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Please note: Vision Forum reserves the right to accept or reject submissions without
explanation.
Appearance
Presenters must be dressed modestly and professionally. Boys should present themselves
with a distinctively masculine and clean-cut appearance. Likewise, girls should
present themselves with a distinctively feminine appearance. For the purpose of
these videos, we respectfully request that the following guidelines be adhered to:
- Girls: Please wear a modest skirt or dress. No pants or shorts.
- Boys: Long pants should be worn. No shorts. A collared shirt should be worn
unless the reporter is engaging in an activity that requires the reporter to get
particularly dirty.
Language
A proper respect for the English language must be observed. Avoid slang terms, and
strive to be clear and concise in your speech. Taking the name of the Lord in vain,
including in the form of “minced oaths” (e.g., “gosh,” “golly,”
etc.) is inappropriate.
Length
Entries must be between thirty seconds and two minutes in length.
Presentation
Opening & Closing: Each report must begin with the presenter facing the
camera, introducing the report “Hello. This is [First Name], reporting for
Everyday News.” It should end with the presenter facing the camera and saying,
“This is [First Name] reporting for Everyday News.”
For the protection of your own privacy, we strongly recommend that families do not
have their children give their last names. First and/or second names may be used.
The Report: News items should follow standard journalistic procedure. Describe
an event that happened. Emphasize WHEN, WHERE, and WHAT. The reports should be brief
and factual. They are not about the reporter, but about events.
Here is an example of a line introducing the subject of the report:
Today on Elm Street, disaster struck when gravity pulled a jelly jar through the
bottom of this grocery bag onto the concrete. The jar shattered.
The rest of the story should resemble a newspaper story, briefly giving facts or
details about WHO and possibly WHY.
A local boy was unloading groceries from this van. No one knows who will clean up
the mess. Some onlookers think the pile of glass and jelly should be left where
it is as a work of art.
Equipment Needed
The following equipment is necessary:
- One NTSC video camera capable of recording SD (minimal)
- NTSC means that the camera records at 29.97 frames per second. This is different
from PAL formats, which record at 24 frames per second. Most video cameras sold
in the U.S. are NTSC cameras.
- Standard Definition (SD) video cameras record 720 x 480 pixels. Most affordable
camcorders are SD video cameras. No video recorded on a digital still camera will
be accepted as the resolution is typically too low or non-SD compliant.
- Microphone
- An inexpensive microphone may be purchased at a store such as Radio Shack, Best
Buy, or other electronics retailers.
- The microphone you buy should have a connector that is compatible with the camcorder
you use. The microphone will plug into your camcorder’s microphone or sound
input jack.
- Tapes or DVDs (depending on camcorder’s requirements)
- “ENN” Microphone flag (the “box” that goes on the mic). You
may download the template (PDF).
The following equipment is recommended:
- Tripod
- Extension cable for microphone
- Lighting
Editing
No cross-fade transitions should be used when editing the reports. This will allow
Vision Forum to more efficiently add graphics to the reports.
Vision Forum reserves the right to edit, alter, add to, or change any episode submitted.
Audio
An external microphone must be used. This microphone must be connected to the camera,
or an MP3 or tape recorder, and synced to the video during editing. A handheld microphone
should be held 5-8” below the speaker’s chin. Alternatively, a lapel microphone
should be clipped at about the same distance. If possible, the audio should be recorded
using manual settings so that the levels will be clean and not peak or distort.
Submitting
After editing, the final video files must be exported or converted to uncompressed,
non-anamorphic QuickTime or DV files at 720 x 480 resolution. The format should
be NTSC, not PAL. Each uncompressed episode may be burned to a compact disc and
shipped to Vision Forum, where the episode will be previewed, and if accepted, completed
for broadcast. Click here for the submission form.
Questions?
Contact us with any questions at enn@visionforum.com.
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