Writing A Story Notes

1. Find a __TOPIC__.
What is your story about?
Who is your audience?
Why is this story important to your audience?

2. Find an __ANGLE__.
More specifically, what is important about your topic?
What should the reader learn?

3. Collect __DATA/ INFORMATION__.
Who are three experts for this story?
Do you need opposing points of view?
What interview questions should I ask?
What other research must be done to complete the story?

4. Gather __INTERVIEWS__. (3 PEOPLE & 3 QUESTIONS)
Ask open-ended questions.
Get good sound bytes.(A PIECE OF AUDIO THAT CAN STAND ON ITS OWN.)
Have person restate the question in the interview.

5. Organize your __SOUND BYTES___.
Which quotes should be used?
How can I organize the quotes to tell a story?

6. Write __TRANSITIONS/ SEGUE__ in your story.
Use words to tie the interviews together.
What other information can I add to the story?
Can the story stand on its own?

7. Write __INS__ and __OUTS__.
What should the anchors say to introduce my story or bring it to a close? No Scoop, Went to find out,
How should the story begin and end?
What should I say in my stand-up? No 1st Person: I went…
Use attention getter at the introduction but avoid rhetorical questions.

8. Collect __B-ROLL(VIDEO FOOTAGE)__ to add to your story.
A-ROLL-ALL THE AUDIO IN THE STORY.
NATURAL SOUND-AUDIO FROM THE REAL WORLD THAT YOU USE IN YOUR STORY.
How can video enhance my story?
Make a list of items you would like photographed.
How should I edit the audio and video together to enhance my story?
Should other enhancements like music, graphics, effects be used?