Bob Dotson assignment

Read in Dotson’s book pages 55 thru 71. Then:

1. What do you find most interesting about what he says on these pages? What stands out as particularly useful to you as a storyteller? (75 words)
-I find it interesting that he uses the phrase "that give you a lump in the throat" when talking about soundbites because you can't use them all but you need to use the ones that are good and will add to your story. I also found the “Graphics” section interesting. I learned to not overuse the graphics however, it is beneficial adding in little bits of graphics that will improve and help your story. I also found interesting, or I learned, that natural sound will heighten the viewer’s sense of the story.

To answer the rest, you must visit the site for Boyd Huppert’s Land of 10,000 Stories (http://www.kare11.com/news/investigative/extras/stories.aspx). Pick two that look interesting. Watch them. Then, pick one of those and answer the following prompts about it, please:

2. What is the name of the story, and on what date did it first air?

-Singing national anthem at a Twins game is dream for hundreds; March 31, 2013

3. List and describe four instances of natural sound.
-Talking in the beginning, background singing, stadium noises, conversation between judges
4. List and describe (including the type and what they are showing) four camera shots that you find interesting.
- Tight shot of microphone, angled
- Centered, medium shot of American flag hanging
- Over the shoulder, medium shot of behind a singer showing the judges
- Low, angled shot of singers feet, showing judges from the floor angle
5. Write a possible focus statement for the story (strong verbs; no “-ing” words)
- Dreams come true
6. How does this story utilize Dotson’s “Building Blocks” (from Page 68)? Discuss a few of them, please. (100 words)
- This story utilizes Dotson’s “Building Blocks” specifically in its pictures, natural sound, and soundbites. However, it doesn’t use much graphics, not that it is needed. With the pictures and soundbites, the story tells itself and you don’t need much else to make a good story. The story does a good job of switching from the reporter talking to getting interviews of singers auditioning to sing. There were occasional silent parts that were filled with singers or just the natural sounds of a stadium. This made it so that you could get a feeling for what it was like and I enjoyed hearing some of the singers that were auditioning.