NEWS CRITIQUE

Citizen

As usual Citizen tries to pull an Al-jazeera stunt which sometimes work though sometimes it doesn’t.Their lighting and sound is perfect which shows that their pre-production before their live news is done perfectly.The anchors make the news lively though not all times does this have to occur.As for their camera angles i must say some are off though for those who are not media literate.

KTN

I have no idea what happened to KTN’s background but it does not go well with the lighting.It makes the anchors look a rather i do not know how to put it but it makes them looks strange.Their sound is okay and just as they say that their news is comprehensive hence it is.Their live broadcast is done extremely well.I like their news features alot because they talk about things that affect an individual.

NTV

Their lighting and sound are okay. Their anchors these days try to match what they were for example this weel James Smart and Peninah Karibe wore black and lime green colors. I like the county edition it is informative though some of the things are not ethical for example last weekend they covered the Narok county and when their reporter Ferdinand Omondi was covering about the clubs there;they showed a very disturbing dance.They do well but just like any other news station they should know their ethics because news is noty only watched by adults only but also kids.

In conclusion, these days as I watch news I put my class skills in action and as I did this assignment I realized that ethics is what most of the journalsits lack when they do their work.I know this assignment is late and I do not justify this posting because I am on the wrong by forgetting what the course outline stated.

Christine Kasiva

07-1546

News critique

NTV NEWS AT ONE
The lunch time bulletin on NTV is  very comprehensive, up to date/timely and covers all areas nationally, internationally etc.
As much as the Hague 6 is the story to look at, they still focused on other issues which are of importance.
they are objective because they give the right of reply. in the case of the Hague 6, they also gave the named suspects a chance to give their statements.
The lighting in the studio and on the ground is good. The Sound too is very clear.
Continuity is good too since the transitions from the newscaster to the reports is without delay.  However, at one point, the vision mixer at one point froze for too long.
The newscaster (Mark Maasai) is presentable, articulate and audible.
KTN LEO
The lightimg in the studio and  on the reports is good.  the presenters are well dressed for the screen and do not fade into the background. However, the female presenter was wearing the wrong shoes for the bulletin.  She had dinner shoes which could have escaped the audience’s eyes if she sat behind a desk rather on a stool.
The news is objective since they give right of  reply to the suspects of the post election violence.
I liked that they used the  correct language (Kiswahili) for the voxpops during the bulletin.
The caption fonts are good.  They show the seriousness of the news.
One thing that I felt was amiss was too much focus on one story. There are other stories of importance as much as the Hague 6 was the hottest thing then.  However in their focus they brought out stories that other stations did not and this was a plus for them.
The continuity was fair since there were moments when the vision mixer froze for 15 seconds or so.
CITIZEN LIVE AT 9
The presenters are always looking sharp.  The fact that they have a real studio as compared to a virtual one makes their set up more glorious than all the other stations.  The continuity is good and there are very few moments when the vision mixer would freeze for too long if it froze at all.
The lighting is good.  This i think is their biggest asset.  The set up is quite modern and really pulls you in.  The reports are also well done and the caption font is also good.
Back to the newscasters.  I sometimes get the feeling that they get emotionally involved with the news and as much as they do not verbalise, their non-verbal cues give them away.  The way they begin the news is really creative when they walk into the set and it can really pull in the audience.  However, there are conservative people who may not like this approach.

Mashirima

08-0400

Missing Assignments

Be sure to check your COM 467/408K course outline and verify with your postings on class blog. Your final marks (grade) is less total marks assigned to the assignments you have not posted on the class blog.

Don’t blame anyone but yourself when grades will be released next year.

Rosemary

CONtrol Sukuma

I think it will go down in history that this years COM 408(advanced video production) class has outdone themselves in producing the best movies ever to come out from Daystar University. The movies; SUKUMA and CONtrol were premiered on Thursday, 16^th December 2010 in the TV studio. The turnout was outstanding and it was great to see that other students came out to support their very own on this special day.

Considering that they had less time in their hands, working tirelessly throughout the weekends and late nights, the final production was marvelous. A taste of what to look for in the professional industry.

If you missed the premiere no worries, for the two movies will be shown next year January semester to the whole Daystar fraternity.

Good luck and all the best to those who participated in the making of these two movies.

 Mrs. Kowuor was also present and she has been supportive throughout the three stages of production. She also congratulated the students and advised them that this is only the beginning and that they should use their talents more when they step out into the outside world.

Bilha Wangui

film critique

FILMMAKER: CYRIL KARWA

FILM: MABWEGE

DURATION: 70 MINS

PRE-PRODUCTION

It involved brainstorming of the whole idea of the film plus writing of the script. Planning of this film went on for a period of 1 month.

Scouting of the location which included Kiambu, Nairobi town, Komarock and lastly Dandora.

Since it was a low budget film they had to get settings which will be available to them. In the budget it was inclusive of the transport, tapes (10 mini-DV tapes) and food.

Auditioning for the cast, who were students at the Nairobi Institute of Business Studies, NIBS. They also acted for free.

Inclusive also was 2 cameras; Sony PD170

Cyril is a lecturer at NIBS and this was his project so he was the director, DOP, producer and also did the editing.

Making of the schedule for the movie was planned according to the free time of the students.

Rehearsals were done for two weeks. Actors acted out their roles so that the scriptwriter could identify what changes can be made to the script before the actual shooting.

The crew consisted of 8 members.

PRODUCTION

This involves the actual shooting day of the film.The assistant director was in charge of location. They were meant to start shooting at 8:00 am but started at 10:00 am because the venue they had booked was no longer available and so they had to search for another one.

At every scene before shooting they would first setup and this involved:

Cast rehearsing their lines

Setting up of the camera and lights

Dressing up for the casts

Second rehearsal with camera included

Then finally the actual shooting of the scene.

Since some scenes were on the streets, they got a students permit so that they do not get to pay. The permit was for 7 days.

POST- PRODUCTION

There was only one editor, so there was a one week rest after shooting.

It involved capturing and editing of the work and it took 2 months to complete it.

The editing software used was Avid media composer.

10 tapes were used in production stage, a total of almost eight and a half hours which was being compressed to 70mins.

Editing also included insertion of music in the film.

CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED

Word of advice from the filmmaker, he said that in making a movie there are always unforeseen setbacks so in such cases get a team that thinks fast.

He also said that a producer should have a plan B just incase things ever go wrong on set.

Pre-production

Getting people who would write for comedy

Getting suitable locations

Working with the crew especially on sets, people have different temperaments.

Production

Getting of suitable location for their scenes and on the low budget.

Transport for equipment and crew and most especially when carrying the equipments to the sets.

Post-production

The filmmaker had challenges editing all alone

Computers also had some problems during editing

Critique of the movie: Mabwege

This is a local production film which is hilarious and identifies with the common mwananchi.

It is a story based on two friends who live in the rural area but eventually get tired of that lifestyle and thus opt to go and explore the urban region, in this case, Nairobi city. While there they try to do some work so that they can get some money to live on by. One time they get lucky and win some large sum amount of money but hereafter they face some challenges whereby they are conned and are in a mission to get back their money.

The script is a little bit weak in that there seems to be no build up of the story and what is happening.

The montage is very creative and nice. There was use of slow motion. The two main characters were also a natural.

Camera shots: they were also evident as there was the use of wide angle which was used to establish the area where the cast were. Zoom in and out to give more emphasis on what the cast were talking about. There was a nice close up of the money when it was being held.

Sound: at the scene where the cast were in Nairobi city the sound was good and real, nothing looked as if it was acted out. At times though throughout the movie sound was high at some point and at some other point it was low, think it is because of use of two cameras. There was also interference with the wind blowing; filters would have helped at this point.

They used a boom mic to pick up the sound and it held up alright as each and every cast was heard perfectly.

Lighting: this was a major issue in the film even the producer pointed out that they did not have reflectors. On the note that this was low budget film they did try at some points. It could be noted that exposure was poor especially at the first scenes and probably it’s because the different cameras had been put on different settings.

 

Editing: there was minimal usage of transitions or any effects.

At some scenes you could see the other camera person in shot such as, the point in the beginning where the main casts had sat under a tree, also the city scene (polishing shoes) where you could see the camera stand on top of the bus. The boom had been spotted also at some point.

 Bilha Wangui 07-0339

From Campus to the “Real World”

By Phoenix Group:
Sharon Momanyi          Felix Musila
Martin Kuria                   Beatrice Mwangi
Janet Koech                   Alice Neumbe

For most of us who were in this class, this happens to be out very last semester in school. We are very excited about graduating next year and starting on life. However, it is understandable that many of us may be anxious about starting life in the “real world”. For those who have gone through the 8-4-4 system, it’s been an excruciating sixteen years in school, and the shift from being a student to full-time employment, graduate studies or volunteering can be a major change involving new schedules, colleagues and responsibilities. For some of us, life after college may be the first time we are independent from our parents or caregivers, so moving into the next phase of life can be an intimidating change. The much talked-about “tarmacking” after campus does not really aid is soothing our somewhat anxious minds. Of course we may be confident in our skills and abilities, but there’s always the deep-set fear of “what if luck is not on my side”.
Change can be frightening, but it is important to remember that it happens to everyone all the time. We should know that the new experiences and challenges that we may get to face will help us grow and discover our own unique paths.
Dr. David Palmiter of American Psychological Association (APA) offers the following tips to help start off life after campus on a positive note:
Focus on the positive – You are armed with an education and energy, two tools that will help you chart your new course, whether it is a career, graduate studies or volunteering. Remind yourself that you are well equipped to persevere and overcome any obstacles that you face. If you are in doubt about your abilities, create a list of the things you have accomplished and post it where you can see it regularly.
Stay connected – The support system you built while at school doesn’t disappear the moment you leave campus. Keeping in touch with friends, professors and mentors is easier now than ever before, and their guidance will help you navigate the sometimes confusing post-college world. Don’t be afraid to talk about your challenges—chances are others know exactly how you feel and would enjoy helping you.
Look for opportunities – Part of graduating from college and entering the “real world” is engaging in a process of self-discovery. Look for ways to enhance your existing interests as well as create new ones. Taking opportunities to further your knowledge about a particular subject, meeting people who have similar interests and becoming involved in the community will help expand your horizons and open doors to your future.
Take action – Don’t just talk, get busy! If your goal is to have a job, take decisive steps to reach that goal, such as refining your resume, sending out applications and talking to people in your network about what you’re looking for. The more action you take, the closer you will be to reaching your goals.
Be Resilient – Resilience, the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, is an important skill to learn when facing the ups and downs of life after college. Don’t let rejection letters from companies or graduate programs get you down. Everything is a learning process, so try to look at each “no thank you” as an opportunity to improve.

The Phoenix Group wishes every member of Com 467A class of August 2010 a very good, happy, peaceful and successful life after campus! Remember to put God first in everything you do, He will never let you down. It was great sharing this class with you!

Thank you

Thank u Com 467 August semester class for all the experiences i have shared with each and every one of you. From the group work big ups to Axis and the Tuesday news team. It’s funny how you make friends with strangers and end up depending on each other so much lets keep this up. For Mrs Kowuor God bless you so much.
Happy holidays everybody. Baraka tele.

Kimacia.

Editing Suite Available over this Weekend

The Athi River Campus editing suite will be available over this long weekend for you to be able to finalize editing your movies.

So far you have displayed high level of discipline and a sense of responsiblity. You have proved beyond any shadow of doubt that you can be trusted.  This is the mark of a filmmaker – thumbs up to you all. You’re uniquely destined for higher purposes.

That’s the reason the department can entrust their editing suite to you. Do all you can to keep this candle burning brighter!

Christine Muthee Kasiva will take charge of this exercise. I have commissioned her to pick the key from Harison. I may pass by to check on your progress! Keep us posted on this platform.

I just can’t wait for the big day – December 16th. Is it still worth looking forward to?

Rosemary

NEWS CRITIQUE-By Alice Neumbe, 06-0215

 

I have been analysing  KTN Late Night News which is done at 11pm, Radio maisha and The Standard online edition and KTN website features these are my findings

Video

KTN has good headroom, stable shots, good tilts and pans in that before moving left or right from a fixed axis like a tripod (Media College 2010) and down the camera person focuses on the starting point for a minimum of 6-7 seconds. The zooms are logical to create desired kinds of effects to show how far or close the objects may be.

Sound

KTN has good sound .The reporter’s voice is not overpowered by the background noise during the stand up reporting. This was well exhibited by the reporting of common wealth games by Celestine Karoney in New Delhi.

Lighting

There is good use of spot and flood light. The News Anchor is not extra or under lighted. There is a separation of background and the anchor. Three are usually no shadows.

 

Shots

Most of the time an establishing shot is done to give total surrounding and send feel of it to the audience, especially if a person is being interviewed. Long shots are used to focus on him alone by showing full stature from head to toe. Medium shots are used to show the total expression of the interviewee by use of gestures of hand and other body parts. Medium shots are usually taken from head to the waist. Close ups to show a certain feature of the interviewee, it could be the face, the hands or the toes and  extreme close up is due to show the details of emotions for example tears.

Editing

There are good transitions, cuts of unwanted shots and logical flow of the story in line with words. Both Linear and in camera editing skills are well applied

Mulmedia convergence

The television news is full of shots and footage to tell the story by the use of footage which is logical

The radio version of the same on Radio Maisha tells the news in details by use of good sound effects to create mental pictures

The standard online and the KTN website expound in depth with links each news item, for example, the story of Wetangula’s resignation.

 

Conclusion

Late Night News programme is a brief and Consise to the point, which professionally wraps up the top News happenings in an attractive style attractive to the tired and sleepy audience.

References

 1. Watching KTN late night News, http://www.ktnkenya.tv/

2. Retrieved November 2011, www.mediacollege.com

3. Radio Maisha news, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhQPGVRpEmo&feature=youtube_gdata

4. The standard online, http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/news/

FORTY, A MARK IN DELIVERANCE CHURCH HISTORY-By Alice Neumbe 06-0215

Saturday December 4, 2010 was a memorable day for all the Deliverance church Family in and outside Kenya. Members and guests gathered at Nyayo Stadium to celebrate this long awaited occasion whad been organised from September 2010. Participants in different departments did not take things for granted but each of them met in their respective groups, for practice and prayers at least fortnightly from September 1 to December 3,2010. For example the Praise and worship team intensely met even overnight to perfect on the songs for that big day. It was actually out of these moments that the theme song “Pamoja’ or “Together we shall grow” was composed.

The essence of the 40^th Anniversary according to the general overseer Bishop Mark Kariuki was to make the Deliverance Church family Celebrate God’s faithfulness. From the scriptures, forty years represent a generation, meaning the beginning of another phase. Therefore the main motivation as this event was being carried out was to anticipate a new season of change, an end of the wilderness in the congregations’ lives. Deliverance church family based on this has now started Living instead of merely existing.

 

The whole programme

1. Opening prayer
2. Praise and worship
3. This was done in coordination of
4. Brief remarks from the founder Apostle Joe Kayo
5. Regional Presentations
6. Recognition of international guests
7. Offering and Lunch for the congregation members
8. Word from the general overseer
9. Introduction of ordination Candidates
10. Presentation of list of honour  by the Assistant General secretary
11. A word from the general overseer
12. Ministry of the word
13. Benediction
14. Hymns and departure

 

The event was very successful as it ended at 5pm with blessings from the general overseer. No incidences or accidents were reported. Every one was grateful for the excellence portrayed right from the preparations to the delivery of the services.

 

Links

http://www.bishopmarkkariuki.org/ledrol.php                 

http://www.dacb.org/stories/kenya/kayo_joseph.html             

http://wn.com/Deliverance_marks_40_years