Writing for Mass Media PDF

Writing for Mass Media Dr. Mennat Allah Salem Chapters to be covered: Chapter 1: The mass Chapter 2: Basic elements of production Chapter 3: Format and style Chapter 4: Commercials and PSA Chapter 7: The interview Chapter 5: News Chapter 6: Documentaries - Mid term exams will start...

Writing for Mass Media Dr. Mennat Allah Salem Chapters to be covered: Chapter 1: The mass Chapter 2: Basic elements of production Chapter 3: Format and style Chapter 4: Commercials and PSA Chapter 7: The interview Chapter 5: News Chapter 6: Documentaries - Mid term exams will start at 18/11till 30/11 and are worth 20 points, the final exams will start at 9/1 and are worth 50 points  The Mass Media (Chapter 1) Hilliard’s WRITING for TV, Radio, and New Media  Is there a difference between writing various media scripts?  Usually the means of distribution is irrelevant. The techniques of writing programs for a type of format are the same. Writing is Writing, no matter what technology is used to send out & receive the video or audio signal, the program form is essentially the same. TV is the term used to describe all Video writing. Radio is the term used to describe all Audio writing.  Mass Media Audience A writer for MASS medium should write for MASS audience, not individuals. The nature of the audience must constantly be in the forefront of his mind & should be the key to what he / she creates. Every visual image has to be created with the people who will be watching or listening in mind. Although millions may hear or see what is written they will experience it individually or in groups who have a lot or little in common. Audience characteristics should be in focus.  Audience characteristics The conditions and interests of audience usually determine the kind of writing that appeal to a given audience as well as the product or service the audience most likely need. Demographics: Age, gender, job, location, income, education, etc. The demographics may differ among people watching, but the techniques of writing programs for a type of format remain the same.  Psychographics go more in depth than demographics and try to determine lifestyle, values, political affiliations, attitudes and even personality. There is also a method called “cohort analysis” that seeks to find common bonds that prompt a group of people to think and feel the same way about a given item or an issue based on similar experiences.  What should TV Writers put in mind- regarding audience? TV& Radio audience -the main target for the writer - are not “captive audience”. Writer MUST capture their attention & hold it! Every picture and every word must be purposeful to keep audience’s interest. TV & Radio audience listen & watch for free unlike theatre or movie audience; Unlike the theatre or movie audience which has a paid fee, your audience can press a button if it does not like what it sees or hears.  What should TV Writers put in mind Technically? The TV writer must understand and use the production elements* just as a painter uses different brushes! The writer must write for the eye and the ear in addition to mastering the use of words. The writer should write to fit the medium ethical and technical requirements. E.g. Writing field production programs are not the same as writing studio programs. -------------------------------------- *Camera (Lenses, Shots)/ Camera Tripods / Light/ Audio/ Switching board/ Settings/ Titles/ Graphics/ Dressing & Make up  TV Restrictions Television is restricted by : - The limited time available for a given program. - Traditional Television is restricted by small screen size comparing to movie screen size. a. The small screen limits the number of characters. b. the size of setting.  TV Advantages TV can benefit from all communication media (e.g. live performance of theatre, mechanical abilities of film, sound & audience orientation of radio + its own capacities & visual elements. TV combines both subjectivity & objectivity in relation to the audience. The Camera, writer & director can easily orient attentions & emotions (through kinds of shots & or lenses, editing techniques, camera movement). Objectivity creates credibility to non dramatic programming such as news & documentaries. TV is not radio with pictures Television is VISUAL. Visuals should precede Audio. Example: A 30-page scene was substituted with less than a page of visual directions!  Radio Advantages Radio is the ART of the imagination. By combining sound effects, music, dialogue & even silence. The writer can develop a picture in the audience’s mind that is only limited by their imagination. Radio is not limited by visuals (Aural medium). Radio permits the writer complete freedom of time and place; the writer can create places, characters, events (difficult or costly to show visually). No limitation on the settings or movement.  Radio Restrictions In radio, a scene must be set in dialogue and sound rather than sight. The Radio writer is restricted only by the breadth of the mind’s of the audience. The good writer finds enough elements to stimulate common emotions & reactions. A scene is set in dialogue and sound rather than established through sight. Radio uses a narrator to set mood, establish characters, give inf., describe a scene ….etc.  The Internet Audience They are different from that of other media. They consist of single individuals in a one in one communication exchange, even though millions may be logged on to the same site at the same time. They are participants in the communication process not passive viewers or listeners. The word users is more suitable than audience. Each individual user is a programmer with access to distribution sites such as YouTube and with the ability to write individual Blogs and tweets Internet has flexibility as well as control over the material being presented Internet users have wider choice of selections. There are few gatekeepers. Internet is open & free to alternative programming from any group or individual source. Capabilities of Internet Script- Writers should care about: Writing for Internet is different. It is a source of distribution for film, video & audio on a mass scale. Keyword for Internet writing is Interactive”. Users have wider access to a variety of opinions, interpretations & is able to pass biased information. The writer must never lose control of the material. The writer should have a purpose to reach.  Writing Principles Writing is not an inherent talent, with study and practice anyone can become a better writer. Writing is hard work, persistence is needed. Writing is a process that blends the subject and format of the project. The only way to learn to write is to write!!  Qualifications of Radio & TV Writer Creativity and inquiring mind: “Why not this & why this” instead of try-and-true concept. Knowledge of and feel for language. Ability to keyboard and use computers. Knowledge of broadcast production procedures. Writing is collaborative work that requires getting along with people - especially under pressure & deadlines. Accept, sometimes, to do double duty –that is to write & produce, write & announce, etc. Accept criticism.  What Is Good Writing? Good writing - especially for Broadcast - is clear to leave no doubt or confusion in the reader’s mind about its meaning. Good writing is with the minimum number of words. Good writing is precise as they use words for their exact meaning. Good writing is simple & to the point. Good writing transmits information, ideas, & feelings to the reader clearly without overstatement. As for the writer the following is essential: - Having a special perspective - Must understand how to write for the ear, integrate audio and visual elements into a script