Editing

[NonPersa]

Hey everyone.
I'm graduating in May, and I had a quick question.

What are most starter markets editing with? In my broadcasting program, they only teach Avid. They don't teach tape-to-tape anymore. Would it be worth it to learn tape-to-tape? Or a different non-linear program, like Final Cut? What seems to be the trend?

Also, about how many stand-ups should I include for my montage on my resume tape? I keep hearing different numbers...is 5-6 too few?

Thanks for your time :).

[ISTHISTHINGON?]

I'll tell you this....it can't hurt to know tape to tape. It's really simple once you get a little practice. Also, in your interview...if you don't know how to tape-to-tape...simply say "I was taught Avid, etc, but if you're using tape to tape, I'll learn quick!" Small markets could easily be using tape to tape still. The small/medium I'm in still does, though a switch is in the future.
My opinion on montage? No more than 45 seconds with creative off the top.
Some ND's on here may have better advice....but that's worked for me.

[newz2me]

Yes, learn tape to tape. It could never hurt. As was said earlier a lot of stations still edit tape to tape. Even some of those that have Avid in-house, still edit tape to tape in the live trucks.
We have a reporter here that never learned tape to tape. We're teaching him when we have time but it's like teaching someone to tie their shoe while running. Luckily for him he only gets stuck editing his packages if one of us has to leave for breaking news.
Learn all you can now. You can never learn too much.

[Bureau Chief]

We just switched (finally) from tape-to-tape to Avid. Learn tape if you can, but dont spend any money to do it. It wont be around much longer. Equipment is starting to get hard to find and stations are realizing how much time they are saving by going NLE. Its only a matter of time before the bean counters figure out that they can cut people because the editing is so much less demanding....and saving a buck is what its all about for the next two years or so.

[NonPersa]

Thanks for your help, everyone. I used tape-to-tape a few years back, but it looks like i need to brush up on it.

I'll be back when I finally have my tape together, and let you guys tear it apart, if you don't mind :)

[ISTHISTHINGON?]

Thanks for your help, everyone. I used tape-to-tape a few years back, but it looks like i need to brush up on it.

I'll be back when I finally have my tape together, and let you guys tear it apart, if you don't mind :)
If you submit your tape for our eyes with that attitude....you'll get REAL advice you don't have to take, but for sure won't hurt to listen. All ripping and tearing aside...there are some really smart peeps on this board! You'll easily be able to tell who's trying to help. It's a business that needs people willing to learn AND teach to get it right. I for one don't have all the answers...but have no problem passing along the great advice I've been given over the past 10 years.:cheers: :)

[TVMattNYC]

Small markets could easily be using tape to tape still.

Some networks are still using tape-to-tape, too. For the sheer volume of quick VOs and last-second stuff, it's still superior to any digital technology out there.

[NonPersa]

Thanks for the help. I have another question (er..or two) :)

I am putting my tape together, and I have two really solid packages that I'm going to include. I also have a third "human interest" piece that is a really awesome story (I found a girl on campus with epilepsy and her dog predicts her seizures and gets her to a safe place). I think I did a very good job writing the piece. However, the shooting/video (which I was not responsible for, but will probably still reflect on me) is not the best. It's not terrible, but it's just kind of bland. Should I include the piece because I think the writing demonstrates my storytelling ability? Or will the so-so video be all the ND sees? I really don't have another strong piece to put on my resume tape, since I've only been putting packages together since about September.

Also, my hair is now brown (as it will stay, unless a ND requests differently). However, in some of my stand-ups from my internship this summer, my hair is blonde. Most shots are from this semester, and my hair is brown. But one or two are blonde. I've heard some people say NDs want consistency, and others say that it shows I can pull off different looks. Any thoughts?

Thanks :)

[wx or not]

Also, my hair is now brown (as it will stay, unless a ND requests differently). However, in some of my stand-ups from my internship this summer, my hair is blonde. Most shots are from this semester, and my hair is brown. But one or two are blonde. I've heard some people say NDs want consistency, and others say that it shows I can pull off different looks. Any thoughts?

Thanks :)
If you get that interview, make sure that the ND knows that your hair will be whatever the ND wants it to be. Shows a willingness to be a team player, which is becoming more and more important.
As far as the epilepsy piece, a good ND will see right through a bad video job. That is not your responsibility; your writing is what you wish to emphasize and should be featured in your tape. If you were looking for a fluff job with little emphasis on quality, then the video might have a detrimental effect. But in journalism, writing is essential. If your piece demonstrates strong writing ability, a poor video will not take away from it.
Good luck!

[ISTHISTHINGON?]

Yep. ND's should, and good one's do, look for writing. Great writing to poor video can take away the 'bla' factor from the video. If you're applying for a one-man-band job...it could be an issue....but I think if you get the interview...it could be explained that you realize the weak spots.
Kinda like 'Wxornot' said about being a team player....show the ND you realize elements that look odd(hair changes, video, etc)and that should ease their mind as to whether or not you have a clue. I'm not saying flat out listing the flaws during the interview....but if it comes up in conversation in a way you can constructively comment, it could work in your favor.
You've already shown in your questions that you realize the weaker spots....so now you just need to get the interview!:cheers:

[NonPersa]

Woo! Thanks everyone. I am hopefully going to finish putting together Resume Tape v1.1 this week, and then I will be back for your opinions (if you don't mind!)

Looking forward to it!

[that's life]

I thought this would be a good time to post. I've been off for a while- but this is a REALLY good thread for those aspiring journalists. Great job guys! I'm glad I'm back on medialine :-)

[NonPersa]

okay...well...here is v1.1 of resume tape...enjoy...

I'm VERY open to suggestions/critiques. In fact, I'll pretty much beg you for them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yh-sFD4Rl3k

(This is quite nerve-wracking..)

[ISTHISTHINGON?]

The audio is not in sync....maybe my computer.

[NonPersa]

ugh! its not in sync on mine either! i must have messed up uploading it...i won't have time to re-upload it until tomorrow. Darn darn darn!

[ISTHISTHINGON?]

ugh! its not in sync on mine either! i must have messed up uploading it...i won't have time to re-upload it until tomorrow. Darn darn darn!
:) Youtube......both the friend and the enemy!....:)

[that's life]

Furthermore- when should graduating students start applying at stations?

Is May the best time because there's going to be thousands of other grads coming out at the same time looking (and wrongfully expecting) a job.

Just a question I was wondering.

[gdiamante]

It won't hurt to start your search in March or April.

It also won't hurt to learn tape, Adobe Premiere and FinalCut. (Though once you know one NLE, it's not too hard to jump to another.)