PRODUCING A NEWS PROGRAMME

Resources: Before you start working on the news programme, you must choose a (user-friendly) camera or decide to use the team members’ smartphones. You will also need editing software (see links below) and to teach your students the basics of video editing. Then, you need to choose at least one publishing platform, such as YouTube or social media.

Time requirement: Producing a news programme in a group may require multiple half-days of individual and group work.

1. Choosing topics:

The first step is to hold a meeting of the editorial board to pick the name of the programme, the topics to be covered, the formats (report, interview, debate, newsflash), and the angles.

1. Assigning roles:

This is also a good time to assign the roles of ‘journalist(s)’, ‘expert(s)’, ‘presenter(s)’, and ‘crew’ (camera operator and editor) to answer the following questions: Who is in charge of what? What does each person need to do to prepare? (research, coming up with questions, reporting, commentary)?

1. Cue sheet and script:

Next, you need to come up with a cue sheet – a minute-by-minute breakdown of the show – and help the presenters write their script (everything should be scripted: opening, introduction of topics/journalists, segment closers, transitions, closing, acknowledgements) and rehearse on set so that they do not look down at the script too much.

1. Filming:

The programme should be pre-recorded rather than live. Segments should be filmed individually to avoid noise from chairs and movements as well as to keep the rhythm.

For example: Opening and introduction / topic 1 / conclusion and introduction / topic 2 / conclusion / interview intro / interview / conclusion introduction / topic 3 / programme close/ acknowledgements.

The background should be neutral or specially chosen. Make sure there is enough light and a suitable fixed frame.

1. Editing:

Next, put all the segments in order to make it seem like it is live (or to make everything flow). Make sure you follow the cue sheet you made using software.

1. Posting:

Finally, share the programme, for example on YouTube, and also post it to social media or your intranet making sure to give it tags, link it to other content, and that it already has a visual identity (logo and title). Add a short description so users will want to watch it.

MAKING A SHORT FILM, DOCUMENTARY, OR NEWS REPORT

Video production comprises various formats including:

• Short films (a short, scripted story)
• Documentaries (an investigation-style video that covers multiple aspects of an issue)
• News reports (a video that covers one specific topic from a unique angle)

Resources: To make a video, you do not necessarily need professional equipment. A digital camera, smartphone, or tablet may suffice.

Time requirement: Making a short film in a group may require multiple half-days of individual and group work. You can save time by filming the video in one long take to avoid having to do any editing.

1. Choosing a subject

Before starting working on the film itself, it is a good idea to familiarise students with the subject they have chosen by providing them with a variety of educational materials in order to create an environment that is conducive to starting a dialogue on the subject. You and your students can then discuss the different possible approaches, explore and use existing resources, and come up with a message.

Once you have your message, it is helpful to write, as a team, a short (one-page) summary of what happens in your film. This is the synopsis; it follows the narrative structure and specifies the ending.

Format:

• Format: A maximum two-minute film must be concise and effective. You will need to choose a format: info-clip, advertisement, sketch, trailer, narrative, news report
• Screenplay: The screenplay should be extremely detailed to make filming go fast. The story is then broken down into narrative sequences and each sequence into shots to create a storyboard.

Before filming:

• You need to find locations (scouting) and sets, text, dialogue, costumes, and props.
• The team also needs role assignments: camera operator, editor, scriptwriter, director, sound engineer (sound recording and music), and actors.

Your team will also need to agree on techniques:

• Visual techniques: standard film (actors acting out scenes), stop-motion animation (modelling clay, Lego, Playmobil, photo cut-outs, etc.), pixilation (photography of images), slideshow with sound and narration.
• Audio techniques: live recording while filming, dubbing (re-recording voices), soundtrack (voiceover, commentary, music).

Before filming, you will need to get authorisation to use the sound and video recordings.

For easier editing, you can start each take with a clapper that says the scene number or name and take number.

1. During filming you will need to select the most interesting shots and save all of the shots on a computer or memory card.
2. Editing comprises multiple steps:

• Importing video and sound files, editing sound and video, adding any effects, music (free of copyright), subtitles (if necessary), and opening and closing credits.
• Then, it is time to export the final edit for viewing. You can choose to show the final edit in any way you wish (online, video projection, television, etc.).

PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES

You can use this lesson sheet as a basis for organising a video production activity with young people.