For the project, you must submit one video resume on DVD-R and one copy of your portfolio. The DVD-R must be in a protective CD/DVD jacket. (-5 if you fail to deliver it this way.)  After review, your portfolio will be placed in a blue box outside my office door for your retrieval until Jan.20, 2010.

I will keep your DVD, so if you want a copy of your video resume for yourself, then you'll need to burn two copies (one for you and one for me), and you can use the DVD for multiple copies onto VHS tape if you wish.

Portfolio
1) Senior Portfolio checklist
2) cover letter
3) one-page resume
4) references (names, titles and phone numbers)
5) corrected scripts (remove the instructors' comments) from TV News and/or Writing for the Electronic Media
6) writing samples (corrected) from other classes if you think they are good representations of your work
The items listed above should be placed in a binder. You need not purchase a binder. I have several in my office that you can use.

Use the RTNDA Jobs Bulletin, the Texas Association of Broadcasters' Job List, Broadcasting and Cable Magazine, or other trade journals that provide information on current openings. See the link for Jobs in the Electronic Media for possible leads.

The cover letter, the resume, the scripts and the writing samples MUST BE TYPED. Later if you dub your video resume from DVD to videotape, you should type adhesive labels to put on your resume tapes. Neatness counts. With the exception of your name on the DVD you create, do not submit material that has been handwritten. The cover letter, resume and written samples should have no typos or misspellings. Also please use only plain, white paper for your submissions. Color paper should NOT be used, nor should you use the plastic sleeves sometimes used to protect the individual sheets. A neat, word-processed document will serve just fine.

You may use any computer that can handle the Microsoft Word .doc format to correct your scripts for resubmission.  The TV News Script template is available here. Also, almost all of the local scripts have been archived on the News23 website. Look for the subdirectories ARCHIVES and FALL2009. They are filed with your original slug.

You're encouraged to seek guidance in the preparation of these documents. In other words, see me if you have any questions. The same is true for preparing the resume tape -- if in doubt, ask. We want your BEST possible work.

The video resume for reporters should be not exceed five minutes in length, excluding the opening and closing slates. Instructions for creating a slate are posted.  A graphic timeline for would-be reporters/anchors is below.  You may include video work from your internship, if you wish:

Those of you who are NOT seeking a reporter or anchor position may omit the Montage and the anchor segment.  Also, you may include productions from MC 3311 Video Production or other outside work if they are good representations of your ability. However, do NOT feel compelled to include anything just to fill time. The video resume for non-reporters may be any length, but only include items that represent your best work. Include a descriptive slate before each major segment to indicate the role you played in producing it:

Descriptive Slate info:
Slug or Title (Spell it out...Don't use the abbreviated, eight character or less format that we used in class)
Type (PKG or VO or PSA, etc., etc.) - Your role (photographer and/or editor, or reporter, or producer, etc., etc)

Place this information in the lower left corner of the frame using a font size of no more than 29 pt. Arial is preferred. Whereas, the opening and closing slate, which has your contact information, will be ten seconds in duration, the descriptive slates should be no more than five seconds long.

Identification of your sources (the persons seen in sound bites) with character-generated names and titles is preferred but NOT required. Their omission will NOT affect your grade, but please use the Show Tapes if at all feasible. And definitely use Show Tapes if you're including Voiceover (VO) material. We must hear the anchor's narration, which accompanies the VO, for the VO to make sense.

See instructions for creating a movie (QuickTime), a DVD-R and posting to YouTube.

Make sure you print your name on the DVD-R that you submit to me.

The deadline for completing your final project is Friday, Dec. 11, noon.

After review, your written portfolio will be left in the blue box for you to pick up until Jan. 20, 2010. Your project serves as your Senior Portfolio -- a requirement for graduation.