Producers.

[Grotto]

Is there such a thing as producer school? Or maybe producing classes in a broader program? How do people learn how to produce newscasts?

[Michigan J. Frog]

Trial and error, based on what we see on the air.

[Grotto]

Well...that is why I am asking the question. I am not pissing and moaning about anything. But...where I work all you need is a heartbeat to get a producing job. We do not have any "professional" producers, and have not for a long time. The people we have had for years now are brought in from other departments...or other professions.

I am just curious to know if this has always been the case...or if there is a downward spiral developing. No disrespect intended to producers on this board...I am just curious.

[Stack It]

Originally posted by Grotto:
Is there such a thing as producer school? Or maybe producing classes in a broader program? How do people learn how to produce newscasts?I learned in my college classes because we got to try everything, we had no choice. But nothing compares to the real thing, that's how you learn and either become a producer or a "stacker".

[Diplomat]

Originally posted by Stack It:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Grotto:
Is there such a thing as producer school? Or maybe producing classes in a broader program? How do people learn how to produce newscasts?I learned in my college classes because we got to try everything, we had no choice. But nothing compares to the real thing, that's how you learn and either become a producer or a "stacker".</font>[/QUOTE]Grotto--what Stack It wrote above is your best answer. Classes can give you an idea of what to expect but the best way to learn producing is to do it.

[Pro]

Some stations have newsroom producuction assistants, assistant producers and desk assistants. That's a good way to learn.

Sadly, in this era of staff reductions, those jobs are becoming fewer.

Many producers start out green, but turn out OK under the guidance and mentorship of some excellent executive producers. ;)

[Poo(h)]

Starting next semester, I'm teaching a "producing" class at my U, to be differentiated from "writing," "reporting," etc.

I hope it helps.

[Who Cares???]

Sadly... I have to laugh.

I've seen interns, newsroom secretarys, and once, a janitor become producers. Even worse, they go on to become EP's... usually without having a clue about news, or what makes news.

In most all these instances, it was being in the right place at the right time...

I'm not bitter.... (snicker...)

No... change that to an all out LAUGH...!!!

[drink the koolaid]

you can be a producer if you can talk on a cell phone, and spell TV.
I have only done this biz for 23 years, but as a network employee... Thats my observation.

[Clever Login Name]

What I would love to see is for stations to make it mandatory for producers to also actually spend some time in the field: reporting, shooting, whatever ... so there's at least some understanding of what 'their' crews have to go through on a daily basis.

[Seahawk]

Originally posted by Grotto:

where I work all you need is a heartbeat to get a producing job. We do not have any "professional" producers, and have not for a long time. The people we have had for years now are brought in from other departments...or other professions.
During a 15-year career, I worked in the studio as a camera operator and in the booth as a TD trainee. I worked camera and stage managed for a variety of sporting events during college (not necessarily news, but valuable experience).

I worked in the field as a photographer, reporter and field producer. I moved up in market size. Inside the newsroom, I worked as videotape editor, writer, associate producer, and on up to producer.

Because I had done most of their jobs at some point, I had respect from everyone - reporters, photographers, technical staff, even an engineer or two. Plus, good references and a pretty high level of appreciation from management. I even won a couple of small awards.

I don't think anyone would argue that that's a pretty solid background for producing news.

Wanna know why I'm not doing it any more? Because IT SUCKS! Producing is like working the line at McDonald's or your local sock factory. There is no creativity involved. There's barely any newsgathering involved, anymore. It's filling the holes between commercials with whatever you can come up off the police reports, wire services, news releases, network feeds, consultant story sheets, I-team mattress checks, and the occasional viewer call.

All that, plus listening to 80-percent of the newsroom whine, complain, b*tch, moan and groan.

THAT'S why no one with any experience wants to produce.

[ November 09, 2006, 08:28 AM: Message edited by: Seahawk ]

[Pinkie]

Originally posted by Clever Login Name:
What I would love to see is for stations to make it mandatory for producers to also actually spend some time in the field: reporting, shooting, whatever ... so there's at least some understanding of what 'their' crews have to go through on a daily basis.I wholeheartedly agree. This way they not only know what the crews in the field have to do, they understand what it's like to have bad time cues or get an idea of how long it takes to put a story together. It's not a quick process and you need great communication from the newsroom.

On the other hand, everyone should have an idea of how to produce and the expectations with come with that as well.

[Clubbeat]

On the job traning...nothing teaches you faster.

Hopefully you're in a shop that has a few good wordsmiths and people who are good story tellers. Get with the best writer/producer in your place. Watch what they do and follow their lead. READ, READ, READ! A good producer is always reading anything...other media, good books, blogs, threads like this etc.

Expanding your knowledge base along with crashing and burning a few times will get you the training you need.

It will also help if you've some experience in other parts of the newsroom. If not, make it a point to go out with a shooter and/or reporter. Spend a day with the Assignement editor etc. All effect what you do and how you do it when it domes to producing a newscast. The better you understand what they deal with on a deaily basis the easier it'll be for you to do your job.

[mothball]

MUST we start berating producers again?

I learned TV producing by being thrown wild-eyed into a newscast in an extremely small market, just like most of my contemporaries. What helped me along the way wasn't any sort of education about TV. It was a minor in English and years working in radio -- and writing, writing, and writing.

Yes, there -are- some professional producers -- those few of us out there who aren't just producing just so we can become an anchor or a reporter or an ND. I'm a morning show producer -- that's my specialty, and I'll challenge anyone who thinks they can do my job better than I can. But there are very, very few of us. And the field of producers gets younger all the time.

If you're interested in learning how to be a producer, I can give you these tips.
1. You are probably not going to find any sort of specific class that will teach you how to be a good producer.
2. Take every English course you can.
3. Read like mad -- the newspaper, magazines, the Web, the back of the cereal box -- whatever it is, READ.
4. Learn how to spell as if you were going to the National Spelling Bee. On everything.
5. Take time to volunteer at a pre-school somewhere, and re-learn recess relationship dynamics. Sadly, these same dynamics are rampant in many of our newsrooms.
6. Find a good station and intern. Or, if you can't intern, talk someone into letting you shadow them.
7. Learn how to enjoy the small moments -- because, God help us, when things go well the talent are praised -- but when they go bad watch out.
8. Learn how to shop on a budget.
9. Learn timing.
10. Listen every chance you get. If you keep your ears open and your mouth shut, you'll not only make better company, you'll learn more about flow than you will with any textbook. Consider how people in general will "go off on a tangent" and connect subjects in their conversations. THIS is the key to good story flow.
11. Remember, it's more important to tell the story than to fit all the facts into :20.
12. RELAX.
13. Producing is not just writing, timing, and scheduling. It's also being a mediator. Learn to tuck away the temper and focus on solving problems.
14. Take this to heart -- no matter how bad the show went, you can't take it back, and the next day is another clean slate.
15. Brush your teeth.
16. Wear comfortable shoes you can run in.
17. Don't be afraid to let your anchors think they're getting everything they ask for.
18. Be kind.
19. See #10.
20. NEVER be a "Mr. Know-It-All."

Producing won't bring you much money -- unless you go to the networks. And chances of that are slim. But if you stick with it -- and you stick with a good station -- and you can keep your anchors happy, your viewers will notice. And -that- makes you a good producer.

[newhouse]

I'm a producer...
Sadly, what you've all been saying is true.
Many people, even in large markets kind of learn as they go along.
At my shop (top 10 market) ... we have writers training as producers. These are writers who have no journalism degrees (which is fine, but still I think you should have taken SOME j-school classes) and are in training to be newscast producers. They've even been allowed to produce full newscasts.
Boy, if I knew you could just show up and work your way up, I wouldn't have spent so much time and money in school.

As for training....good media companies allow for it often.
Belo/Hearst also does a "producer academy" which totally ROCKS!!!!

[Pro]

I was first hired, out of college in the late 70's, as a field reporter. The ND said to me, "Oh yeah, since you're on the new guy on nightside, you have to produce the 10 PM show."

"Uhhhh....what does a 'producer' do"?

"Ahh, it's easy. Just help (anchor) write some stories and sit in the booth during the show in case something goes wrong."

Well, as it turned out, our anchor was pretty lazy, and let me know that I was expected to write and stack the whole show as well as report. But the good part was that he didn't care, I could do it however I wanted.

The other rookie reporters that had the job before me hated the hours (it was a 12-14 hour per day job) so as soon as they could, they either moved up or out. Me, I liked it - and really threw myself into it, so much so that after a year
or so, the ND said "You seem to have a flair for this. You wanna give up field reporting and produce both the 6 and 10? I'll give ya a raise"

There was an opening at 6, because the ND, himself was producing that show, and finally talked management into letting him hire an "Executive Producer" to produce both shows - me. I got a whopping $20 per week raise. But, hell, I was young..... ;)

[CJ]

I have a book called "Power Producers." It's an interesting read and you can understand everything about what makes a newscast just that.

However, I learned in college... doing everything from one man band, field producer, special projects producer, producing various shows--- tape and live, and of course OMB and Producing newscasts at the same time.

Also, try to learn from your top producers. They are there for a reason.

[Produce man]

Originally posted by drink the koolaid:
you can be a producer if you can talk on a cell phone, and spell TV.That's funny, that description sounds more like anchor qualifications.

[Head Janitor]

I learned the basics of newscast producing at my university and expanded on that education at every station I've been to since then.

I have also spent time in the field and behind the desk(very, very briefly), so I gained a little understanding of what those jobs entail.

It seems to me that the original poster is frustrated by 'stackers' -- people who just fill a newscast. We(producers) have all been guilty of that. A producer will go beyond the typical newscast formula and turn it into an interesting conversation between anchor and audience. A producer will make the lead story bigger with an interesting sidebar that really brings the report home. A producer isn't afraid to shake things up and sneers at the silly phrase, 'But that's not the way we usually do it!"

Are there more stackers than producers? Of course. There are also more meat puppets than true reporters and anchors. Just the nature of the beast.

[DoneThatToo]

Just to add my two cents worth. Along with knowing what goes on in the field, and that is a big thing to know and understand, PLEASE spend some time in the booth. It takes a lot of coordination between every aspect of the broadcast to pull off those shows that really make you proud.

[Poo(h)]

Okay, let's kick it up a notch, then.

I'm right now starting to write my syllabus for a new TV producing class that I'm teaching (as I mentioned).

So, what do YOU want in the syllabus, and why?

Class meets two times a week for one hour and fifty minutes. It's lecture AND lab, lab time at my discretion. We do NOT have a rundown software of any kind; I am, however, able to use a version of Filemaker Pro to simulate rundown software, complete with timing and chyrons.

We do not have a wire service.

Books I am requiring so far:

"Eats, Shoots and Leaves," and Block's "Shorter, Sharper, Stronger."

I figured I would start a producing class by teaching writing. If you think I am wrong, say so.

I have a total of 14 weeks with the kids starting January 15th. (Sixteen-week semester, one week for Spring Break, one week for finals).

So .. HIT ME. What do you want to see me build into the syllabus? When it's done, I will post a link to it here, once I get it done and into a .pdf.

[ November 09, 2006, 12:28 PM: Message edited by: Turkey Poo ]

[DoneThatToo]

OK TP here are a few things that may get lost in the shuffle.

Not only writing but proof reading. Can they find the mistakes others will make?

Sounds basic but BACK TIMING and do it until they want to balance their checkbook in minutes and seconds. Hey the show has to end when it has to end.

Current events. No you can't teach them current events but can check to see if they are paying attention to what goes on around them. Give them a few good web sites to visit and maybe a small quiz every other week to see if they even bothered to read the headlines.

Decision making. As News often says 'Things Happen'. Time is short and news is breaking make your choice and be able to clearly explain to everybody what needs to be done.

A little time on the legal stuff . . .

And remember HAVE FUN this is TeeVee. Beats the heck out of a digging ditches.

[Poo(h)]

Let's be even MORE literal. Hey, this might work.

Week by week, what do I do?

WEEK 1:

WEEK 2:

WEEK 3:

WEEK 4:

WEEK 5:

WEEK 6:

WEEK 7:

WEEK EIGHT IS SPRING BREAK

WEEK 9:

WEEK 10:

WEEK 11:

WEEK 12:

WEEK 13:

WEEK 14:

WEEK 15:

WEEK SIXTEEN IS FINALS.

I'll devise the grading, quizzes, tests, and projects. Don't worry about that part. Maybe the final project is to produce and write an entire half-hour show with teases, breaks, and video (we DO use video in class).

Other than that,

HAVE AT ME.

I'm not doing this because I'm lazy. Hey, I have now written the syllabi for five courses, some of which are still in use.

I'm doing this because .. people complained about a lack of training for producers. I've been a producer and a writer, so I know how to teach it.

But YOU tell me what YOU want in the curriculum, and maybe that way the fifteen kids in my small class next spring will be in good shape to come to YOUR shop and take some of the reins.

[ November 09, 2006, 12:54 PM: Message edited by: Turkey Poo ]

[Tripe Face]

Originally posted by Turkey Poo:
Let's be even MORE literal. Hey, this might work.

Week by week, what do I do?WEEK 1: Take a blank map of the US and tell them to fill in the states. Keep doing it every week until they get it right. SPELLING COUNTS.

WEEK 2: Give them a chart of the current cabinet positions ask them to fill in the names. Keep doing it every week until they get it right. SPELLING COUNTS.

To the OP: Aside from four years undergraduate and 1 1/2 graduate school where I had various broadcast journalism classes that taught me various producer skills, one of the most valuable lessons I got was from doing standup comedy.

Look at a show as a stand up routine, each story is the equivalent of a joke.

You build the routine with jokes of various lengths, moods, topics. Best ones go at the beginning... save a really good one for the end.

You build each joke carefully. Each word matters, if it doesn't need to be there... take it out.

The big difference is in standup you want people to say "that's funny"

In news, the goal is for them to say "That's interesting, I didn't know that."

[Stack It]

Make sure you cover teases/cold opens, and push them students to be creative. This is how I earned respect from reporters and anchors. I was willing try anything new, and I sold it to the production staff and on-air folks. Granted some ideas didn't always pan out, but being creative with your teases and writing a good tease is vital. This is where you start separating out who can really put together a show. Tease writing is very important.

Also, breaking news. There is nothing like producing from the booth. You've gotta learn how to blow up a rundown and get a big story on the air without crashing the show.

[The Mockingbird]

You need a week to cover how to do supers.

You need a week to learn how to talk to your talent in IFB. The story of Mother Teresa's premature death should be a good example for that one. It's why producers in shops around the nation now say "Killing Mother Teresa", instead of "Mother Teresa is Dead." Also, not so much with the excited shouting.

A week on backtiming and foretimeing You put your breaks in the red zone, you're done. God forbid you miss Weather on the 7's. Relying on computers (which tend to go wacky) with no oversight can get you into a whole lot of trouble.

A week on writing stories that haven't happened yet, but that won't get you fired if they accidentally air because you forgot to change them.

A week of what to do when things go wrong.

The Final Exam should be the nightmare show from Hell: anchors who won't stop ad-libbing, pre-scripted breaking news, a partial switcher malfunction that requires one-camera locked down on a two-shot, and mis-typed full screens that need to be caught on preview.

That's just off the top of my head.

[newschick26]

WEEK 1: Broadcast Writing 101: The do's and don'ts. Don't write in forced present tense--What language can get you sued, blah blah blah
WEEK 2: Be a reporter and photographer. What it takes to get the information producers need.
WEEK 3:Tease writing and effective cold opens.
WEEK 4: Writing to video and use of graphics to tell your story. It's not just about words-- but about vision.
WEEK 5: What makes a lead story? Working with reporters to craft great lead stories.
WEEK 6: There isn't always a big story every day. So where can you go find it? Turning a wire or internet story into a lead. Who to call-- where to research, etc. etc.
WEEK 7: Breaking news. How to react-- how to quickly get news on the air. Hints and other helpful tips. Put the class to the test to see how fast they can get a decent story on the air.

The last half of the class--devote to producing as much as possible. Take trips to TV stations to see how it's done. Maybe take time to discuss other newsroom roles, like assignment editor or executive producer. Turn your classroom into a real newsroom, and assign different roles for the last half. Just a thought. Good luck!

Originally posted by Turkey Poo:
Let's be even MORE literal. Hey, this might work.

Week by week, what do I do?

WEEK 1:

WEEK 2:

WEEK 3:

WEEK 4:

WEEK 5:

WEEK 6:

WEEK 7:

WEEK EIGHT IS SPRING BREAK

WEEK 9:

WEEK 10:

WEEK 11:

WEEK 12:

WEEK 13:

WEEK 14:

WEEK 15:

WEEK SIXTEEN IS FINALS.

I'll devise the grading, quizzes, tests, and projects. Don't worry about that part. Maybe the final project is to produce and write an entire half-hour show with teases, breaks, and video (we DO use video in class).

Other than that,

HAVE AT ME.

I'm not doing this because I'm lazy. Hey, I have now written the syllabi for five courses, some of which are still in use.

I'm doing this because .. people complained about a lack of training for producers. I've been a producer and a writer, so I know how to teach it.

But YOU tell me what YOU want in the curriculum, and maybe that way the fifteen kids in my small class next spring will be in good shape to come to YOUR shop and take some of the reins.

[newschick26]

Originally posted by newschick26saysstuffit:
WEEK 1: Broadcast Writing 101: The do's and don'ts. Don't write in forced present tense--What language can get you sued, blah blah blah
WEEK 2: Be a reporter and photographer. What it takes to get the information producers need. Editing crash course, as well.
WEEK 3:Tease writing and effective cold opens.
WEEK 4: Writing to video and use of graphics to tell your story. It's not just about words-- but about vision.
WEEK 5: What makes a lead story? Working with reporters to craft great lead stories.
WEEK 6: There isn't always a big story every day. So where can you go find it? Turning a wire or internet story into a lead. Who to call-- where to research, etc. etc.
WEEK 7: Breaking news. How to react-- how to quickly get news on the air. Hints and other helpful tips. Put the class to the test to see how fast they can get a decent story on the air.

The last half of the class--devote to producing as much as possible. Take trips to TV stations to see how it's done. Maybe take time to discuss other newsroom roles, like assignment editor or executive producer. Turn your classroom into a real newsroom, and assign different roles for the last half. Just a thought. The thing to do it to make it as real as possible--despite limited resources. Good luck!

</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Turkey Poo:
Let's be even MORE literal. Hey, this might work.

Week by week, what do I do?

WEEK 1:

WEEK 2:

WEEK 3:

WEEK 4:

WEEK 5:

WEEK 6:

WEEK 7:

WEEK EIGHT IS SPRING BREAK

WEEK 9:

WEEK 10:

WEEK 11:

WEEK 12:

WEEK 13:

WEEK 14:

WEEK 15:

WEEK SIXTEEN IS FINALS.

I'll devise the grading, quizzes, tests, and projects. Don't worry about that part. Maybe the final project is to produce and write an entire half-hour show with teases, breaks, and video (we DO use video in class).

Other than that,

HAVE AT ME.

I'm not doing this because I'm lazy. Hey, I have now written the syllabi for five courses, some of which are still in use.

I'm doing this because .. people complained about a lack of training for producers. I've been a producer and a writer, so I know how to teach it.

But YOU tell me what YOU want in the curriculum, and maybe that way the fifteen kids in my small class next spring will be in good shape to come to YOUR shop and take some of the reins.</font>[/QUOTE]

[Poo(h)]

Originally posted by newschick26saysstuffit:
WEEK 1: Broadcast Writing 101: The do's and don'ts. Don't write in forced present tense--What language can get you sued, blah blah blah
WEEK 2: Be a reporter and photographer. What it takes to get the information producers need.
WEEK 3:Tease writing and effective cold opens.
WEEK 4: Writing to video and use of graphics to tell your story. It's not just about words-- but about vision.
WEEK 5: What makes a lead story? Working with reporters to craft great lead stories.
WEEK 6: There isn't always a big story every day. So where can you go find it? Turning a wire or internet story into a lead. Who to call-- where to research, etc. etc.
WEEK 7: Breaking news. How to react-- how to quickly get news on the air. Hints and other helpful tips. Put the class to the test to see how fast they can get a decent story on the air.

The last half of the class--devote to producing as much as possible. Take trips to TV stations to see how it's done. Maybe take time to discuss other newsroom roles, like assignment editor or executive producer. Turn your classroom into a real newsroom, and assign different roles for the last half. Just a thought. Good luck!

</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Turkey Poo:
Let's be even MORE literal. Hey, this might work.

Week by week, what do I do?

WEEK 1:

WEEK 2:

WEEK 3:

WEEK 4:

WEEK 5:

WEEK 6:

WEEK 7:

WEEK EIGHT IS SPRING BREAK

WEEK 9:

WEEK 10:

WEEK 11:

WEEK 12:

WEEK 13:

WEEK 14:

WEEK 15:

WEEK SIXTEEN IS FINALS.

I'll devise the grading, quizzes, tests, and projects. Don't worry about that part. Maybe the final project is to produce and write an entire half-hour show with teases, breaks, and video (we DO use video in class).

Other than that,

HAVE AT ME.

I'm not doing this because I'm lazy. Hey, I have now written the syllabi for five courses, some of which are still in use.

I'm doing this because .. people complained about a lack of training for producers. I've been a producer and a writer, so I know how to teach it.

But YOU tell me what YOU want in the curriculum, and maybe that way the fifteen kids in my small class next spring will be in good shape to come to YOUR shop and take some of the reins.</font>[/QUOTE]Keep it coming!

My first thought is this: I may need to spend two weeks on Writing 101, and break down the two weeks something like this:

1) LESSON ONE: BASIC VO WRITING
2) LESSON TWO: BASIC VOSOT WRITING
3) LESSON THREE: WRITING TO F/S AND GRAPHICS
4) LESSON FOUR: PACKAGE WRITING.

Thoughts?

[newschick26]

That may be a good idea to stretch some of it out a little... writing is of course, key to producing.
I just taught a new employee how to write stories off the wire. After four attempts or so, she was able to make it conversation. But it took her 15 minutes to do it. So I made her write the story in 5 minutes, then another in 2. I know-- a time test sounds stupid, but it works because as a producer you have to write dozens of stories in a very short amount of time.
As for writing VO/SOTS-- it will be good for you to spend time on what good sound is. The biggest mistake I see, too, from newbies is-- they write in their script exactly what the soundbite says. They need to learn how to write into a bite.
Package writing is a good idea, too. I know as a producer, when reporters call in sick, I will sometimes have to take what a photog shot and write it myself. Always a good thing to know.
Sounds like you're on the right "course"-- pun definitely intended. smile.gif

Originally posted by Turkey Poo:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by newschick26saysstuffit:
WEEK 1: Broadcast Writing 101: The do's and don'ts. Don't write in forced present tense--What language can get you sued, blah blah blah
WEEK 2: Be a reporter and photographer. What it takes to get the information producers need.
WEEK 3:Tease writing and effective cold opens.
WEEK 4: Writing to video and use of graphics to tell your story. It's not just about words-- but about vision.
WEEK 5: What makes a lead story? Working with reporters to craft great lead stories.
WEEK 6: There isn't always a big story every day. So where can you go find it? Turning a wire or internet story into a lead. Who to call-- where to research, etc. etc.
WEEK 7: Breaking news. How to react-- how to quickly get news on the air. Hints and other helpful tips. Put the class to the test to see how fast they can get a decent story on the air.

The last half of the class--devote to producing as much as possible. Take trips to TV stations to see how it's done. Maybe take time to discuss other newsroom roles, like assignment editor or executive producer. Turn your classroom into a real newsroom, and assign different roles for the last half. Just a thought. Good luck!

</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Turkey Poo:
Let's be even MORE literal. Hey, this might work.

Week by week, what do I do?

WEEK 1:

WEEK 2:

WEEK 3:

WEEK 4:

WEEK 5:

WEEK 6:

WEEK 7:

WEEK EIGHT IS SPRING BREAK

WEEK 9:

WEEK 10:

WEEK 11:

WEEK 12:

WEEK 13:

WEEK 14:

WEEK 15:

WEEK SIXTEEN IS FINALS.

I'll devise the grading, quizzes, tests, and projects. Don't worry about that part. Maybe the final project is to produce and write an entire half-hour show with teases, breaks, and video (we DO use video in class).

Other than that,

HAVE AT ME.

I'm not doing this because I'm lazy. Hey, I have now written the syllabi for five courses, some of which are still in use.

I'm doing this because .. people complained about a lack of training for producers. I've been a producer and a writer, so I know how to teach it.

But YOU tell me what YOU want in the curriculum, and maybe that way the fifteen kids in my small class next spring will be in good shape to come to YOUR shop and take some of the reins.</font>[/QUOTE]Keep it coming!

My first thought is this: I may need to spend two weeks on Writing 101, and break down the two weeks something like this:

1) LESSON ONE: BASIC VO WRITING
2) LESSON TWO: BASIC VOSOT WRITING
3) LESSON THREE: WRITING TO F/S AND GRAPHICS
4) LESSON FOUR: PACKAGE WRITING.

Thoughts?</font>[/QUOTE]

[John M.]

Originally posted by Clubbeat:
READ, READ, READ! A good producer is always reading anything...other media, good books, blogs, threads like this etc.
A good ANYONE is always reading. It's weightlifting for your brain.

[Media Hack]

Originally posted by Grotto:
Is there such a thing as producer school? Or maybe producing classes in a broader program? How do people learn how to produce newscasts?Syracuse University has an advanced producing class in conjunction with one of the local affiliates where students learn in the classroom and on the job.

[Roy Hobbs]

Originally posted by Grotto:
Is there such a thing as producer school? Or maybe producing classes in a broader program? How do people learn how to produce newscasts?Um yes. It's called learning how to be a reporter. A good reporter.

Not a package de-constructor. Not an advocate of serial vo-sot-ing. Not an apologist or dictator for making your news meld with that afternoon's Oprah.

Learn...to...freaking...report.

Then you can sit down...in partnership...with your reporters and others in your newsroom and craft a newscast.

No more online catalogs, no "Chadwick's of Boston" with the co-anchor and managing editor in the news director's office spilling over into lunch and carrying over into the former co-anchor/managing editor's baby shower...

Learn...to freaking...report.

Just a thought.

[Poo(h)]

OK, NC26. Keep it coming. And, yes, breaking VOSOT's into a separate lesson IS my way of "teaching good use of sound," and writing TO it.

So, what do I do after the two-week writing unit? Teases? Backtiming? Libel? Proper sourcing of material? What to next? What are YOUR thoughts about the ORDER in which this class (SPE 4480, by the way) should be taught?

Originally posted by newschick26saysstuffit:
That may be a good idea to stretch some of it out a little... writing is of course, key to producing.
I just taught a new employee how to write stories off the wire. After four attempts or so, she was able to make it conversation. But it took her 15 minutes to do it. So I made her write the story in 5 minutes, then another in 2. I know-- a time test sounds stupid, but it works because as a producer you have to write dozens of stories in a very short amount of time.
As for writing VO/SOTS-- it will be good for you to spend time on what good sound is. The biggest mistake I see, too, from newbies is-- they write in their script exactly what the soundbite says. They need to learn how to write into a bite.
Package writing is a good idea, too. I know as a producer, when reporters call in sick, I will sometimes have to take what a photog shot and write it myself. Always a good thing to know.
Sounds like you're on the right "course"-- pun definitely intended. smile.gif

</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Turkey Poo:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by newschick26saysstuffit:
WEEK 1: Broadcast Writing 101: The do's and don'ts. Don't write in forced present tense--What language can get you sued, blah blah blah
WEEK 2: Be a reporter and photographer. What it takes to get the information producers need.
WEEK 3:Tease writing and effective cold opens.
WEEK 4: Writing to video and use of graphics to tell your story. It's not just about words-- but about vision.
WEEK 5: What makes a lead story? Working with reporters to craft great lead stories.
WEEK 6: There isn't always a big story every day. So where can you go find it? Turning a wire or internet story into a lead. Who to call-- where to research, etc. etc.
WEEK 7: Breaking news. How to react-- how to quickly get news on the air. Hints and other helpful tips. Put the class to the test to see how fast they can get a decent story on the air.

The last half of the class--devote to producing as much as possible. Take trips to TV stations to see how it's done. Maybe take time to discuss other newsroom roles, like assignment editor or executive producer. Turn your classroom into a real newsroom, and assign different roles for the last half. Just a thought. Good luck!

</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Turkey Poo:
Let's be even MORE literal. Hey, this might work.

Week by week, what do I do?

WEEK 1:

WEEK 2:

WEEK 3:

WEEK 4:

WEEK 5:

WEEK 6:

WEEK 7:

WEEK EIGHT IS SPRING BREAK

WEEK 9:

WEEK 10:

WEEK 11:

WEEK 12:

WEEK 13:

WEEK 14:

WEEK 15:

WEEK SIXTEEN IS FINALS.

I'll devise the grading, quizzes, tests, and projects. Don't worry about that part. Maybe the final project is to produce and write an entire half-hour show with teases, breaks, and video (we DO use video in class).

Other than that,

HAVE AT ME.

I'm not doing this because I'm lazy. Hey, I have now written the syllabi for five courses, some of which are still in use.

I'm doing this because .. people complained about a lack of training for producers. I've been a producer and a writer, so I know how to teach it.

But YOU tell me what YOU want in the curriculum, and maybe that way the fifteen kids in my small class next spring will be in good shape to come to YOUR shop and take some of the reins.</font>[/QUOTE]Keep it coming!

My first thought is this: I may need to spend two weeks on Writing 101, and break down the two weeks something like this:

1) LESSON ONE: BASIC VO WRITING
2) LESSON TWO: BASIC VOSOT WRITING
3) LESSON THREE: WRITING TO F/S AND GRAPHICS
4) LESSON FOUR: PACKAGE WRITING.

Thoughts?</font>[/QUOTE]</font>[/QUOTE]

[WxGuru]

ummm....the opinions expressed by Grotto do not necessarily reflect the opinions of anybody who works with him.

Oh, your asbestos drawers are on back order...be prepared to have your backside flamed. graemlins/moon.gif

[newschick26]

If I were teaching the course, I would probably take this approach. Hit all the basics first-- writing vo's, vosots, packages, shooting, editing, tease writing in the first part of the course, then the second part is all the finer points, including graphics, enterprise producing, proper stacking... how to build a big story. Basically, put all the pieces of the puzzle together. Of course, a day on libel and what verbage could get you into trouble is worthwhile-- but you may be able to get into that while correctly peoples' writing. Attribution is one of the basics, after all.
Question-- do you have a studio, or is this just theory. Without a studio, and a computer system, it will be hard to teach things like stacking. Just curious.

Originally posted by Turkey Poo:
OK, NC26. Keep it coming. And, yes, breaking VOSOT's into a separate lesson IS my way of "teaching good use of sound," and writing TO it.

So, what do I do after the two-week writing unit? Teases? Backtiming? Libel? Proper sourcing of material? What to next? What are YOUR thoughts about the ORDER in which this class (SPE 4480, by the way) should be taught?

</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by newschick26saysstuffit:
That may be a good idea to stretch some of it out a little... writing is of course, key to producing.
I just taught a new employee how to write stories off the wire. After four attempts or so, she was able to make it conversation. But it took her 15 minutes to do it. So I made her write the story in 5 minutes, then another in 2. I know-- a time test sounds stupid, but it works because as a producer you have to write dozens of stories in a very short amount of time.
As for writing VO/SOTS-- it will be good for you to spend time on what good sound is. The biggest mistake I see, too, from newbies is-- they write in their script exactly what the soundbite says. They need to learn how to write into a bite.
Package writing is a good idea, too. I know as a producer, when reporters call in sick, I will sometimes have to take what a photog shot and write it myself. Always a good thing to know.
Sounds like you're on the right "course"-- pun definitely intended. smile.gif

</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Turkey Poo:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by newschick26saysstuffit:
WEEK 1: Broadcast Writing 101: The do's and don'ts. Don't write in forced present tense--What language can get you sued, blah blah blah
WEEK 2: Be a reporter and photographer. What it takes to get the information producers need.
WEEK 3:Tease writing and effective cold opens.
WEEK 4: Writing to video and use of graphics to tell your story. It's not just about words-- but about vision.
WEEK 5: What makes a lead story? Working with reporters to craft great lead stories.
WEEK 6: There isn't always a big story every day. So where can you go find it? Turning a wire or internet story into a lead. Who to call-- where to research, etc. etc.
WEEK 7: Breaking news. How to react-- how to quickly get news on the air. Hints and other helpful tips. Put the class to the test to see how fast they can get a decent story on the air.

The last half of the class--devote to producing as much as possible. Take trips to TV stations to see how it's done. Maybe take time to discuss other newsroom roles, like assignment editor or executive producer. Turn your classroom into a real newsroom, and assign different roles for the last half. Just a thought. Good luck!

</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Turkey Poo:
Let's be even MORE literal. Hey, this might work.

Week by week, what do I do?

WEEK 1:

WEEK 2:

WEEK 3:

WEEK 4:

WEEK 5:

WEEK 6:

WEEK 7:

WEEK EIGHT IS SPRING BREAK

WEEK 9:

WEEK 10:

WEEK 11:

WEEK 12:

WEEK 13:

WEEK 14:

WEEK 15:

WEEK SIXTEEN IS FINALS.

I'll devise the grading, quizzes, tests, and projects. Don't worry about that part. Maybe the final project is to produce and write an entire half-hour show with teases, breaks, and video (we DO use video in class).

Other than that,

HAVE AT ME.

I'm not doing this because I'm lazy. Hey, I have now written the syllabi for five courses, some of which are still in use.

I'm doing this because .. people complained about a lack of training for producers. I've been a producer and a writer, so I know how to teach it.

But YOU tell me what YOU want in the curriculum, and maybe that way the fifteen kids in my small class next spring will be in good shape to come to YOUR shop and take some of the reins.</font>[/QUOTE]Keep it coming!

My first thought is this: I may need to spend two weeks on Writing 101, and break down the two weeks something like this:

1) LESSON ONE: BASIC VO WRITING
2) LESSON TWO: BASIC VOSOT WRITING
3) LESSON THREE: WRITING TO F/S AND GRAPHICS
4) LESSON FOUR: PACKAGE WRITING.

Thoughts?</font>[/QUOTE]</font>[/QUOTE]</font>[/QUOTE]

[CKMD]

Originally posted by Pro:
Many producers start out green, but turn out OK under the guidance and mentorship of some excellent executive producers. ;) Thanks for the Kudos!

And I'm with Clever - every job I began as a producer I asked for one week prior to lining the newscast that I be able to go out and see what it takes to get from idea to produced story with lives, etc.
It was the best way to make decisions later.

[Sir Dropham Pants]

There's a lot of very good advice here. Here's something not terribly specific, but hopefully still helpful. It kinda goes with something Tripe said earlier.
Be wordly. Know a lot about a lot.
That way, when the alert crosses the AP wire that (insert name here) has died, it means something; there's some perspective. They should have an understanding of how things work - if only even just on a basic level. I've worked with an astonishing number of newspeople (producers and others) who didn't know basic stuff. Who represents you in local - state - federal gov't. What band Paul McCartney was in before Wings. Ford Pinto jokes.
The deal with producing (and all of news for that matter) - you never know what the next minute brings. And if you do it right, you'll go home at the end of the day knowing more than when you came in. It goes without saying; the same is true for your viewers. But it helps to have a foundation of knowledge of "stuff."

[Poo(h)]

We have a studio, Final Cut Pro, and .. twenty Macs. Much of what we do here will air on the college newscast, which is cable, and extracurricular.

What we DON'T have is a software -- INews or ENPS. I have a version of Filemaker Pro that will actually work as a rundown software, however.

Would love to get an INews or ENPS demo for the Mac. We don't have a wire service, so it doesn't have to be fully functional. But the big companies won't return my e-mail.

Originally posted by newschick26saysstuffit:
If I were teaching the course, I would probably take this approach. Hit all the basics first-- writing vo's, vosots, packages, shooting, editing, tease writing in the first part of the course, then the second part is all the finer points, including graphics, enterprise producing, proper stacking... how to build a big story. Basically, put all the pieces of the puzzle together. Of course, a day on libel and what verbage could get you into trouble is worthwhile-- but you may be able to get into that while correctly peoples' writing. Attribution is one of the basics, after all.
Question-- do you have a studio, or is this just theory. Without a studio, and a computer system, it will be hard to teach things like stacking. Just curious.

</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Turkey Poo:
OK, NC26. Keep it coming. And, yes, breaking VOSOT's into a separate lesson IS my way of "teaching good use of sound," and writing TO it.

So, what do I do after the two-week writing unit? Teases? Backtiming? Libel? Proper sourcing of material? What to next? What are YOUR thoughts about the ORDER in which this class (SPE 4480, by the way) should be taught?

</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by newschick26saysstuffit:
That may be a good idea to stretch some of it out a little... writing is of course, key to producing.
I just taught a new employee how to write stories off the wire. After four attempts or so, she was able to make it conversation. But it took her 15 minutes to do it. So I made her write the story in 5 minutes, then another in 2. I know-- a time test sounds stupid, but it works because as a producer you have to write dozens of stories in a very short amount of time.
As for writing VO/SOTS-- it will be good for you to spend time on what good sound is. The biggest mistake I see, too, from newbies is-- they write in their script exactly what the soundbite says. They need to learn how to write into a bite.
Package writing is a good idea, too. I know as a producer, when reporters call in sick, I will sometimes have to take what a photog shot and write it myself. Always a good thing to know.
Sounds like you're on the right "course"-- pun definitely intended. smile.gif

</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Turkey Poo:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by newschick26saysstuffit:
WEEK 1: Broadcast Writing 101: The do's and don'ts. Don't write in forced present tense--What language can get you sued, blah blah blah
WEEK 2: Be a reporter and photographer. What it takes to get the information producers need.
WEEK 3:Tease writing and effective cold opens.
WEEK 4: Writing to video and use of graphics to tell your story. It's not just about words-- but about vision.
WEEK 5: What makes a lead story? Working with reporters to craft great lead stories.
WEEK 6: There isn't always a big story every day. So where can you go find it? Turning a wire or internet story into a lead. Who to call-- where to research, etc. etc.
WEEK 7: Breaking news. How to react-- how to quickly get news on the air. Hints and other helpful tips. Put the class to the test to see how fast they can get a decent story on the air.

The last half of the class--devote to producing as much as possible. Take trips to TV stations to see how it's done. Maybe take time to discuss other newsroom roles, like assignment editor or executive producer. Turn your classroom into a real newsroom, and assign different roles for the last half. Just a thought. Good luck!

</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Turkey Poo:
Let's be even MORE literal. Hey, this might work.

Week by week, what do I do?

WEEK 1:

WEEK 2:

WEEK 3:

WEEK 4:

WEEK 5:

WEEK 6:

WEEK 7:

WEEK EIGHT IS SPRING BREAK

WEEK 9:

WEEK 10:

WEEK 11:

WEEK 12:

WEEK 13:

WEEK 14:

WEEK 15:

WEEK SIXTEEN IS FINALS.

I'll devise the grading, quizzes, tests, and projects. Don't worry about that part. Maybe the final project is to produce and write an entire half-hour show with teases, breaks, and video (we DO use video in class).

Other than that,

HAVE AT ME.

I'm not doing this because I'm lazy. Hey, I have now written the syllabi for five courses, some of which are still in use.

I'm doing this because .. people complained about a lack of training for producers. I've been a producer and a writer, so I know how to teach it.

But YOU tell me what YOU want in the curriculum, and maybe that way the fifteen kids in my small class next spring will be in good shape to come to YOUR shop and take some of the reins.</font>[/QUOTE]Keep it coming!

My first thought is this: I may need to spend two weeks on Writing 101, and break down the two weeks something like this:

1) LESSON ONE: BASIC VO WRITING
2) LESSON TWO: BASIC VOSOT WRITING
3) LESSON THREE: WRITING TO F/S AND GRAPHICS
4) LESSON FOUR: PACKAGE WRITING.

Thoughts?</font>[/QUOTE]</font>[/QUOTE]</font>[/QUOTE]</font>[/QUOTE]

[newschick26]

You definitely need the software--- Without it, you cannot teach properly. Keep calling around and maybe someone will cut you a deal. How much would the school be willing to chip in? Good luck with that!
I think it's awesome you have non linear editing, however, most starter stations still do the old fashioned method of insert edit. Don't know if you have any machines of that kind there anymore... but it's good to prepare students for anything.
Still-- sounds like you have an awesome set up. Much better than my college did. We only taped one 15 minute newscast a week and it was really, really lame. Thankfully I had patient teachers at my first station!

Originally posted by Turkey Poo:
We have a studio, Final Cut Pro, and .. twenty Macs. Much of what we do here will air on the college newscast, which is cable, and extracurricular.

What we DON'T have is a software -- INews or ENPS. I have a version of Filemaker Pro that will actually work as a rundown software, however.

Would love to get an INews or ENPS demo for the Mac. We don't have a wire service, so it doesn't have to be fully functional. But the big companies won't return my e-mail.

</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by newschick26saysstuffit:
If I were teaching the course, I would probably take this approach. Hit all the basics first-- writing vo's, vosots, packages, shooting, editing, tease writing in the first part of the course, then the second part is all the finer points, including graphics, enterprise producing, proper stacking... how to build a big story. Basically, put all the pieces of the puzzle together. Of course, a day on libel and what verbage could get you into trouble is worthwhile-- but you may be able to get into that while correctly peoples' writing. Attribution is one of the basics, after all.
Question-- do you have a studio, or is this just theory. Without a studio, and a computer system, it will be hard to teach things like stacking. Just curious.

</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Turkey Poo:
OK, NC26. Keep it coming. And, yes, breaking VOSOT's into a separate lesson IS my way of "teaching good use of sound," and writing TO it.

So, what do I do after the two-week writing unit? Teases? Backtiming? Libel? Proper sourcing of material? What to next? What are YOUR thoughts about the ORDER in which this class (SPE 4480, by the way) should be taught?

</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by newschick26saysstuffit:
That may be a good idea to stretch some of it out a little... writing is of course, key to producing.
I just taught a new employee how to write stories off the wire. After four attempts or so, she was able to make it conversation. But it took her 15 minutes to do it. So I made her write the story in 5 minutes, then another in 2. I know-- a time test sounds stupid, but it works because as a producer you have to write dozens of stories in a very short amount of time.
As for writing VO/SOTS-- it will be good for you to spend time on what good sound is. The biggest mistake I see, too, from newbies is-- they write in their script exactly what the soundbite says. They need to learn how to write into a bite.
Package writing is a good idea, too. I know as a producer, when reporters call in sick, I will sometimes have to take what a photog shot and write it myself. Always a good thing to know.
Sounds like you're on the right "course"-- pun definitely intended. smile.gif

</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Turkey Poo:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by newschick26saysstuffit:
WEEK 1: Broadcast Writing 101: The do's and don'ts. Don't write in forced present tense--What language can get you sued, blah blah blah
WEEK 2: Be a reporter and photographer. What it takes to get the information producers need.
WEEK 3:Tease writing and effective cold opens.
WEEK 4: Writing to video and use of graphics to tell your story. It's not just about words-- but about vision.
WEEK 5: What makes a lead story? Working with reporters to craft great lead stories.
WEEK 6: There isn't always a big story every day. So where can you go find it? Turning a wire or internet story into a lead. Who to call-- where to research, etc. etc.
WEEK 7: Breaking news. How to react-- how to quickly get news on the air. Hints and other helpful tips. Put the class to the test to see how fast they can get a decent story on the air.

The last half of the class--devote to producing as much as possible. Take trips to TV stations to see how it's done. Maybe take time to discuss other newsroom roles, like assignment editor or executive producer. Turn your classroom into a real newsroom, and assign different roles for the last half. Just a thought. Good luck!

</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Turkey Poo:
Let's be even MORE literal. Hey, this might work.

Week by week, what do I do?

WEEK 1:

WEEK 2:

WEEK 3:

WEEK 4:

WEEK 5:

WEEK 6:

WEEK 7:

WEEK EIGHT IS SPRING BREAK

WEEK 9:

WEEK 10:

WEEK 11:

WEEK 12:

WEEK 13:

WEEK 14:

WEEK 15:

WEEK SIXTEEN IS FINALS.

I'll devise the grading, quizzes, tests, and projects. Don't worry about that part. Maybe the final project is to produce and write an entire half-hour show with teases, breaks, and video (we DO use video in class).

Other than that,

HAVE AT ME.

I'm not doing this because I'm lazy. Hey, I have now written the syllabi for five courses, some of which are still in use.

I'm doing this because .. people complained about a lack of training for producers. I've been a producer and a writer, so I know how to teach it.

But YOU tell me what YOU want in the curriculum, and maybe that way the fifteen kids in my small class next spring will be in good shape to come to YOUR shop and take some of the reins.</font>[/QUOTE]Keep it coming!

My first thought is this: I may need to spend two weeks on Writing 101, and break down the two weeks something like this:

1) LESSON ONE: BASIC VO WRITING
2) LESSON TWO: BASIC VOSOT WRITING
3) LESSON THREE: WRITING TO F/S AND GRAPHICS
4) LESSON FOUR: PACKAGE WRITING.

Thoughts?</font>[/QUOTE]</font>[/QUOTE]</font>[/QUOTE]</font>[/QUOTE]</font>[/QUOTE]

[AstroDiaper]

Originally posted by Clever Login Name:
What I would love to see is for stations to make it mandatory for producers to also actually spend some time in the field: reporting, shooting, whatever ... so there's at least some understanding of what 'their' crews have to go through on a daily basis.I think that argument can go both ways

[Grotto]

Originally posted by WxGuru:
ummm....the opinions expressed by Grotto do not necessarily reflect the opinions of anybody who works with him.

Oh, your asbestos drawers are on back order...be prepared to have your backside flamed. graemlins/moon.gif I do not think I gave any opinions. I simply asked a couple of questions. I also mentioned that I meant no disrepect to anyone. I was simply trying to find out if our situation was standard in the industry. (I also did not say that I wanted to be a producer...but you can not expect people to read every post.)

I did not say that our producers were bad. I just implied that qualifications were not high. What you do with a job once you get it is up to you.

[CKMD]

Originally posted by Turkey Poo:
Tell me how to teach undergrads TV news producing.
You can teach theory in schools. Only if they have a chance to craft newscasts for air will they learn.
Producers are green out of school...even from Mizzoo.
It's a craft that some get quickly and thrive, others crash and burn...but because they have a pulse, keep their jobs.
No one truly wants to be *****ed at, get paid crap and treated like crap by talent and management...unless you're a producer that can take it because you know the next day the mistake you made today won't ever happen again...and it's just TV news, not brain surgery.

You want to teach them...warn them that they need thick skin, quick decision making, ability to thrive under pressure, control their newscasts from top to bottom, see the grander picture of what others might like, not themselves, take suggestions and love what they do for little money.

[ November 10, 2006, 09:54 PM: Message edited by: Can't Keep Me Down ]

[Clubbeat]

All good stuff here. Not sure if it was mentioned but a week spent on live shots would help. Some items to cover on this include, when a live hit is needed, what type of insert will the reporter use, communication between the control room and the live hit, floating a live shot etc.

Otherwise, most of the posts here are right on with what should go into your course TP. For me it begins and ends with the writing.

You can learn all of the other stuff as you grow, but if you do not have the writing skills, especially as one of the posts stated, writing good conversational copy almost instantly then the rest of it will be a struggle.

[trunky]

On learning to become a news producer, and becoming a producer:

Alot of people wrote about "learning by doing," learning as they went along, or moving into producing from jobs like production or desk assistant. Alot of people talked about the benefits of working in other areas of the newsroom before becoming a producer.

This all makes sense. But no one has mentioned how you actually move into producing, or how you get the chance to DO it. I've worked as an assignment editor, online producer, and I've done Chyron/CG. I've learned a TON from where I've been sitting.

But that doesn't mean I can apply for the next FT producer opening. Or maybe it does.

Some of you have actually sat down (stood up, ran around, etc.) to produce your first show, having NEVER done it before, after simply asking alot of questions, reading alot, and watching someone else (mentor or not) do it for a while?

[newschick26]

I started as an associate producer, editing tape for a morning show. I wanted to do more than just edit, so I learned how to edit efficiently so I would have time to write some vo's, vosots and make beat calls to write up, etc, etc.
Eventually, I was writing half the show and when the producer went on maternity leave, I got the chance to do it. I made a few mistakes but quickly learned from them. Eventually, I moved to weekend producer, then was doing the 10pm less than a year later.
People generally don't move up that quickly, but I paid attention. I never made the same mistake twice. I made use out of every minute I had there to move ahead. And it paid off, sort of. I'm still producing and wish I had finished that psychology degree after all ;)
Anyway-- you can learn an awful lot in school with the right curriculum. But the one thing you need to take with you in your job is a willingness to learn, the capability to learn, and learn quickly. Be receptive to feedback of any kind, because it all helps. Work extra hours without being asked. Show you want it-- and you want it bad. That's what I did-- and it worked.
Originally posted by trunky:
On learning to become a news producer, and becoming a producer:

Alot of people wrote about "learning by doing," learning as they went along, or moving into producing from jobs like production or desk assistant. Alot of people talked about the benefits of working in other areas of the newsroom before becoming a producer.

This all makes sense. But no one has mentioned how you actually move into producing, or how you get the chance to DO it. I've worked as an assignment editor, online producer, and I've done Chyron/CG. I've learned a TON from where I've been sitting.

But that doesn't mean I can apply for the next FT producer opening. Or maybe it does.

Some of you have actually sat down (stood up, ran around, etc.) to produce your first show, having NEVER done it before, after simply asking alot of questions, reading alot, and watching someone else (mentor or not) do it for a while?

[CJ]

I am getting a tad aggrivated with people saying "YOU MUST HAVE SOFTWARE"

No you don't! We produced our news at my college in Excel--- one column for timing, one for the slug, anchor, camera, etc...

Secondly we went offf the 4 seconds a line rule of thumb

Thirdly we typed our script in Notepad and put it on our basic teleprompter. It worked and someone asked me what we used at school and I responded with "Excel" and they were shocked. I then told him that I am able to put together a show much easier than someone who relies on software to help them out.

My 2 cents...

You also need to focus some time on ethics and law. There is nothing worse than getting sued for something you have no idea you did wrong.

[newhouse]

I'm assuming that these kids are taking other journalism courses as well...because producing I think is really a combination of many types of skills.

Read and require your kids to read "Power Producer" by Dow Smith (Syracuse University).

You could teach strictly from that.

Producing is not just stacking and packing and timing (although it is a lot of that).
It is having good news judgement, creativity, being a mediator, lawyer, good writer, etc, etc.

Ultimately:

What needs to be taught is how the newsroom works. Who everyone is and how they work together to get the job done. The overall newsgathering/newscast process.

Writing must be a strong focus.

So must current events. You've got to be a news junkie! Have current events quizes every class. Kids will hate this but hey, you gotta take your medicine. There's nothing more annoying in a newsroom than people who don't know what's going on.

There should be a week or two when the kids go out and report/newsgather on something.

Field trip to a station? Assuming these kids aren't involved in internships. If they do have internships, have them interview/spend time with the producers at the station to find out what they do.

Show them rundowns. Have them make their own.
Have them watch and log newscasts. Do they agree with story placement? What other stories would they have put in.

Watch newscasts. Critique.

That's all I can come up with now.
Gotta run!!!
Good luck!

[CKMD]

Originally posted by newhouse:
If they do have internships, have them interview/spend time with the producers at the station to find out what they do.
I let my interns spend 2 weeks deciding if they want to report, shoot or produce.
After that, they concentrate on what they want to do.
Of the numerous interns these past few years, most decided to be producers and several have gotten jobs in smaller markets following the producing internships we provided. Many of the producer interns are producing newscasts for our station by the last 3 weeks of their internship so they can make a tape - stacking (I hate that word), and lining in the booth.

It is CRUCIAL for prospective students to have more than one internship and not just go to a station and sit and watch. We don't babysit...you ask questions, ask to help, etc.

[TVMattNYC]

Originally posted by Who Cares???:
Sadly... I have to laugh.

I've seen interns, newsroom secretarys, and once, a janitor become producers. Even worse, they go on to become EP's... usually without having a clue about news, or what makes news.

In most all these instances, it was being in the right place at the right time...

I'm not bitter.... (snicker...)

No... change that to an all out LAUGH...!!!Actually, in my nearly two decades of experience in this industry, I've seen this happen more often with ANCHORS and REPORTERS than with producers.

[SamG]

Don't forget how to backtime!!! I wonder how many of our producers (or any across the country for that matter) could get out of a show on time if the computer in front of them was unplugged.

[DoneThatToo]

Originally posted by SamG:
Don't forget how to backtime!!! I wonder how many of our producers (or any across the country for that matter) could get out of a show on time if the computer in front of them was unplugged.I would say all of them.

The question is 'How many would get out cleanly'.

[Wise Old Producer]

Originally posted by CJ:
I am getting a tad aggrivated with people saying "YOU MUST HAVE SOFTWARE"

No you don't! We produced our news at my college in Excel--- one column for timing, one for the slug, anchor, camera, etc...

Secondly we went offf the 4 seconds a line rule of thumb

Thirdly we typed our script in Notepad and put it on our basic teleprompter. It worked and someone asked me what we used at school and I responded with "Excel" and they were shocked. I then told him that I am able to put together a show much easier than someone who relies on software to help them out.

My 2 cents...

You also need to focus some time on ethics and law. There is nothing worse than getting sued for something you have no idea you did wrong.:D Just shows you how "old" the Wise Old Producer really is. I learned to produce on legal-size paper. I still backtime everything in my head. We used to get our news from teletype machines that we had to walk through 10 miles of snow in our bare feet to...

[booyah]

I have heard of this backtiming, but not sure I've ever seen it in it's natural habitat. Is there an easy way to identify it?

[Shot A Load]

Most of our producers are former tape editors. I too believe they come out in the field with so they know it takes longer than 10 minutes to get 20 miles from our station and set up live.

[SamG]

Originally posted by DoneThatToo:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by SamG:
Don't forget how to backtime!!! I wonder how many of our producers (or any across the country for that matter) could get out of a show on time if the computer in front of them was unplugged.I would say all of them.

The question is 'How many would get out cleanly'.</font>[/QUOTE]Are you SURE that's the producer getting out on time and not the director or MCR op?
:D

[WxGuru]

You also need to focus some time on ethics and law. There is nothing worse than getting sued for something you have no idea you did wrong. Here's a nice little experiment you might want to try. Just in passing, ask your producers, "What can you tell me about 'Times vs. Sullivan?'" See what happens.

That's if YOU know the significance of that particular case.

[The Mockingbird]

Knowing the case name isn't as important as knowing the principles. Remembering the case name Times v. Sullivan isn't so important. Remembering what hypothetically could and could not be libel is.

We could debate the legal ramifications of Marbury vs. Madison all day, that's not going to make someone a better producer.

As for when and where a live is relevant -- that's not generally controlled by a producer. However, a good producer will find ways to do what he or she wants, despite management mandates.

Not that acting on principle is a good career move in this industry these days, sad to say.

[CKMD]

Originally posted by WxGuru:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />You also need to focus some time on ethics and law. There is nothing worse than getting sued for something you have no idea you did wrong. Here's a nice little experiment you might want to try. Just in passing, ask your producers, "What can you tell me about 'Times vs. Sullivan?'" See what happens.

That's if YOU know the significance of that particular case.</font>[/QUOTE]You have Asst. News Directors and other management for that.