History

Wiki »

Sorry for using caps, but it seemed the most recognizable way of putting in my comments and differentiating them from other additions I made (NtO)

ToT Assignments

The following assignments are demonstrations to be done by the local trainers. These stories will be used to demonstrate trainer experience and capabilities in the various mediums and story templates.

Assignment 1

Produce 3 "simple story" stories, each with 1 scene.

Mediums:

1 of each, Photo / Video / Audio

Story Suggestions:

  • Local news story
  • A relevant story in the street where you are now (there are at least 50 stories in every street!)
  • Profile of a fellow trainer [THIS IS TOO EASY]
  • Cultural event or local ceremony [I STRONGLY PROPOSE WE LEAVE CULTURAL EVENT AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE OUT, THEY'RE NOT NEWSWORTHY]
  • Breaking news, for example a protest, political announcement, act of crime, or other urgent, breaking story.
  • Where do you live? [I STRONGLY PROPOSE WE LEAVE CULTURAL EVENT AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE OUT, THEY'RE NOT NEWSWORTHY]
  • What is an important social issue for you?

Ask yourself:

  • What are the most important elements to tell this story?
  • Who do I want to tell the story to? What is their interest?
  • Do I want to interview someone, or use narration to explain the subject?
  • How might I expand my subject to create a longer story?
  • How would I tell the story to my friend or brother or sister?

Assignment 2

Produce 2 stories, each with 3 scenes.

Medium:

2 Audio

Event Story* Ideas:

THESE CULTURAL EVENTS HAVE NO ANGLE TO THEM, SO I HAVE A HARD TIME UNDERSTANDING HOW THESE WILL BE APPEALING STORIES. HOW IS IT RELEVANT FOR THE VIEWER?:
  • Local traditional cultural event (such as nowruz, ashura, or another holiday)
  • Artistic event, such as a gallery opening or concert
  • School event, such as a graduation
  • ribbon cutting ceremony, new building opening

I WOULD SUGGEST REPLACING THEM WITH THE FOLLOWING:

  • Opening of a new waterplant in a drought strucken area
  • Opening of a clinic in a area with little or no healthcare
  • Distribution of food

*Event stories have an established timeframe and a set place. Focus on what happens at the event. Organize your story around when the event happens, where, and why it happens at this time and place.
*An event in itself is not a story, you have to make it relevant for your audience? The viewer should be able to answer the question 'What does this event mean' after he or she has seen or heard your item. Look for the story behind the event.

Ask yourself:

  • How does the event direct the content of your clips?
  • How do these stories differ from event to event?
  • How are they the same?
  • Are there certain clips I always use in any event story?
  • Is there a standard formula you like best for covering an event?

Profile Story* Ideas:

  • Profile a humanitarian worker, such as a doctor, nurse, or someone who deals with refugees or the poor
  • Profile a well-known local journalist
  • Profile a successful businessman
  • Profile a local activist
  • Profile a local politician

*Profile a specific character. Focus on who the character is. Organize your story around the characters daily life, what happens, and how the character deals with challenges. Ask yourself what your audience would like to know about this character. Focus on his or her emotions. What drives him or her to do this work?

Ask yourself:

  • How do these stories differ from subject to subject?
  • How are they the same?
  • Are there certain clips I always use in any profile?
  • Do I avoid certain questions with some subjects?
  • Do I use the content of my clips to profile the subject or depend primarily on their words?

Assignment 3

Produce 1 story, with 5 scenes. Interview at least 3 different individual speakers.

Medium:

1 Video

Issue Story* Ideas:

  • Is education improving in your community?
  • How do police treat average citizens?
  • What role do average citizens play in the political process?
  • Is domestic violence a problem in your community?
  • Is there a particular health or social problem facing your community? Investigate who it impacts or how it is being solved.

Ask yourself:

  • How does the issue direct the content of your clips?
  • How do these stories differ from subject to subject?
  • How are they the same?
  • Are there certain clips I always use in any issue story?
  • Is there a standard formula you like best for covering an issue?

*Issue stories examine a broad subject. Focus on how the issue affects a community or group of people. Organize your story around who it impacts and what is being done in response.

Also available in: PDF HTML TXT