Starting Five | Finding the Frame

Starting Five (view this story)

Details

Category: Sports
Media: Project
Turnaround time: More than a month

Description of story

On Nov. 16, the SDSU Aztecs beat Gonzaga to secure their first ever AP top 25 ranking. I called the school and told them I wanted to do a story. The answer: "There is no way you are getting the access you are asking for." On Mon., March 14, nearly 4 months later, I got the last two of five interviews with a now 33-2 Aztecs team that is projected by some to make it to the Final Four.

Feedback requested

I can't even describe how much I learned through this process. Mostly about persistence and access, building relationships. Any and all feedback is welcome. Thanks!

Gear used in production

Canon 5DmkII
Zoom H4n
Pluraleyes
FCP
Sennheiser shotgun and lav mics

1 comment - Login to comment

Rep: 444

Eric Seals Feb. 7, 2012, 6:19 p.m. permalink

James,

Wonderful job on this series. We about it many months ago and sorry it's been languishing at the bottom of the story pool. I was waiting for someone else to review it.

Loved the access you had, the lighting and shooting basketball with your 5D was impressive. I find doing sports coming in and away from you hard with that camera but you've mastered it.

You audio was top notch and your selection of music was right on point.

Your shooting style, taking risks on the floor and up above really paid off with the Fisher's Five.

Just goes to show the persistance and dedication to your craft really paid off not only for you but more importantly for the readers and viewers of your newspaper and perhaps even for SDSU. They'll remember what a great job you did and hopefully they'll remember you as setting the mark for others to do similar and other stories on their team in the future.