DMS Broadcasting - Broadcast Style Guide

DMS Broadcast Style Guide

When creating your feature for the DMS Broadcast follow this style guide to check on elements which must be required in your video. These elements will provide consistency to the broadcast even though we have many people working to produce the show.

Not following these requirements will result in you redoing your feature to successfully meet the requirements and may impact your grade.

Naming Video Files for Features

Naming the video files you are turning in for the broadcast must follow a specific format so that we can keep track of the feature and which show it is being considered to be included.

As an example, let's say that the student working on the feature is named Madison Johnson. Madison is working on a feature about the upcoming art show and it is for broadcast #4.

When she turns in the video file of her feature it should be:

4_Johnson_ArtShow

Lower Thirds Text

When interviewing someone for your feature you should include their name on a lower third of the screen.

Use only the student's first name. For example, if you interview Michael Anderson, a 6th grader your first line would be "Michael" and the line below it would be "6th Grader".

Under "Titles" you will select "Standard Lower Third".

Your font will be "Helvetica Neue", font size "80" on the top line and "60" on the bottom line.

Left justified with NO bold, italics or outline. The text color should be white unless there is an issue with a white background.

Example of top line (font size is 80):

Example of bottom line (font size is 60):

Horizontal Video Only - No Vertical Video

When using video captured on a cell phone the video must be horizontal, not vertical. Vertical video will not be used in the broadcast.

If you are shooting video on your cell phone there is a simple way to take horizontal video instead of vertical video - rotate your phone.

No Text Screens

Your viewing audience shouldn't have to read a screen full of text. It delays your feature and is a waste of time.

As the person putting together the video you need to plan to produce a feature with audio, no screens of text. Record your voice and add some B roll.

Start and End of Video

Your feature should have 2 seconds of black screen at the start of your video and 2 seconds of black screen at the end of the video. This will allow the editors to have some space to transition your video into different parts of the show.

No Gum, No Photobombs, No Background Noise

When conducting an interview for a feature you are in control of the situation. No one should have gum in their mouth. There will be no one acting immature in the background of the interview. There should be minimal background noise to interfere with the recording of the interview. Since you are in control of the interview you can ask someone to take out their gum or move to another location if needed. You can also ask people to not act out in the background of your video.

Have a Compelling Introduction To Your Feature

Don't just jump into your feature - start with an interesting question, a fact or the start of story. If we stopped your feature after 10 seconds there should be some reason why the person watching would want to continue watching to see how your feature ends. This hook can take many different forms depending on the topic but it must be present.

Sign Off Your Feature

At the end of your feature you need to verbally sign off. This might also include you on video but it could include B Roll footage with your verbal sign off. If the student creating the feature is Jordan Anderson then the sign off might be: "This is Jordan Anderson reporting for Discovery Middle School Broadcasting."

You can change up what you say as a sign off but whatever you, DO NOT SAY "THANKS FOR WATCHING"

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