8-Week Broadcast Journalism Workshop

JOURNALISM WORKSHOP OVERVIEW

NYFA's Broadcast Journalism Workshops are offered at our New York Campus only.

In the hands-on 8-Week Broadcast Journalism Workshop, students are trained in the fundamental principles, techniques, and craft of contemporary broadcast journalism through a combination of lecture, demonstration, in-class hands-on production, and project-based work.

Each student produces news projects, shot with single-camera set-ups edited on Avid Media Composer. This intensive workshop provides a strong introduction to necessary digital and journalism skills, preparing students for a career as a multimedia journalist (MMJ).

PROJECTS

As producers, students have to identify and make arrangements for their subjects, choose and secure locations, prepare equipment, arrange the preparation and setup of the locations, and make final technical checks. Student journalists are required to edit and deliver their projects for viewing and critiques. Projects to be completed are:

VO: In the VO (voice-over) project, students use video and natural sound to help tell a story. Each student chooses a topic, shoots video, writes copy, narrates and edits a 30 second segment. The VO encompasses the six skills at the very core of broadcast journalism: finding the story, reporting the story, shooting the story, writing the story, recording the narration for the story, and editing the story.

NEWS PACKAGE: Each student introduces a newsworthy idea, initially as a “story pitch.” Students shoot their own footage, conduct interviews, write, edit and narrate. They also learn how to do “stand-ups.” The stand-up is the on-location appearance of the reporter on-camera. Graphic elements are developed for the story, including (but not limited to) lower-third ID’s and story locators. The News Package runs approximately 2 minutes in length.

INTERVIEW PROFILE: An in-depth interview is an important way to use a character to tell a story. Students learn to identify good interview subjects, appropriate locations and work on the skills and techniques of asking questions that elicit news, a relevant story and/or important information. The “in their own words” piece will run approximately 4 minutes.

THE LONG FORM STORY: “Magazine-style” news programs, such as “60 Minutes” and “Dateline NBC,” feature long-form stories. These reports, running 6 minutes or longer, are more complex than the standard news package, introducing multiple characters through the use of classic narrative storytelling. While a news package incorporates brief interview excerpts (“sound bites”), the long-form story allows for the inclusion of more thoughtful comments. A major challenge is developing a story that can sustain viewer interest and engage diverse audiences.

THE RESUME REEL: When applying for a job, potential employers will ask candidates to provide online links to their Resume Reel. This brief compilation of stand-ups, story segments and interview excerpts is often a key deciding factor when it comes to scheduling a candidate for an in-person job interview.

Course Description

• Broadcast Journalism This course is the spine of the program and encompasses the principles and foundation of news-gathering and production. All student projects are introduced, viewed, and critiqued in class. Topics include: writing, story ideas and development, research, basic reporting, producing and directing single camera shoots. Students also learn about story structure, writing commentary, rights, ethics and law, and broadcast studies. Classes are geared towards preparing students for their own productions.
• Hands-on Camera and Lighting Functions, operation, and use of the HD digital video camera and associated equipment. Students train to shoot in the field. Students learn to operate professional cameras and production equipment enabling them to technically execute single-camera productions and understand the necessities of a variety of shooting environments and conditions. Lighting is a key element in this class, and students will learn basic three-point lighting techniques.
• Hands-on Audio Students learn to record in a multitude of situations. Training encompasses wireless and boom microphone techniques.
• Production Workshop In these teacher-supervised labs, the process of directing, shooting, and sound recording for news projects is put into practice. Each workshop is an opportunity for students to implement and examine, in a controlled environment, the techniques they are learning in class.
• Editing Students train on a non-linear editing system, Avid Media Composer. They are introduced to the fundamental editing tools and techniques using this software. Students edit their own projects, and can supplement classes with individual consultations at the editing station. Students are taught to edit non-fiction material, both practical and aesthetic. Topics include editing terminology/vocabulary, time code, cutting styles, organizational tools and rules for editing, and building the story in post.
• For further information please email Senior Executive Vice President, David Klein (david@nyfa.edu).

Dates & Tuition