Week 5

Whats up?
Staying busy editing away, I am just finishing up another edit and going to be working on another.
I have been playing around with adobe premiere and there are some cool shortcuts. One of them is "ripple delete" if I end up deleting a section on the timeline causing there to be an empty space on the timeline, I just right click to ripple delete and the two join together. There is another tool that is on the preview window that lets you select the media (as in audio and video, just audio or just sound) and choose which one. Adobe is very cool and I have become very used to it. It will be interesting when coming back to use avid and see if it has helped me with my editing.

Hope everyone is doing well, talk to you soon.Publish Post

Teal

Calm, Cool, and Collected

The last two days have been a teensy bit stressful at KPAX. Yesterday was the first time Greg, the normal director, was gone leaving the new director and me by ourselves. There was a live shot, and the weather guy was live in Kalispell via KAJ within a minute of each other. I've never been so stressed out! I had a feeling something would blow up in our face. Somehow, though, we never screwed up, which I am completely thankful for. Then today, with fifteen minutes before the show, the producer and anchor decided to add a breaking news stinger, which we don't have on the new non liner system, for a story that occurred two hours prior to the show (i was the only one who didn't think the story was very breaking news by that point). Needless to say, the wrong stinger got put in, I knew and I thought everyone else did too, but they didn't and the anchor was quiet while we sat on a soundless stinger for thirty seconds though we told her to talk. The director was freaking out before and after, a repeat of yesterday. After the show, I was thanked for being the calm, cool, and collected head in the control room. I'm looking forward to a non-stressful day where all I have to do is make graphics and push buttons!!

Hoopfest

Hey Everyone,
KHQ is still going good...this weekend is hoopfest so today I went out with Paola and wrote a package on the oldest team in this years tournament...they ranged in age from 62-67 and were all former college bball players... I also shot a couple of in's and out's for practice.

Tomorrow we will be at hoopfest again, but I think we are going to do something on drunken arrests, because they actually have a place in the park where they take the people and keep them in holding after they arrest them...so it should be interesting...

Hope everyone is still having a great summer!

Oregon Trail, Cont.

Hello my RTV friends! I was out on vacation for two weeks, but now I’m back in action. Everyone at CCTV has been great to work with and flexible in terms of my schedule. When I got back this week I continued work on some non-profit video brochures. These brochures have definitely become my babies. We had a meeting with my boss Alan to go over a completed brochure and make sure the style was right. After a few adjustments and an initial screening with the clients, my first brochure will be ready to go. I am currently in the midst of working on about six other brochures.

I also did some on-air work this week. A producer here is creating a video technology podcast and wanted a, “cute girl who knew something about video.” (flattered that I fit the bill) There was lots of tech bantering, and I think it turned out well. I have a newfound admiration for all of you who spend time on camera. I’ve never been so paranoid about how my hair looks. As soon as that show gets all put together I’ll post the link so you can all laugh at me.

Working hard – more next week from the beautiful Willamette Valley. (You know, the place you got to at the end of that Oregon Trail game?)

Scrambling

Wow, next week is my last one.

I feel like I still have so much to do here at Loopline. I think I'm actually going to get a little depressed leaving the projects we are working on. I suppose I'll live...

The cool thing is I'm finally starting to edit a bit on this Patrick Ireland project. What I do is go through each individual tape and create a separate timeline trying to piece together the best bits of footage-- so the editor has a better, more manageable idea of what each one has to offer. 

I don't know if anything I'm doing will make the final cut, but I don't know if it won't. 

Outside of that I've been doing research for another film (on an early 20th century female Dr., I've mentioned it), and trying to help set up a master class workshop the company will hold in a couple of months.

Two of the employees went to a film festival in France this week--I set up a meeting for that too. Felt pretty good about myself.

Anyhow, I'm heading to Belfast this weekend. I hope to get a feel for the perspective of Northern Ireland, since I feel I've learned so much about the Republic. 

Next week is my last one, wow.

-db

FINALLY SUNNY

It's finally sunny in seattle so it finally feels like summer!! The mariners are currently out of town until June 30th but last Tuesday I worked an event called "Girls night out" Where 4 lucky winners got a 500 dollar shopping spree at the mariners team store and a full spa day make over.. so facials... hair... makeup... pedicures... manicures the whole nine yards. Olav (one of amanda and i's bosses) let me shoot aton of the footage so that was pretty awesome. He couldn't really handle the girly stuff haha. I met Jen from 101.5 (a radio station here) and she was really nice and gave me alot of insight into how she got her job. The day was long... 5 am till 6pm. But it was worth it for the hands on experience and anything to get out of logging game highlights!! haha. Today I did game highlights... and helped finding certain shots for our new manager. Since everyone is getting fired this internship has proved to be a very eventful one lately. Hope all is well with everyone!!

Kelly.

The Hectic Newsdesk

I just finished all of my Newsdesk training.

I love that the Assignment Editor gets to have a hand in everything and knows what's going on with everyone in the newsroom, but there were also nonstop distractions.

Watching 4 TV's (we log what stories our competitor stations put in their A-segments every time), answering and transferring incoming phone calls, trying to hear your own thoughts over 6 police scanners constantly babbling, keeping track of which reporters are doing live shots and where, and looking up story ideas to file from the AP wires, every Colorado newspaper, and all incoming e-mails.... is a BIG job!

I really liked being so busy and so in charge of everything, but it definitely got to a point where it was hard to do soo much multi-tasking. If the police scanners were somewhere else, i think i could have handled the rest of the duties... they are soo distracting! The sound level on them constantly varies and lots of them talk at once and have static interruptions.

I am so glad that KMGH uses inews, because my familiarity with the program gives me an advantage. I didn't realize, however, just how much each inews-using station could personalize it so much. I really like how KMGH has created shortcut buttons for each employee, depending on their position. The producers have the setup best for them, and so on... If you can imagine it, these shortcuts make inews even easier and more user-friendly!

One of the most useful skills I have been picking up lately is learning all of the shortcuts on different computers and for various programs. I am learning all of the inews shortcuts at KMGH, and I am learning all of the Avid shortcuts at my High Noon Entertainment job for the Food Network Challenge. After this summer, I may never use a mouse again!

This week at High Noon, we've been busy with shoots-- there's a live studio audience every time. I have gotten to sit in the audience, assist a few photogs, meet the competitors and hosts, and shadow the producer a bit. At the last one -called the "Battle of the Brides" Challenge, where designers team up with brides-to-be and have to make them their dream wedding cake... in just 8 hours!- The designer who made the winning cake surprised me by giving me an extra rose... The rose, like everything else on the cake, was edible but so beautiful and delicate that I saved it. And it's made with a substance that will last for quite a while and not rot, despite the fact that it's a sugary food product. My boyfriend will be visiting me this weekend, so i'm surprising him by taking him to be part of the live studio audience for the chocolate competition on Thursday.

Learning a lot!

Fun Moment

Fun Moment:

during a 10pm newscast the other night the weather guy pulled a great improv move. I was in the studio that night looking over the shoulder of the guy who controls all of the floor cameras... (they are all robotically controlled, and no people physically touch the studio cams, so it's fun to see the guy in the control booth use the different remote controls!) One of the nicest anchors, Anne Trujillo, had just done a VO on how coffee helps keep women's hearts healthy, and she tossed to weather. So the weather man actually went out the studio doors and filled up a cup of coffee in the break room next door -mind you, this was all DURING his weather cast as he was explaining CG full maps and the week's temps- and he walked back in and handed Anne the coffee just in time to sit down for a 3-shot with the 2 anchors. All three of them couldn't stop smiling about it, and the moment the commercial break started, everyone in the studio busted out laughing.

Not only had the weather guy not planned that move beforehand, but he didn't even have a paper to read off of... he had all of this week's temps memorized! LOL

Week 5: More reporting

Worked with a photog:


Just me:


Worked with a photog:

back to it...

hey guys,
sorry i know that i haven't blogged for a while but i don't really have any new stuff.....we went on a family vacation so I haven't been to work in a while, but will be headed back saturday...i'm excited to get back and get into a real routine...i'll write again when i have more exciting stuff :) hope everyone is having a great summer!
~Marianne

Same old Same old

Since I cant remember to do anything, I'm now starting my internship. Ya for procrastinating and forgetfulness! Life at good ol' KPAX is the same as it has been since school's got out. I show up around three, create graphics, ots's, plasmas, eyecams, and then when its time for the show to start I get to technical direct. At least now I only screw up about once every few shows on the technical directing front which is a huge plus. I'm also getting better using Photoshop. I made a standard bike graphic look all wrecked and twisted on Saturday. It was neat. Well, that's all. Hope everyone else is having a blast.

nose to the grindstone

Work was hectic last week! We are getting ready for a two week dark week. (in case you don't know a dark week is where we do not produce any tv shows during that time). That means we have taped six shows a week. I get to see a lot of crazy sketches, and have killed many trees getting everyone their scripts. I feel like I am getting to know the people at the show a lot better, as well as the other interns. I got to sit in on a talent meeting this week where me and another intern pitched our ideas for potential show guests. It fascinated me listen to the talent coordinators pitch thier own ideas. I felt honored when the show's producer complimented us interns for doing our "homework". Although none of our ideas were used we may get to sit in on another meeting hopefully. I am going home for the next two dark weeks so in preparation I have been doing research for more guests, and as always, making lots of coffee. I'll send some California sunshine your way Melissa and Bre, it was 115 in Bakersfield this weekend.

until next week,
Holly

dead ducks

Well everyday I've been logging Wade and Mike kill ducks.... I've never seen a dead duck before so it really has been very interesting to watch. The internship has been going great I really do enjoy everyone that I work with and it really has been giving me an opportunity to see really great footage. Next week I will be looking at Elk hunting.

week4

I had the week off which is nice, I am going to la to go to a concert and I will be back and running with full force. My boss, Jerry is getting married on Tuesday and he is leaving me in charge of filming and editing his wedding. Pretty cool. I am also getting another edit on Sunday and will be busy all week. I really like what I have learned. I also like the time that I have had with the camera and I have worked on strengthening my camera skills. I definitely feel more comfortable with the cameras. there are a few different ones that Jerry has so I get a little variety.
Today in San Diego it is a scorching 98 degrees! Way too hot!! Well, I hope that everyone is doing well and staying busy. Happy Summer officially.

Talk to you later gators

Teal

Moo

So thanks for all your concern about the flooding situation. Madison did get hit pretty hard but not enough to shut the city down. A lot of roads were closed going out of Wisconsin, but luckily I had no travel plans. I think the worst is over though.

We finally finished up the student stories we were working on. They aren't that impressive production wise, but it was time consuming to trascribe the entire interview and find the story to tell in 90 seconds. The group process here is slow--but extremely effective. So those are done just in time for the new staff training that will happen next week. We are helping tech the whole week long training which will include setting up and running audio and powerpoint throughout the sessions. We have also been helping set up the stage and helping the graphics dept.

As far as production goes, we got the go ahead to start script writing and story boarding our ideas for the next two videos they want to produce. But then we have to pitch our ideas and get one of the three approved and then really work on making the script perfect. It's along process, and hopefully we will get to at least start shooting and editing it together.

That's about it from here.

A Part of the Team

That's how I felt this week. I've reached that saturation point where all the little tasks I've been given by the staff here have accumulated to a real contribution. Just yesterday, as I was sitting in on a meeting, my advisor off-handedly asked when I'd be leaving. She actually seemed startled to hear that I'd be gone in just a couple of weeks. "But no, you should try to extend it."

Flattering...

Last week I was telling everyone about this old/new school linear editing system, "Lightworks." Well here's a picture of the controller I described. That circle in the center is the size of your palm and your fingers fit it that groove above it. Still undecided.

Also, so get this. Loopline does their own video mastering (they contract out the mastering of their audio.) So in order to get their films up to theatrical quality, one of the programs they use is this program Color. The software works in tandem with Final Cut Pro, and basically is like a souped-up color corrector times ten. It also has it's own €5000 controller to get just the right look.

Alas, I have to run. I get play photographer for another super top-secret museum archive search.

excl slán!

-db

Oh Poor M's.. Who's Next...

Hey peeps!
The M's are going great! Its been soo fun!! Its too bad everyone is getting fired!! Its a new day everyday at Safeco field. I have worked the cameras and followed the hand held camera, I wear the backpack with the antenna its pretty dorky but whatever I get to go everywhere! The field, the locker room, press conferences! And IF we win we run of the field, that is when you can see me or Kelly on the field. Its been really super! I do the decko projects with head shots and all the info for the screen. I am working on making SWEET head shots with photoshop for the 80's night I have to make them look goofy. And LOTS and LOTS of logging tap!its really a never ending process. Me and Kelly got to watch the production of a commercial with the moose and watched them edit. That was really neat.

Mid-term Reports please

Hi all-Don't forget your midterm reports are coming due. It's been very exciting for me to read what all of you are doing. Keep posting updates, links, video, audio, whatever. And don't forget you'll need to hand in a work sample at the end of summer. Ray Fanning will also be wanting some of you to speak in his Preparing for an Internship class. I'll be making calls over the next week to your internship hosts. Take care and keep working hard.

Almost done : (

Hello Everyone!

Sooo I only have eight days left! It's hard to think I'm almost done! I've been working over 9 hrs a day on average so it's wrapping up around here. I have learned so much around here and I want to remain and intern ha ha! Is that totally weird. I like being the newbie that everyone is excited to teach things to.

Lately I have been working on rewrites and VO/SOT's. My package on the Welcome Home Picnic for the Veterans went on air on Sunday. That was stressful I literally was working on it down to the last minute! I had a great time working on that story. Everyone was so eager to go on camera it kinda got out of hand! I'm surprised so many people want to go on air. Usually its a fight to get an interview with strangers but not lately.

Yesterday I went with the live crew to set up for a live shot at the first Osprey game! It was really fun setting up and hanging out in the stadium before all the fans got there. The shoot went well but the mascot was really annoying! He kept trying to jump in on the live shot.

Everything else is just work work work! I'm finally getting into the swing of things!

Till next week, take care!

Go Stop Go

Dear RTV-ers,

It's the first day of my 3rd week at KMGH. I am really starting to fall in love with Denver, which makes the news here all more more interesting. My internship has been a mix of busy learning and speedbumps, where all of the sudden I have to slow down and stay off to the side. The trick is finding your own mentor(s) in the newsroom.

I work Tues nightside, Wed dayside, and Thursday dayside... Last Wednesday I met someone who I see becoming one of my mentors. Shane is an executive producer who has only been at KMGH for 2 months. He's been working with me one-on-one to improve my script writing skills. We started out by picking out some AP stories for me to rewrite... After my first draft we went over how I could improve each one.

I never realized just how concise readers have to be! It really comes down to pulling the most important info, "the meat of the story" and announcing it right off the bat. I have been struggling with when to attribute --at UM this past year I have been combating my tendency for passive voice by adding in attribution before each fact I bring up-- the problem with this is that all of my sentences start to fall into a monotonous pattern. for example, "officer John Doe says...." This example is great to have as long as the next sentence doesn't start the same way. I keep running into this problem because when I shorten important stories, I often end up citing one source's fact after another source's bite (SOT)...

But most of all, to improve my broadcast-style writing I just need practice. I'm still not getting it right the first time, but every story I write I am catching more of my own mistakes. What I really need, and finally am getting, is the one-on-one teaching to go over everything I write, give me suggestions, and be willing to go over my next draft too. At UM Denise gives me great advice on this but she has soo many other students to work with too. Admittedly, everyone in the newsroom is too busy for me at one time or another, but Shane worked with me right after he finished producing the 9am show that day.

Shane has given me a lot of insight on how & when I can get the best stuff for my resume tape. He talked to the weekend morning crew he works with and they are more than willing to help me record myself anchoring/reporting in the studio after one of their 9am shows. This is a huge hook-up for me, as even the studio chairs are sacred here. Shane has offered to help me prepare for this by helping me produce and write material for me to anchor and report...

this all sounds great! the only downside to these opportunities is that it means coming in at 3 or 4 am on a Saturday and/or Sunday morning. But if I've learned anything from the reporters who have come to UM as guest-speakers, it's those odd-hour opportunities that allow you to get your foot in the door. It sounds like coming in that early, I would be able to do more hands-on learning. And the few morning crew people Shane has introduced me to are soo friendly and helpful. I'm going to come in on a Saturday some week soon, and possibly switch one of my other shifts to this morning-side shift, where there are no other interns, but lots of helpful crew, and the show is a little bit more relaxed then too... they even get free breakfast because they have a guest chef every weekend morning.

I've also found a potential reporter mentor... I've been watching 7newscasts regularly, with particular interest in the reporters who do great packages. Most of my favorite packages have been done by Lane Lion. (cool name, huh?) I admire his writing style and he turns packages regularly. I spoke to him this morning about shadowing him through every step of a package next week. Before this encounter I had only briefly met him, so I was nervous to approach this busy man. But he was really flattered and excited that I would like to work with him. I plan on following up these plans next week.

One of the main reasons I chose to intern at KMGH is the 7 positions they rotate you through. 3 of these positions only require a one day rotation. I am completing those this week.

I am doing the "Production rotation" for the 10pm news tonight. KMGH uses ParkerVision and Ignite programs to run the production booth. I've sat in and watched this once before, but the thousands of screens and buttons in those rooms are still foreign to me.

Tomorrow I am doing the "Call 7 For Help" rotation. This has not been a favorite of the other interns, as you get many complaint calls. But I'm still looking forward to experiencing it so that I am familiar with every area of KMGH.

and Thursday I will be doing the "Graphics Art rotation." KMGH uses Deko for this, (along with inews) so hopefully I will have a little bit of an advantage going into this, because I at least know what Deko is.

I am really enjoying my transcriber & pre-editing job at High Noon Entertainment too. I work with Avid there and I am finally meeting friends around my own age in Denver on my lunch hours there. Ray, just out of curiosity, would it be possible to split my intern hours between High Noon and KMGH?