Television News Production - News Programme

We got assigned to create different news programs in groups that would in the end create one news bulletin with a variety of unique stories that furthermore caters for an extensive audience. Ellie and I decided to go in a group of two and the news program we will be creating is about teenagers texting whilst driving. We found this story to be interesting as it refers to wide audience but specifically teenagers which means we'd be able to film some thought-provoking footage.

This is a detailed overview of the news program. The story Ellie and I were assigned was about teenagers who text whilst driving. This story has a lot of news value as although it specifically relates to teenagers it also relates to near enough everyone from people who drive, passengers in vehicles to people who are learning to drive. This is also a story which people would find interesting and want to hear more about as it does relate to such a wide variety of audiences. This story being about teenagers would firstly draw attention to teens but also parents and grandparents, older people who do reservations about young drivers as they are constantly stereotyped as being 'bad' drivers. The geographical area where this news story will be filmed is the local area to the college. I decided it would be for the best if I use the local surroundings as there will be guaranteed a mixture of drivers from younger to older people in South Downs College. Ellie and I thought if we used the car packs for filming voxpops we'd be able to film a mixture of responses and it would be the best location for filming. We decided the news item which we'd use in the news program would be the following; we will start the news program through summarizing what the program will be about and also several facts and figures. The program will also include multiple voxpops which will show different opinions and make it more interesting and exciting. Furthermore cut away shots and visuals will be used to add a more attention-grabbing element.

Research 

These are several facts and statistics which Ellie and I found though our research. All of these facts and statistics are accurate and correct as we found them on an official trustworthy website which was set up to create awareness of teenager drivers and the dangers which could be faced. Through our research we also found a video on YouTube which was about a Belgian road safety campaign group has found proof of just how dangerous texting and driving is – by getting young drivers to give it a try on a test track. The Belgium-based Responsible Young Drivers (RYD) group fooled the young motorists into thinking that a new law had been passed requiring them to pass a ‘texting and driving exam’.

Facts and Statistics 

1. 33% of deaths among 13 to 19-year-olds in 2010 occurred in motor vehicle crashes.

2. 16-year-olds have higher crash rates than drivers of any other age.

3. 56% of teens said they talk on the phone while driving.

4. Statistics show that 17 and 18-year-old driver death rates increase with each additional passenger.

5. Only 44% of teens said they would definitely speak up if someone were driving in a way that scared them.

6. Teen drivers with involved parents are twice as likely to wear seat belts.

7. More than 40% of teen auto deaths occur between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

8. Talking on a cell phone can double the likelihood of an accident as well as slow a young driver’s reaction time down to that of a 70-year-old.

9. 1 in 5 of 16-year-old drivers has an accident within their first year of driving.

10. 56% of teenagers rely on their parents to learn how to drive.

11. Crash risk for teens increase incrementally with each mile per hour over the speed limit.

The Impossible Texting & Driving Test

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbjSWDwJILs

http://www.textinganddrivingsafety.com/texting-and-driving-stats/
This a website which Ellie and I also found with several interesting but knowledgeable facts and statistics about young people driving. We also found this photo from the website which is visually interesting with the use of bright colours and illustrations. Its also very educational which is helpful as its useful but also appealing. We were planning to add this illustration into the news program. 

News Values

This story is 100% valid for the target audience as its based around teenagers which attract a wider audience for people who are teenagers, either just generally interested in stories about teens or a young person who is learning to drive and are wanting to be aware of any stories which could relate to them. Due to this story being about driving, which is something a lot of people do makes it have a huge news value and something a lot of people would be interested in, regardless of its focus on teenagers.

Accuracy

The research which we found for our news program is a lot through the Internet so we had to make sure it was completely truthful. The website which we used information from was through official websites which share information further found from investigations and trials. The responses we will get from voxpops will be accurate as they the audiences opinions. All sides of the story is considered as we will discuss the story as well as talking about facts but use voxpops to create a flip-side and give a variety of opinions.

Interviews

We've both decided to not use interviews for the news program as we found it wasn't really necessary for this topic. We've decided to stick will using a variety of voxpops and presenter to the camera scene as we feel it would be more interesting and intriguing. If we decide to interview somebody our main interviewees would be a police officer who especially focuses on the road and vehicles as we feel they would have a better understanding. We would also interview somebody who has had experience with a car accident (hopefully which involved a young person or somebody who was on there phone) as that would add an aspect of realism.

Equipment

The equipment which we will be using is a video camera and tripod. We will book both these equipment out from the college where they allow people to book cameras and other equipment for college and non college uses. We will use the camera and tripod for several lessons and book both items out each time we use them. Ellie and I have both had experience with using the equipment which is why we feel confident with using it without testing it beforehand. However we will practice beforehand to make angles, lighting etc are correct.

Location

We decided to use the local area for our location as we feel it would be the best area to find a variety of people to interview or for voxpoxs in the news program. We've decided to do our voxpops in the car packs of South Downs College as we are aware of the different people that use them and feel we are confident with finding great answers for the voxpops. The weather is one disadvantage to our location. If the weather is poor it may stop our chances of filming which is why we've decided to make sure we film when the weather is good and book the camera equipment a few hours before filming.

Risk Assessment

This is a print screen of our risk assessment, which we considered equipment dangers, risks for crew and cast, and also hazards which we may face in our location.

Legal Consideration

We've been granted permission to film at our chosen location which not breach any location laws. We also have both agreed to make sure we ask everyone we wish to film whether its okay to have permission to ask them questions and film. Both these plans will make sure we've clearly considered the legal side of news production.

Production Schedule

This is our production schedule which clearly shows our plans of action for each weeks lessons.

Script 

This is the script which Ellie and I created for our news program.

Chris: Hello, welcome to South Downs News.

Rebecca: We are here today reporting live from South Downs College, discussing the topic of teenagers texting whilst driving.

Chris: 33% of deaths among 13 to 19-year-olds in 2010 occurred in motor vehicle crashes.

Rebecca: This is a terrifying statistic which is why change must begin as soon as possible.

Chris: We are now here joined with Charlotte, a 17 year old student who's recently passed her driving test.

Rebecca: Whats your thoughts on teenagers who text whilst driving?

Charlotte: 'gives her response'

Chris: If you were in a vehicle with somebody who was texting would you intervene?

Charlotte: 'gives her response'

Rebecca: Only 44% of teens said they would definitely speak up if someone were driving in a way that scared them.

Chris: Talking on a cell phone can double the likelihood of an accident as well as slow a young driver’s reaction time down to that of a 70-year-old.

CUT AWAY SHOTS

MORE VOX POPS

Chris: Whats your thoughts on teenagers who text whilst driving?

Interviewee: 'gives there response'

Chris: Have you ever been involved in a car accident where technology or teenagers where involved?

Interviewee: 'gives there response'

Rebecca: Whats your thoughts on teenagers who text whilst driving?

Interviewee: 'gives there response' 

Rebecca: Would you get involved if you saw somebody texting whilst driving?

Interviewee: 'gives there response'

CUT AWAY SHOTS

Chris: 'more vox pop questions' 

Interviewee: 'gives answer'

Rebecca: 'more vox pop questions' 

Interviewee: 'gives answer'

5 more vox pop shots

3 more facts and statistics

Chris: Teen drivers with involved parents are twice as likely to wear seat belts.

Rebecca: Only 44% of teens said they would definitely speak up if someone were driving in a way that scared them.

Chris: Statistics show that 17 and 18-year-old driver death rates increase with each additional passenger.

YouTube clip about teenagers texting and driving appears. 

CUT AWAY SHOT

Rebecca: I hope you have found this to be helpful and informative. 

Chris: So next time you debate texting whilst driving, just remember your putting your life and others in danger.

Chris: And this has been Chris and Lucy reporting for South Downs News. 

Rebecca: Thank you for watching, back to the studio.

Evaluation 

The story I was assigned to do was about teenager’s texting whilst driving, this story has a lot of news value as it effects a large majority of society. A lot of people drive or are aware of people that do, so the thought of a generation putting people’s lives at risk would grab attention and be engaging. I was pleased with the story I was given as I felt I could create a news story and radio vox pop piece to a great standard with such a in depth story. The target audience for ‘teenager’s texting whilst driving’ specifically relates to teenagers it also relates to near enough everyone from people who drive, passengers in vehicles to people who are learning to drive. This is also a story which people would find interesting and want to hear more about as it does relate to such a wide variety of audiences. This story being about teenagers would firstly draw attention to teens but also parents and grandparents, older people who do reservations about young drivers as they are constantly stereotyped as being 'bad' drivers. This story appeals the audience for the simple fact it effects a wide variety of people and is a serious matter as texting whilst driving is illegal and puts people’s lives in danger.

I have demonstrated a variety of professional practice within my film and radio piece. To start with my filming assignment reflects professionalism as I used a mixture of different and expert angles like cut away shots, long distance shots and close ups. I also made sure the actors and actresses I decided to use for the filming were the best I could find, I wanted the news film to be as professional as possible which is why I choose actors and actress who were up to that standard and what I wanted to represent our news programme. Another example of how my film treatment reflects professional practice is the script. Throughout this assignment I researched a variety of different news programmes and looked into how the way news reporters speak, what they say etc. and due to this made sure the script reflected that. I used the conventional aspect of the news reporters introducing themselves and addressing what location they are at so it related to a traditional style news report. Some examples of how I established professional practice in my radio assignment are as follows; when collecting vox pops, I looked into different ones through research (Radio 1 News, BBC News ect.) All of the vox pops I listened to all stuck to a similar style of clear voices, lack of background sound and short answers, due to this I decided to make sure my vox pops were to a similar theme. When doing vox pops I was sure to do them in areas which weren't surrounded by a lot of background sounds and asked questions which were recognizable and allowed the person to give a detailed answer. The voice piece in my radio assignment also demonstrated professional practice because the voice was clear and understandable. The way the voice piece and vox pops were edited also showed professionalism as personally I feel it sounds similar to ones you would hear on the radio.

A lot of the places where I sourced my information for both my radio and television assignment were from the Internet. After I discovered the story I was assigned to I straight away started researching facts and figures, information and incidents which may have appeared in the public eye which involves not just teenagers but people in general texting whilst driving. I found a lot of facts and figures such as 33% of deaths among 13 to 19-year-olds in 2010 occurred in motor vehicle crashes and 56% of teens said they talk on the phone while driving on a website called ‘No Texting Whilst Driving’.

A feel I have a lot of strengths as well as some weaknesses in both of my television and radio assignments. The strengths I have in my television assignment are as follows; as an overview I’m pleased with how my news film has ended up as it’s demonstrated the style of a professional news programmes. The whole film I feel was finished to a high standard as I used different, good quality shots, a couple of good actors/actresses and a script which displays effectiveness. The weaknesses in this news programme is maybe the lack of interviews within. I only used on particular person who got asked questions by the news reporters. So if I was to complete this assignment again I would make sure I had arranged an interview with another person who maybe would be more significant to the story like a policeman or someone who has been involved in a car accident but specifically when someone was on their phone. The strengths in my radio assignment are I feel that my audio piece was to a professional and good quality standard. I enjoyed researching different audio on the radio and due to this I feel this is why the vox pop and voice piece I created relates to it and does sound strikingly similar. My vox pops in particular I’m impressed with as I feel they are clear, understandable and relate to the style of radio vox pops. One weakness I felt I had with this radio assignment is although I was happy with my vox pops if I was to do the task again I would ask a more variety of questions to get a different response. 

Television Script Writing

Activity Two

A major investigation into whether mobile phones and other wireless technologies affect children's mental development is getting under way. The study will track 2,500 11- and 12-year-olds from September. It will look at their thinking skills, memory and attention - and then repeat the tests in 2017.The researchers say "very little" is known about what impact these technologies have on children. 

More than 160 secondary schools in the outer London area will receive invitations to enrol pupils into the study. Much of the research into mobile phone use has focused on adults and the risk of brain cancer. No evidence of harm has been established to date. NHS advice is that children under the age of 16 should use mobile phones only for essential purposes and, where possible, with hands-free kits.

The theory has been put forward that children's brains may be more at risk because they are still developing. This research - led by Imperial College London - will put that idea to the test by asking children and their parents about their use of mobile phones and wireless devices3, as well as analyzing data from operators. The 11-12 age group is particularly important as many children get mobiles at that age to coincide with starting secondary school. Some 70% of that age group now owns a mobile.

Lead investigator Dr Mireille Toledano said: "The advice to parents is based on the precautionary principle given in absence of available evidence and not because we have evidence of any harmful effects. "As mobile phones are a new and widespread technology central to our lives, carrying out the study is important in order to provide the evidence base with which to inform policy and through which parents and their children can make informed life choices." The researchers will now be writing to 160 secondary schools in the outer London area asking pupils to take part.

Further Improved Version

A large study into whether mobile phones are harmful to children’s health is starting in September (WHAT AND WHEN). 

It’s being funded by the government and mobile phone companies and will involve 2,500 children aged between eleven and twelve (WHO). 

Scientists from Imperial College London (WHERE) will look at their thinking skills, memory and attention - and then repeat the same tests in 2017 (HOW).

Researchers say very little is known about the effects these technologies have on children’s brains and it’s really important we find out (WHY). 

The Construction of Factual Programmes - Issues, Codes and Conventions

Task A:

5 Modes of Documentaries

1. Poetic Mode

The poetic mode of documentary was first seen in the 1920's as a reaction to conventional cinema movements. The documentary style features many of the techniques and ideas shown in Russian montage cinema. It uses these techniques to distant away from traditional continuity editing and rather instead creates meaning for an audience by linking together patterns of images, creating associations for an audience. The poetic mode chooses to rather distance itself from its subject instead of having well known and established characters seen in other modes of documentaries. This is shown in documentary Night Mail; the postal workers featured in this films are not introduced to the audience or even given names as a form of identity. We purely see the characters through there work and we do not witness any emotive scenes with them but instead of emotion portrayed by characters its created by the poetry that matches speed with the train and personifies it. The poetic mode focuses on codes which emphasize tonal or rhythmic qualities, descriptive passages, visual associations and formal organisation. It's also seen in mood, tone and texture. The key features used in poetic documentaries are montage, striking imagery and the focus on mood rather than story.

2. Expository Mode

Documentaries under the expository mode speak directly to the viewer, often in the form of an authoritative commentary employing voice-over or titles, proposing a strong argument and point of view. These types of films try to persuade the viewer and are rhetorical. Often the voice-over is a strong male voice and the commentary sounds 'objective' and 'omniscient'. Images are often not paramount; they exist to advance the argument. The rhetoric insistently presses upon us to read the images in a certain fashion. Historical documentaries in this mode deliver an unproblematic and ‘objective’ account and interpretation of past events. Some examples of expository documentaries are TV shows and films like America's Most Wanted,  Frozen Planet and The Civil War (1990.)

3. Observational Mode

Observational documentaries attempt to simply and spontaneously observe lived life with a minimum of intervention. Filmmakers who worked in this sub-genre often saw the poetic mode as too 'abstract' and the expository mode as too 'didactic'. The first ever observational documentary was created in the 1960's which was helped with the technological developments like the mobile lightweight cameras and portable sound recording equipment for synchronized sound. Observational mode avoids voice-over commentary, post-synchronized dialogue and music, or re-enactments. These types of film are aimed for immediacy, intimacy, and revelation of individual human character in ordinary life situations. Some examples of observational documentaries include Armadillo (2010), Big Brother and  Metallica: Some Kind of Monster.


4. Reflexive Mode

The reflexive mode considers the quality of documentary itself and focuses on the actual filmmaker making the film, de-mystifying its processes and considering its implications. In Dziga Vertov’s Man with a Movie Camera (1929,) for example, he features footage of his brother and wife in the process of shooting footage and editing, respectively. The goal in including these images was, “to aid the audience in their understanding of the process of construction in film so that they could develop a sophisticated and critical attitude.” (Ruby 2005) Mitchell Block’s ...No Lies (1974,) functioned in a notably different manner, as it reflexively and critically questioned the observational mode, commenting on observational techniques and their capacity for capturing authentic truths. In this way, the reflexive mode of documentary often functions as its own regulatory board, policing ethical and technical boundaries within documentary film itself. Other examples of reflexive documentaries consist of Catfish.

5. Performative Mode

 Performative documentaries show subjective experience and emotional response to the world. They are strongly personal, unconventional, perhaps poetic and/or experimental, and might include hypothetical enactments of events designed to make us experience what it might be like for us to possess a certain specific perspective on the world that is not our own, e.g. that of black, gay men in Marlon Riggs’s Tongues Untied (1989) or Jenny Livingston’s Paris Is Burning (1991). This sub-genre might also lend itself to certain groups (e.g. women, ethnic minorities, gays and lesbians, etc) to ‘speak about themselves.’ Often, a battery of techniques, many borrowed from fiction or avant-garde films, are used. Performative documentaries often link up personal accounts or experiences with larger political or historical realities.


Conventions of News Programmes

News broadcasting is the broadcasting of various news events and other information via television, radio or internet in the field of broadcast journalism. The content is usually either produced locally in a radio studio or television studio newsroom, or by a broadcast network.

BBC News is an operational business division of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) responsible for the gathering and broadcasting of news and current affairs. This department is the world's largest broadcast news organisation. It generates around 120 hours of radio and television output each day, also including online news coverage. The service maintains 45 foreign news bureaux and has correspondents in almost every country. The department's annual budget is £350 million and has a staff of 3,500 (2,000 being journalists). Through the BBC English Regions, BBC News has regional centres across England as well as national news centres in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. All regions and nations produce their own local news programmes and other current affairs and sport programmes.

The news report I watched and identified the codes and conventions with was Thursday 2nd October 2014 episode of BBC News at 10pm.

Appearance: 

The presenter of the news broadcaster is dressed extremely smartly and his whole appearance is sharp and neat. He's wearing a suit which fits with the professional feel of the programme. He looks well groomed which shows that he takes pride in his appearance which personifies with how BBC is represented; its a big company and at the top of its game so only the smartest people are used as the face of the corporation. The news presenter looks reliable and trustworthy which is essential for this role of presenting as there job is to inform the general public with local and worldwide news. The presenter is also exceptionally well spoken which makes him more professional and someone who the audience would want to listen to.

Presenters: 

There is one main presenter throughout the 30 minute news broadcasting, who discusses every different story which is shown, he often switches over to a news reporter which is at the location to add more depth to stories. There are only two other presenters throughout the news show which is the sports presenter who discusses sport stories in the sport slot, the other presenter is the weather person who discusses today's weather and the next days.


Footage: 

Throughout the news broadcast, footage from multiple different stories were shown. Each article the news presenter discussed moments after in the background was footage which related to the story. One example of this was when the presenter spoke about the heartbreaking murder of 14 year old Alice Gross, video footage from the crime scene was shown in the background.


Camera Angles:

Multiple different camera angles were used in the 30 minute news broadcast. It started with a close up angle focusing on the presenters facial expressions as he started reporting on the main headline. Throughout the angles would change from close up, mid close ups and long angle shots which creates a good variety and makes it more interesting and exciting. As the audience would lose interest if everything was in the same angle for the whole programme. It also changes depending on what is actually happening in the show; when theirs an interview the clip starts with a long angle which shows the whole studio to the audience and then it goes to a mid close up shot. The camera angles look sharp professional which is done through the use of a tripod; all professional TV or film companies use tripods.

Graphics:

Graphics are used throughout news broadcasts as a way of adding the professional element to the programme. Graphics are shown on screens in the background when the presenter is discussing a story and the cameraman often zooms into the graphics onto the screen whilst the presenter is talking as the voice over or a reporter from the story on the screen is the voice over. Graphics will always be used in news broadcasting as they are an essential element to sharing news. Graphics are also used to show weather and sport, with the weather person speaking to a graphic screen which shows the weather for the next few days in the background.

Lighting:

Lighting used in news broadcasting is very strong and sharp lighting which focuses on the facial expressions of the presenter. Every flaw is shown which is why presenters and reporters will always be wearing a lot of stage make up so there flaws aren't on show but also to make them look alive and healthy as people are more likely to be listen and be interested in a presenter who visually looks good.


Interviews & Reporters:

The 10pm news broadcasting doesn't have many interviews live from the studio as its the end of the day which usually shows the most important parts of the days news stories. However when the presenter started discussing a story which had more detail to be shown the show went to a different location were either a news reporter or somebody who had a significant involvement started discussing the story in more depth. The reporters were equally dressed and looked smart like the presenter; either wearing a suit or smart clothing and having well groomed appearance.

12 Year Old Lifer - Channel 4 Documentary

In April 2010, in the small town of Enchanted Hills in Indiana, 12 year-old Paul Gingerich helped his friend, 15-year-old Colt Lundy, shoot and kill Colt’s stepfather. The shocking murder of Philip Danner was carried out by two middle-class boys with no prior criminal records. The story of the crime is one that has both gripped and baffled the whole of America. With unprecedented access to both boys, their families, and the ongoing court case, this True stories film offers an extraordinary insight into the crime and its aftermath. It also allows the key players in the case to give poignant and candid interviews telling their side of the story. After plotting the crime in the local playground after school, Paul and Colt shot Phillip multiple times. They then stole his car, fled the scene and were eventually picked up by the police after travelling 200 miles. To this day there is no known motive for the crime. Despite their ages, both Paul and Colt were tried and sentenced as adults, and are each serving 30 years. At 12, Paul is one of the youngest children in American history to be waived adult court. Colt was sent straight to a maximum security adult prison and will be transferred to the adult wing when he turns 18. Paul’s family is waging a controversial and historic appeal for him to be re-tried as a juvenile, meaning that he could avoid being sent to adult prison and remain in a juvenile detention facility.

The documentary was first broadcast on Thursday 2nd of May 2013 and has a duration time of 52 minutes.

The main themes in the documentary:
Family disputes
Teenage crime
Prison life
Teenagers being impressionable on others
Children/ teenagers growing up/ living in prison

Code and Conventions of the documentary 

Actuality: 

Actuality footage is used throughout 12 Year Old Lifer, because the documentary is aimed at telling the audience a story the use of just interviews wouldn't be as interesting and understanding, so the filmmaker chose to use actuality footage makes it more realistic and believable. An example of this in 12 Year Old Lifer was the cut in between interviews which showed shots of locations related to the documentary like play grounds which symbolize how young the murderers actually are and also how they planned the unthinkable murder in an actual playground.

Voice over:

The voice over on 12 Year Old Lifer is a mix from the narrator and the interviewees. The documentary starts with the narrator discussing the crime and the background of the two youths. Its usually common for documentaries to start with a narrator summarizing the topic otherwise the audience wouldn't understand previous events if it went straight into interviews it also makes the documentary flow better. The other voice overs used in the documentary are from the interviewees, rather then just the interviews being visually shown in a way of the camera on the interviewee talking straight to the camera. In 12 Year Old Lifer the filmmaker uses what the interviewees are saying as the voice over and whilst this is happening what the interviewees are saying is shown visually on the screen. For example when the parents of Paul are talking about their sons life before his sentence, footage from his past like his school, his old home was shown whilst the parents were the voice over.

Direct and Indirect Interviews:

Interviews are used throughout 12 Year Old Lifer to add depth and back up the documentary. It also allows the key players in the case to give poignant and candid interviews telling their side of the story. A range of people are interviewed which makes it more interesting as it has plenty of sides to the story and makes it genuinely more interesting as its not an hour worth of facts or voice over which could be slightly tedious. Some of the people interviewed are the criminals who committed the crime, police officers involved in the case, family members of the victims and felons, people involved in the court case ect. With all these ranges of interviews it makes a big variety of opinions and comments; the documentary is less bias as theirs no favorited side. The documentary also showed a change of interviews; some of the interviews from the murderers Paul and Colt were recorded when they first committed the crime and then interviews from present day which showed the audience the contrast from when they were young to when they were older; also shows their developments, gain of maturity and responsibility. The interviews from family members were very heart felt and touching, they were sharing personal details about them which made the audience feel more touched and spoken directly to. An example of this was when the victim Paul Gingerich's children were discussing the life and personality of the father and husband; a very personal and touching moment.

Archival footage:

Archival footage was used in 12 Year Old Lifer as a way of showing the real life footage from the case. One example of archival footage used was when the two teenagers were arrested and taken into prison in handcuffs this footage was used to show the audience how young the two boys were when they were arrested it also was good way to visually shock the audience as sometimes pictures just aren't enough. Footage from the crime scene was also used, making the documentary very good as it's bringing realness and reliability to it.

Camera Angles:

The camera angles used in 12 Year Old Lifer are typical to crime style documentary, it was recorded in a way which felt real and not overly produced although it had a lot of good information and professional techniques. The documentary was recorded in a professional style but not completely set up, nothing was crazily staged apart from the interviews. The angles in the interview changed to the people who were being interviewed, the interviews with the police officers used camera angles which were straight on, style like a one on one conversation. However that was different with the interviews of victims and felons family members, the camera angles used were medium shots on a high angle style which makes the objects seem small, unharmful and innocent which is what the filmmaker wants them to be portrayed as because the audience are supposed to feel sorry for these people. The camera angles used when interviewing the two criminals were close up low angle shots to make them seem intimidating and daunting. Also the close up style shot focuses on their facial expressions allowing the audience to really understand what they are saying.

Montage:

12 Year Old Life used the technique of montage through telling the background of the shocking crime, then showing Paul the youngest murderers side of the story and then in the final part showing the second murderer and step son of the victim Colt's side of the argument. the documentary was shown in a sequence and then in between other details were told. The documentary started with the police officer on the crime and the family of the victim discussing what events actually took place, which gave the audience awareness of what the actual documentary was about. The second part focused on 12 year old Paul's involvement in the murder and his family are fighting for justice as they believe he was unfairly tarnished with the same brush as Colt and they haven't took the fact he was influenced to do it. Interviews with the police, Paul and his family all were used as techniques to back up Paul's argument. Due to the documentary not being biased they also showed the other side of the argument in the final part of the programme which focused on Colt and his unfair prejudgment. The filmmakers visited Colt and allowed him to justice his decisions and why he actually did it. In between the three main parts of the documentary other information was shown like the victims life, focused on how young the teens actually were and how it become a worldwide news shocker.

Task B:

The aim for this essay is to analyse documentaries and news programming, looking into detail at the purpose of documentaries/news programming, the exceptions from these forms of film and finally the difference between both of these highly successful filming styles.

A film/television documentary is defined as a genre of film which is a non-fictional motion picture that in some aspect documents and captures reality. Documentaries are often created to reveal an interesting, unusual or even unknown angle of a topic or situation. Mostly trying to create a genuine and frank view on something which hasn't been manipulated in a positive or negative way, documentaries try to be as honest and real as possible which regularly causes controversy and debate. Documentary filmmakers are often motivated to make their films because they feel a particular story or viewpoint is not being (adequately) covered by mainstream media. Sheila Curran Bernard, Author of Documentary Storytelling defines documentaries as "Documentaries bring viewers into new worlds and experiences through the presentation of factual information about real people, places, and events, generally -- but not always -- portrayed through the use of actual images and artifacts. But factuality alone does not define documentary films; it's what the filmmaker does with those factual elements, weaving them into an overall narrative that strives to be as compelling as it is truthful and is often greater than the sum of its parts.". Documentaries can be disturbing, ironic, absurd, funny, poignant, inspirational, amusing and shocking. Its a genre of film making that uses film and video scenes, photographs and/or sound of real people and real events which when edited together creates a particular story, viewpoint, message or experience. Documentaries are usually around half an hour to 2 hours long which fits within traditional television schedule or theatrical release. Filmmakers usually have four main tools to create documentaries which include camcorders, video editing computers, video editing software and gear list. There are thousands of popular and famous documentaries in the world, some examples are Benefit Street, Frozen Planet, and 12 Year Old Lifer.

The purpose of a documentary is to allow filmmakers to have an attempt to change or improve society in some way or form through their documentaries. The main goal is to bring attention to certain situations and help with injustice, the aim is that their films will help galvanize the masses to demand change. An example of a documentary which was created to improve society or cause people to change opinions is Manhunt (director Greg Barker, 2013) it focuses on the CIA’s twenty year search for Osama Bin Laden from the time when his disturbing messages first began arriving via video to his death in May 2011. Documentaries often are created to simply entertain or please the audience in some way, which are called human interest stories, a documentary example of this is The Only Way Is Essex or Made In Chelsea, both structured reality shows aimed at a young audience. Other purposes of documentaries is to profile people, in a form which is simply showing and the allowing the audience to get understanding of somebody; these documentaries aren't bias or judgmental and they called observational films. An example of this type of documentary is Big Brother, which is a reality game show style documentary. Other purposes is to attempt to reveal a hidden truth or mystery like "Danny Dyer - I Believe In UFO'S" or to educate the audience for example "The Planets" which is a made for television documentary series that explores in depth the planets that make up our solar system. Finally another purpose for documentaries is filmmakers may have fascinations with family life and wanting to share the quirkiness of their family's story. So the purpose may be to reveal some truth about society through their family's story but not necessarily to change society rather to reveal and enlighten. An example of documentary like this is The Short Game which is a Netflix film about young golf prodigies and there families.


Audiences react to documentaries in multiple different ways some include the following. Lighthearted and happy documentaries cause a pleasant and slightly unchanged reaction, documentaries about pets or family life which have a positive theme doesn't cause a changing audience reaction as these types of documentaries are simply time fillers which are watched maybe in an evening with family and friends. People won't particularly have a strong reaction as they aren't created to cause that type of reaction, they aren't hard hitting or controversial so the audience won't be inspired, angered or educated by the documentaries. Lighthearted and happy documentaries usually are the style of comedies which are created to essentially make people feel consent and cause a joyful reaction; they slightly take away from the harsh reality of the real world and are watched as a form of escapism for an hour or how ever long the documentaries is. An example of a documentary which causes this reaction is "Too Cute!" which is about coming-of-age stories of puppies and kittens from special litters as they "grow from helpless fur balls to rambunctious young animals". Other documentaries cause a variety of strong emotions which make the audience cry, laugh, anger and even inspire. Strong emotion documentaries are created to cause inspiration and move the audience in some deep and meaningful way. These documentaries are made to get the audience reacting whether its a sad or happy reaction, after you watch these type of documentaries you will remember them and be left feeling like you've changed your opinion on the topic, in a form it does educate the audience but focuses more on creating a powerful reaction. A good example of an emotive documentary is "The Bridge" which is a humble film that follows filmmakers as they capture the last moments of desperation and sorrow on The Golden Gate Bridge as people attempt to end their lives through jumping of the infamous bridge. One of the most heartbreaking moments in the whole documentary is when Gene (a suicidal man) falls backwards off the bridge whilst the voiceover (the mans friend) narrates "maybe he just wanted to fly.". Other documentaries cause audiences to react in an inspired way and force the viewers to make an action and change in behaviour. These documentaries often are very hard-hitting and straight away make you feel as if you need to do something about the topic and be apart of a change. They are very powerful when it comes to inspiring people, one documentary which I have watched in the past which causes this reaction is "Bridegroom". This film documents the story of Shane Bitney Crone and his boyfriend Tom Bridegroom. Tom falls from the roof of their apartment and suffers fatal injuries, Shane narrates throughout the film about how the limitations on  same-sex marriage kept him from fully grieving and from protecting the life the two had built together. This documentary really inspires you to make a change and reevaluate thoughts on same-sex marriage and love is love; people should be allowed to marry a person of the same sex regardless of current laws and other peoples views. Some documentaries creates sudden surprises and keeps the audience in awe and amazement, they also keep people guessing from what happened. These type of documentaries create a high spirits and show amazing surprises which they already wouldn't of been aware of. Exit Through The Gift Shop is an art documentary telling the story of how  French shopkeeper, addicted to filming, sniffed the trail of underground street artists and ended up in the world of Bansky. He creates a surprising twist by turning the camera arround to turn the young Frenchman into a street artist himself, and uses the film to create his own documentary. It shows the birth of street art, its message and reception in the world at large. Some documentaries can create audiences being left questioning how to actually react, they are created to allow the viewers to make up their own conclusions so the reactions are based on their thoughts on the documentary. Morgan Spurlock's '"Super Size Me" is a case in point of this as its not bias to one opinion, it allows you to react as you wish. Further more reactions created are strong opinions and beliefs, they are mostly always controversial and bold state opinions. They often can be bias and aren't created to please the audience; they may or may not agree with the documentaries but will be so drawn in by the controversial points they will be sucked in till the end. Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 911" is an example of this. Finally some documentaries are created to cause an educational reaction, after you watch them you will feel more educated on the topic. "Blackfish" is an example of en educational reaction film which is a documentary following the controversial captivity of killer whales, and its dangers for both humans and whales.

Things expected to be seen in a documentary are as follows. Usually documentaries will have some form of a voice-over to allow the audience to get understanding of the documentary and also tell the story of the films topic. Voice-overs are important as without them the audience would be slightly lost and unaware of whats actually happening.  The voice-over usually has some form of authority which encourages the audience to believe they have some kind of specialist knowledge on the topic. Also voice-overs are used to share strong opinions and persuade the audience and make them pay attention to certain topics. Filmmakers like Nick Broomfields and Michael Moore both do voice-overs like this. Real footage of events are also expected to be seen in documentaries, because these types of films are branded "non fiction", its essential to use real footage to back up statements, make it more reliable and believable. All events portrayed to the audience are seen to be real and and the use of real footage events make it a reliable and good type of documentary. However the footage which is often shown in documentaries are not always genuine. Alternations through editing and voice-overs can manipulate and affect the reality of the footage. Technically of realism is expected to be seen in documentaries as well through natural sound and lighting, this was used greatly in Nick Broomfields "Biggie and Tupac". In the documentary which examines the unsolved murders of the two famous rapper, Broomfields purposely "runs out of music" during the film which adds a less serious element and symbolic to the deaths of the successful musicians; the music ending represents the ending of good RnB/hiphop music. Archive footage/stills are additionally expected in documentaries as they add authenticity and further information which the filmmakers may be unable to obtain themselves. Nearly every documentary will have some form of interviews, whether its from experts, people who have first hand knowledge or people who are actually involved with the topic. They are used to authenticate the views and opinions expressed in the documentaries. Interviews add a different element to them as it gives a different argument from just the filmmakers, it also can sometimes make the documentaries less bias.

The main purpose of television News Programmes are to inform the audience about breaking and relevant world news. If news programmes weren't relevant or around it would be very hard for people to be informed with whats actually happening around the world as news programmes are so easy to make people aware of world news simply at the touch of a button. People can easily catch up on news programmes as they vary from 1-2 minute long to half an hour and hour so everyone has spare moments during the day to catch up on it thats why the purpose for news programmes is to inform audiences everyday with news. Other purposes of television news programmes is to inform audiences about world breaking news, when news reporters get informed about breaking news they straight away report back to the audience through a news programmes which makes the audience constantly aware of whats happening, if they weren't around people would struggle more with knowing whats actually happening. Television news programmes are very important and they have an equally important purpose, although there are news radio bulletin, world news website and social media which shares new stories, the most important would be television news programmes as they are aimed and cater for everyone. Whether its aimed at young teenagers or older people, everyone will be able to relate and be informed with news programmes as they don't have a specific audience. A purpose is to gain a larger audience, often news programmes gain a wider watch when more shocking or harrowing news stories are shown as more people are wanting to watch it which is my one purpose is to gain a bigger audience and watching. Another purpose is to satisfy a wider audience as news programmes have a range of different stories shown on the programme slot so it caters for everyone from young or old. Finally one of the last purposes is to broadcast information in different mediums.


Some of the things you expect to seen in a news programme are studio news reporters. The job of a studio news reporters is to gather news and information to keep the public informed about important events. They obtain their information through a number of sources. These may include personal interviews, contacts, wire services (news transmitted via satellite dishes), news briefings, and question-and-answer periods. Every news programme will have a studio news reporter and it wouldn't be a news show without one. Example of famous news reporters who have featured on news programmes like BBC World News, Channel 4 News and 5 News are Mary Nightingale and Richard Baker. Actuality footage are also always seen in news programme, they are used for the audience to gain more information, make the stories more reliable and also visually more entertaining. Eyewitnesses are an essential part of news programmes and they are mostly always used in the news. When stories are diverted to the location the news reporter on the seen often speaks to eye witnesses to gain first hand information, makes it seen more real as its being told by someone who witnessed it and also adds an engaging factor; because its not a constant story after story from a studio reporter. Links to the studio are used, studio news reporters constantly switch over to other people in and out of the studio. Also mode of address to the viewers are expected to be seen in news programmes. Finally interviews are constantly apart of the news, they can be interviews from a range of different people including experts, the general public, celebrities and witnesses to the stories. Interviews are very important in news programmes as they add a more engaging and exciting element to the news as without them it could slightly tedious and more like radio news bulletin.

News programmes and documentaries are very different in multiple ways. News programmes main duty is to inform the audience with 100% factual news stories which have zero bias elements and purely inform the public with local and world wide news which could interest and/or affect them. Whereas documentaries; although they are mean't to be completely non fictional can be manipulated by the filmmaker to have favoritism to a certain topic. They also can show part of a issue whereas a news programme (when telling a story) has to give the audience as much information as possible and it all has to be the complete truth. A news report also covers multiple current issues or stories which have come back into public interest whereas a documentary is a wider commentary and can document issues that have been around for several years, even decades. A documentary also doesn't have to have any specific public interest; it can be about a controversial issue rather then something which would interest the audience. Like news programmes tend to have a range of different stories that would engage different audience ages. Another difference between documentaries and news programmes is that documentaries usually go into more detail on a subject which have previously been reported in a news story. Documentaries tend to go into extensive detail and even discuss different topics based around the original issue, for example if a crashed plane was reported in a news programme, a documentary would be later made to bring light to air travel safety rather then the actual plane crash. Sometimes they news programmes and documentaries overlap, for example reporters might take a while investigating, say recruitment of child soldiers in Africa and reveal the full extend of this as a documentary; which might be regarded as a revelation of news not previously broadcast.

TV News Broadcast

Key Term Definitions

Cutaway: In film and video, a cutaway shot is the interruption of a continuously filmed action by inserting a view of something else. It is usually, although not always, followed by a cut back to the first shot, when the cutaway avoids a jump cut. The cutaway shot does not necessarily contribute any dramatic content of its own, but is used to help the editor assemble a longer sequence.

Direct Address To Camera: Direct address. direct address. Grammar. the use of a term or name for the person spoken to, as in securing the attention of that person; use of a vocative form.

News Presenters

What do news presenters do?

• A news producer manages a television news show’s content. He or she might also gather news stories, write scripts and manage the overall flow of the show. There are no specific educational requirements, but a news producer typically has a college degree.

• Deciding which items to include in a news show can be the most important task a news producer will complete. He or she might meet with editors, news directors and photographers in order to decide which news stories to use for a program. Together they decide what might be used.

• Keeping an eye on wire reports and other news outlets is another way a producer might find content for a news program. Monitoring other news sources can give a news producer perspective on the way another source covered a story or how another source reported on one the producer didn’t choose. This part of the job can last all day.

• A producer must follow through with all stories that he or she decides to use. Some stories might fall through, and new stories can develop. A producer must make sure that all stories that are expected to be used for the program feature the most current information and are portrayed in an interesting and accurate way.

• Not only must a news producer decide on content for a show, he or she must also write scripts or oversee the writing of scripts for news anchors. The producer will assign anchors to the various stories being covered. Scripts for the anchors will then be placed in order based on the order of pieces being covered in the show.

• Ensuring sufficient video and graphics are available is another part of what a news producer does. These items make a news story interesting and help convey additional information about the subject. If video or graphics are not available, the producer should be able to know how to locate appropriate ones.

• The ability to think on one’s feet can be an asset when working as a news producer. Breaking news might happen at any time of day, or a story might not be ready for the show in time. Also, a show could be running too long or too short, so content might need to be pulled or added. All of these can require the news producer to make split-second decisions.

Others things news presenters do

• Interview people
• Inform the audience on news stories
• Introduce people
• Narrate stories with graphical videos or images on the screen 
• Work with other presenters and crew members
• Interviews in studios or other locations
• Rewrite or edit the script
• Conduct in-depth research

What skills do news readers need?

• Knowledge base: An understanding of issues, names, geography, history and the ability to put all of these in perspective for viewers. It comes from the journalist’s commitment to being a student of the news.

• Ability to process new information: Sorting, organizing, prioritizing and retaining massive amounts of incoming data.

• Ethical compass: Sensitivity to ethical land mines that often litter the field of live breaking news — unconfirmed information, graphic video, words that potentially panic, endanger public safety or security or words that add pain to already traumatized victims and those who care about them.

• Command of the language: Dead-on grammar, syntax, pronunciation, tone and storytelling — no matter how stressed or tired the anchor or reporter may be.

• Interviewing finesse: An instinct for what people need and want to know, for what elements are missing from the story, and the ability to draw information by skillful, informed questioning and by listening.

• Mastery of multitasking: The ability to simultaneously: take in a producer’s instructions via an earpiece while scanning new information from computer messages, texts or Twitter; listen to what other reporters on the team are sharing and interviewees are adding; monitor incoming video — and yes, live-tweet info to people who have come to expect information in multiple formats.

• Appreciation of all roles: An understanding of the tasks and technology that go into the execution of a broadcast, the ability to roll with changes and glitches, and anticipate all other professionals involved.

• Acute sense of timing: The ability to condense or expand one’s speech on demand, to sense when a story needs refreshing or recapping, to know without even looking at a clock how many words are needed to fill the minute while awaiting a satellite window, live feed or interviewee.

Other skills needed

• Knowledge on journalism
• Fast thinkers
• Confident
• Believable
• Focused 
• Editorial knowledge
• Well spoken
• Clear voice 

Visual Codes

• News reporters
• News presenters
• Inteviews
• News interviewers
• Field reporters

What do Field Reporters do?

• Report news from outside the studio
• Live from the scene
• Pre record broadcasts shown as parts of a news show
• Known as 'off screen reporters'

TV News Broadcasts Include

• Voicer
• Cut aways
• Vox pop
• Establishing shot
• Scene change
• Facts through graphic
• Interviews: human interest

Definitions

Experts: a person who is very knowledgeable about or skilful in a particular area. makes the stories more genuine and reliable - credibility.

Witnesses: a person who sees an event, typically a crime or accident, take place. someone involved often a civilian, makes TV new more believable.

Vox Pops; popular opinion as represented by informal comments from members of the public, especially when broadcast or published. more real, varied opinions.

Actuality footage: The actuality film is a non-fiction film genre that like the documentary film uses footage of real events, places, and things, yet unlike the documentary is not structured into a larger argument, picture of the phenomenon or coherent whole. In practice, actuality films preceded the emergence of the documentary.

Mise-en-scene: the arrangement of scenery and stage properties in a play. The setting or surroundings of an event. Includes; set, location, set design, colour, costume, studios, lighting/sound, positioning, props, actors and body language.

Codes and Conventions of News Broadcasting 

News broadcasting is the broadcasting of various news events and other information via television, radio or internet in the field of broadcast journalism. The content is usually either produced locally in a radio studio or television studio newsroom, or by a broadcast network.

BBC News is an operational business division of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) responsible for the gathering and broadcasting of news and current affairs. This department is the world's largest broadcast news organisation. It generates around 120 hours of radio and television output each day, also including online news coverage. The service maintains 45 foreign news bureaux and has correspondents in almost every country. The department's annual budget is £350 million and has a staff of 3,500 (2,000 being journalists). Through the BBC English Regions, BBC News has regional centres across England as well as national news centres in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. All regions and nations produce their own local news programmes and other current affairs and sport programmes.

The news report I watched and identified the codes and conventions with was Thursday 2nd October 2014 episode of BBC News at 10pm.

Appearance: 

The presenter of the news broadcaster is dressed extremely smartly and his whole appearance is sharp and neat. He's wearing a suit which fits with the professional feel of the programme. He looks well groomed which shows that he takes pride in his appearance which personifies with how BBC is represented; its a big company and at the top of its game so only the smartest people are used as the face of the corporation. The news presenter looks reliable and trustworthy which is essential for this role of presenting as there job is to inform the general public with local and worldwide news. The presenter is also exceptionally well spoken which makes him more professional and someone who the audience would want to listen to.

Presenters: 

There is one main presenter throughout the 30 minute news broadcasting, who discusses every different story which is shown, he often switches over to a news reporter which is at the location to add more depth to stories. There are only two other presenters throughout the news show which is the sports presenter who discusses sport stories in the sport slot, the other presenter is the weather person who discusses today's weather and the next days.


Footage: 

Throughout the news broadcast, footage from multiple different stories were shown. Each article the news presenter discussed moments after in the background was footage which related to the story. One example of this was when the presenter spoke about the heartbreaking murder of 14 year old Alice Gross, video footage from the crime scene was shown in the background.


Camera Angles:

Multiple different camera angles were used in the 30 minute news broadcast. It started with a close up angle focusing on the presenters facial expressions as he started reporting on the main headline. Throughout the angles would change from close up, mid close ups and long angle shots which creates a good variety and makes it more interesting and exciting. As the audience would lose interest if everything was in the same angle for the whole programme. It also changes depending on what is actually happening in the show; when theirs an interview the clip starts with a long angle which shows the whole studio to the audience and then it goes to a mid close up shot. The camera angles look sharp professional which is done through the use of a tripod; all professional TV or film companies use tripods.

Graphics:

Graphics are used throughout news broadcasts as a way of adding the professional element to the programme. Graphics are shown on screens in the background when the presenter is discussing a story and the cameraman often zooms into the graphics onto the screen whilst the presenter is talking as the voice over or a reporter from the story on the screen is the voice over. Graphics will always be used in news broadcasting as they are an essential element to sharing news. Graphics are also used to show weather and sport, with the weather person speaking to a graphic screen which shows the weather for the next few days in the background.

Lighting:

Lighting used in news broadcasting is very strong and sharp lighting which focuses on the facial expressions of the presenter. Every flaw is shown which is why presenters and reporters will always be wearing a lot of stage make up so there flaws aren't on show but also to make them look alive and healthy as people are more likely to be listen and be interested in a presenter who visually looks good.


Interviews & Reporters:

The 10pm news broadcasting doesn't have many interviews live from the studio as its the end of the day which usually shows the most important parts of the days news stories. However when the presenter started discussing a story which had more detail to be shown the show went to a different location were either a news reporter or somebody who had a significant involvement started discussing the story in more depth. The reporters were equally dressed and looked smart like the presenter; either wearing a suit or smart clothing and having well groomed appearance.

TV News Broadcast Analysis Sheet 

This is an image of the worksheet which we completed as a class during lesson time on the 13/10/2014.