How will they know they are ready to compete?
• Can they describe their frustrations?
• Can they describe their fears or worries?
• How do they mentally prepare and physically prepare?
• Who inspires them? Where do they draw inspiration from (Pictures or visuals?)
• What do they love and dislike about this activity?
• How would they describe themselves?
• Can they demonstrate this skill or walk you through it?
• Any nicknames? Superstitions (have them show you).
• Get immediate reaction BEFORE and AFTER they’ve done something – Ask them immediately what they are feeling mentally and physically at that very moment.
• How long will they do this activity for?
• Any tips for people who want to be just like them?

Naming sources/closing credit

All sources interviewed must be identified in video with fonting in Final Cut Pro. The style for lower-third fonting is:

• Full Name: upper and lowercase, 32 point Helvetica, white, align left
• Title: below name, upper and lowercase, 22 pt. Helvetica, white, align left
• Lower-third background: 80% transparency
• Third-party source credit should appear at time material is introduced. Hold for
• 6-7 seconds. Place text in upper right corner, smaller type.

Cover Art

Cover art should include a readable display headline AND your byline.

Obtaining permission

Written permission must be obtained to use any third-party photographs or video in your piece and a courtesy credit must be given. A copy of this written permission should state:

“[Your name] has the right to use this [description of material] for a story for class project at no cost. [Source name] acknowledges this story will be posted online on a UF website page and may be published or aired by a local news organization. The agreed upon credit will be [Courtesy XXXXX].  [Source name] is the rightful owner of the requested material.”

This form must be signed and dated by the source and include contact information.

Interviewing minors

Permission to film or shoot minors under age 18 must be obtained by a parent or guardian on tape or in writing.