Story Focus Statement Guide

A good idea is the key to a successful Picture Story. The point of this "story idea" exercise is to give me an opportunity to make sure your on the right track and if there is a problem, allow you plenty of time to find a better idea.

When Picture Stories don't work, it's almost always because the student didn't turn in a story idea or they changed it without getting my approval for the new idea. It's fine to change your idea but PLEASE get my approval for the new idea. You can email it or even text it.

Assignment:

You are to turn in a story proposal for you Picture Story:

Objective: The object of the Picture Story is to tell an interesting story of significance. The story may be serious or humorous. Think of the final project as a slideshow with 8 to 10 images.

Your Proposal: Turn in a one page, typed story idea. You will upload this to Canvas as a Word .doc file.
 
The story idea you hand in should include:

Focus Statement:
The story idea you summit MUST begin with a focus statement. Make this a headline – put it at the top of the page. Start a new paragraph and describe the rest of the assignment. I WANT YOUR FOCUS STATEMENT TO STAND OUT.

Focus can be expressed as a simple, vivid, declarative sentence that describes the heart of the story; as it will be on the air. It should include a subject, verb, and noun.

Story Details:
A paragraph or two explaining the details behind the story and why you feel it is something that will be of interest to a wide audience.  This is the Who, What, Where, When and Why.

How will you visualize the story?
What is going to happen – what’s the action you will photograph?

Elements:
Be sure to answer these questions:
Is there someone you can focus on and use to tell the bigger story?
What locations will you visit?
How can you complete this story in a timely manner?
Are there any special considerations?
So what? Who cares? Why will this story be of interest to a wider audience?

This is not just a slogan:
Telling important stories by
Introducing us to interesting people and
Making us care about what happens to them.