Danielle Burkett
Messiah College, Journalism Major
Objective 2
Objective to learn:
To learn how to edit stories using Avid software/ how to use iNews system so that I can apply these skills to my resume
Activities/resources:
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Ask a reporter to demonstrate how to use software
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Observe a reporter as they edit their piece
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Practice using the software on my own
Evaluation/Verification:
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Include a sample of a piece I was able to edit on my own that will demonstrate that I have learned how to operate the software.
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Include my resume which will reflect my newly acquired skills
My second objective involved learning to use AVID NewsCutter and the iNews system so that I could apply these skills to my resume, luckily whenever the reporters I worked with had a chance they were willing to let me ask my questions/ practice using the software.
At first I just observed and took notes on the various shortcuts and steps needed to edit footage into packages, VO (Voice-Overs), and SOTs (Sound-On-Tape). I would ask the occasional question when something the reporter did, didn’t make sense to me or if they used a tool I wasn’t familiar with. Eventually I was able to use the software for myself when (with the supervision of my reporter) I’d be able to select and edit sound bites (clips from interviews) and b-roll footage to create VO. Once I had practiced making VOs and selecting SOTs I moved on to creating a package of my own. While my package has flaws, for instance the jump cut that I missed fixing, I think it turned out pretty well. Carmen, the reporter who I was working with on the story watched the package with me and gave me some helpful feedback on things I need to fix for the next time I make a package.
I had a little experience putting together a package from my TUTV: Crossroads class at Temple University, but that was using Final Cut X instead of Newscutter. Being able to use the software for myself was a great help. It’s one thing to be told how something works and to observe someone using the software, it’s another thing entirely to actually do it for yourself and pick out which shots you liked and which you didn’t. There is so much power in deciding how to tell the story in the most effective way possible.
I also learned how to use Avid iNews to type up scripts and create graphics. On a few stories that I assisted reporters with I was able to learn how to format scripts for close-captioning, create lower-thirds, and full screen graphics.
I always have room to improve. Next time I do a package I’m going to do a better job of checking to make sure everything looks alright before saving and moving on. I’m also going to be more conscious about the shots I select. For instance in the package I included I used a pan shot that was still moving as I cut to another clip when I should have waited for the pan shot to stabilize before moving on.
Overall I have learned plenty of skills that will be helpful in my future. I learned how to make better editing decisions, I learned how to edit using the Newscutter software and I learned how to type up scripts and make graphics in iNews. Continuing to practice using the software in any way I can will help me to keep my skills sharp.
This sample is a package I worked on with Carmen Chau. I conducted one of the interviews and filmed it, I also filmed b-roll and Carmen and I worked on the script together. I put together my version of the package and this is the result. I learned a great deal from this experience. I learned what shots that I probably shouldn't have used and I learned how to avoid and fix jump-cuts.