In the VO project students use video and natural sound to help tell a story. Each student chooses a topic, shoots video, writes copy, and edits a 30 second segment.

The VOSOT is comprised of video, the natural sound associated with that video and a short sound bite to tell a story. The video rolls over the anchorman or reporter speaking and then opens up full for the sound on tape (SOT). Students shoot their own footage, conduct interviews, write, edit and narrate the VOSOTS. Completed projects run approximately 45 seconds.

Students learn introductory techniques of “stand-ups.” The stand-up, the on-location appearance of the reporter on camera, will be written, taped and added to the VOSOT.

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. Each student finds an interview subject who has a newsworthy tale to share. Students conduct the interview and write a script that uses the subject’s responses to tell the story. The “in your own words” piece will run, approximately, 1 minute and 30 seconds.

Students in the One-year Program will create two packages. A package is an individual stand-alone news segment that airs within a broadcast or webcast.

The News Package: Each student introduces a newsworthy idea, presents the story as a “pitch,” edits his or her visual (video, graphics, etc.) and interviews with a narration. The News Package runs approximately 2 minutes in length.

The Investigative Package: During the first semester, students produce an in depth investigative report. Investigative research, both on computer and on foot, fact checking, and interviews are necessary. Students may use archival footage, if desired. The Investigative Package will run, approximately 3 minutes and 30 seconds.

a news piece of the student’s own choosing. Students must professionally pitch the idea for approval from the journalism instructor. Stories may be hard news, human interest, opinion piece, or an “in-your-own-words” piece. 2:00-2:30

Broadcast Production Workshop comprises the bulk of Second Semester class, production time and projects. Students devote the majority of their week to story research and development, and preparation and production of the weekly broadcast. The second semester instructor acts as Executive Producer, as students fill the roles of show producers, assignment desk editor, anchors, reporters writers, field producers, cameramen and directors.

In these teacher-supervised labs, live and remote production methods are put into practice. The instructor assigns stories to student news reporters and the accompanying crews with real-time deadlines for live coverage. This Production Workshop will break down the various elements of news broadcasting operations and build towards combining the elements into a complete show involving the control room and studio, live remotes and the employment of the various associated technologies. At times, students will be reporting live. The broadcast is viewed weekly in the classroom.

Additional topics include in-studio and in-field communications, and well as live sound mixing, and advanced editing tools and techniques using Final Cut Pro.

Through their work in this Production Workshop, students build a substantial portfolio that adds to the their work from first semester, and can be used to develop a professional reel for presentation to potential employers.

The news organization and industry infrastructure will be examined. Students explore the hierarchy of the personnel and distribution of finances in broadcast news. Students also learn to pitch and explore avenues by which to sell a story. Career options are discussed, including internships, apprenticeships and other positions, as well as creating a reel and resumé development.

Next 1-Year Start Date: • Jan 11, 2010
Tuition: $17,000 (USD) Per Semester • 36 College Credits

4-Week Start Date: • Jul 6, 2009
• Tuition: $ 3,500 (USD)* • 4 College Credits
*As of July 7, tuition for this workshop will be $4,000. All applications received
on July 7, or later, will be processed with the new tuition fee.

8-Week Start Date: • Jul 6, 2009
• Tuition: $ 5,800 (USD)* • 8 College Credits
*As of July 7, tuition for this workshop will be $6,500. All applications received
on July 7, or later, will be processed with the new tuition fee.

Evening Start Date: • Sep 21, 2009
• Tuition: $ 5,000 (USD) • 4 College Credits