These
stories demonstrate the effect of decisions made in the field
and in the edit room on the perception of a story's fairness.
Use these stories to discuss how the choices made by the photographer,
videotape editor, and writer can reinforce or challenge stereotypes.
The
Story: Trailer Park
The
Changes
The Manufactured Housing Institute is trying to improve
the image of mobile homes. They've put out a press release
saying that the correct terminology is "manufactured
housing," and that a "double-
All
interviews shot with a tripod and lavaliere microphone. Most are
shot from a lower angle, giving the subject more authority. Lighting
is softer.
Choice of video shows a more balanced
wide" is technically
a "multi-section unit." This story attempts to
determine how people who live in this kind of housing feel
about the effort to change the language used to describe
it. Reporter: Deborah Potter. (This story was produced by
the Poynter Institute and did not air.)
The Issues
Interviews shot outdoors, off-the-shoulder, sometimes
with a stick microphone. Most are shot from a high angle, diminishing
the importance of the subject.
Choice of video in B-roll shows trailer park at its
worst, again feeding the stereotype that these places are trashy.
Most sound bites are anonymous. People are not identified
in track.
picture of trailer parks. Includes
"beauty shots" and real birds, not plastic flamingoes.
Language used is more temperate.
More people are identified in track, not just by name
but with some additional detail about them, so their sound bites
have context.
Characters are more diverse.
For Discussion
Do you often see stories shot in "trailer park"
communities? When you do see these stories, what are they most often
about?
What difference does it make to the viewer if interviews
are done inside or outside of a person's home? Does the way an interview
is shot convey a subtle, unintended message about the person being
interviewed?
Does the language in a standup do more to establish
a tone for a story than the rest of the track?
How Important is the opening shot in conveying a general
impression of a story? The closing shot?
