If you follow me on Twitter (@greglinch), you’ve probably see a tweet or two about this:
I shot and edited the video for my multimedia storytelling class with Rich Beckman, Knight Chair in visual journalism. I got a lot of good responses and feedback* from Beckman and my classmates, but I’m still hungry for more.
What did you like? What could have been done better? Please let me know in the comments or by using this nifty contact form.
*A footnote: One of aspect that could be improved is the amount of visual variety; specifically, use fewer basketball clips and show different types of interaction. From the time the project was assigned to when it was due, there was only one opportunity to go with the class to shoot, so I only have them playing basketball.
Even though the assignment is complete, I plan to go back and shoot more footage of Rocmel interacting with his friends and classmates.
Hi Greg,
This is good. The one thing I kept wondering was what Rocmel’s life like before Special Olympics and how is his life better now?
Also, it was good to hear the Project Accept teacher talk a little about what they do, but she said they prepare them to make a transition, but didn’t elaborate on what they are transitioning from or into.
The power of a story in my mind comes from highlighting the catalyst for a life change, in this case – being involved in Special Olympics and the friendships and self-confidence garnered from that involvement.
Overall, great work.
Best,
Ryan
Greg:
Clearly this is a nicely cut piece. I see you noted your disappointment with only having the basketball cutaways, but you did a great job varying them. They look great.
But if you’re looking for feedback, I’d say that what most interested me was the Project Accept teacher noting the obvious, that Rocmel doesn’t look like the athlete most might associate with the Special Olympics. I’d be interested to hear what Rocmel has to say about that.
Also, what’s the nut graf of this piece? I was always told that in video and audio, you have to hit the viewer over the head with the point. If there wasn’t this post title, would I know why this profile was important?
To be honest, I first thought this was going to be a story of Rocmel working with an athlete – which shows my own stereotypes – and the contrast is cool, but I think that’s a big point. i.e. introduce Rocmel, then Project Accept lady explains the confusion ignorant people like me have and then go to the great, great stuff Rocmel says.
Ah, but that is me rambling and having only watched it once.
To be real though, the piece is super interesting, VERY well shot and cut well. Thanks for it.
Good to meet up, I’ll start following more closely, now. Good luck.
-cgw
Thanks for the feedback! I really appreciate the time you both took to watch and comment.
@Ryan: That’s a great point about “what was his life like before Special Olympics” and I almost did the video from that angle.
I won’t go into the whole background, but he wasn’t in special education until middle school. Before then, no one knew was intellectually disabled.
Another good point about Project ACCEPT: the transition is from college to the “real world.”
@Chris: The nut graf is: Rocmel Paredes, a student who defies the stereotype of Special Olympics, is like a big brother and mentor to his fellow athletes.
Good catch with the beginning — that was exactly what I was doing.
I thought the point about him being like a big brother and helping the other athletes despite being in Special Olympics himself was pretty clear because each person talks about it. I could add a title slide, but that make take away from the beginning effect.
Thanks again guys!