Details
Category: Feature
Media: Audio Slideshow
Turnaround time: More than a day but less than a week
Description of story
An audio slideshow that depicts how a bunch of volunteer firefighting females in rural West Virginia banded together to try and lose weight together and avoid the diabetic fate traditionally affecting many in their families. They are admittedly still not svelte, but together have so far lost 400 pounds -- and counting.
Feedback requested
General feedback on its effectiveness and constructive criticism.
Gear used in production
Canon G11 camera, Final Cut Express.
Douglas:
First, an apology from FtF for a tardy review, we are aiming to be more timely in 2013.
First off, great story find. I was pleased that you were able to get them to speak so honestly about their struggles. Body image is such an issue for women in our society these days so I was glad to see you guys do a story on this. I also really liked the fact that you had people perform the sound track. Kudos there.
A few things I wonder if you considered. Did you think about shooting portraits of all the participants, either formal or as part of their exercise program? The main reason I ask is that your camera really put some limits on the visual variety of your piece. Portraits would have broken up the walking and exercise images. Also, as Colin likes to say, shoot tight, tighter and tighter....more visual variety helps move a piece along as well as break up med shots. Also changing levels with the camera, high or low helps do similar things.
Did you ask them or shoot for them before and during or after shots?
Could you have followed them home or to the diner to photograph them eating or eating salads?
Technically on the audio, I would use smoother fade in and outs, some of the audio fades were a bit harsh. Also, I couldn't tell if there was clothing or wind noise out on the walks, but be cognizant of interviews in quiet areas or some sort of wind and sound protection for your mic.
As with almost all of our pieces, I think half as long a piece would have held my attention stronger and not have had you use similar images. The hardest part for me is to cut quotes that are good because someone is essentially duplicating information or insight.
The big question I raise for you and the rest of folks on the site is, do we need ID's voice or image when folks are talking? I think you could make an argument to not identify people for individual quotes, but as a journalist I would like to know who all is speaking.
Overall, thank you for submitting your piece, I hope my questions can start a discussion about the piece, or perhaps they highlight things you have already put to use on your next piece. I look forward to seeing your next submission. Thanks.