Production Steps
Step One: Find a subject and ask if they’d like to participate
Step Two: Fill out the SRL AUDIO PITCH SHEET and return it to your teacher
Step Three: Write your interview questions or plan out your audio diary
Step Four: SCHEDULE your interview and PREPARE your subject
- A teacher should be present for all interviews
- Participants (and their parents if students are under 18) should sign a media release form before conducting interviews if your school has one.
- We strongly recommend students read this blurb at the beginning of all interviews:
READ TO YOUR SUBJECT:
Before we begin, I want you to know that your story will be edited and may be included in a series by PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs. This podcast will be available to the public. That’s why it’s so important for you to only share what you’re comfortable with everybody knowing about you. If I ask you any questions that make you feel uncomfortable, you don’t need to answer them. And if you want to stop at any time, just let me know.
Also, we have a lot of resources at https://studentreportinglabs.org/mentalhealthresources/. To provide additional support, my teacher (or Youth Media Producer) is on this interview with us. Does all of this sound OK? Do you have any questions or concerns before we start?” [If subject is under 18, add:] “And how would you like to be named in the edited audio story--first name only? Or do you prefer to remain completely anonymous?”
Step Five: RECORD your interview or audio diary
Step Six: Record AUDIO SCENES
Step Seven: TRANSCRIBE your interview or audio diary
- Highlight best soundbites
- Make a SCRIPT with the best soundbites and audio scenes
Step Eight: Write and record your voiceover/VOICE TRACK. Voice track should include:
Example: “Before we get started, we want to let you know that we talk about depression in this story. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues, we have a list of resources available to help. It’s at the website [insert SRL website page]”.
- An INTRODUCTION to introduce the topic and why you are reporting on it or why it matters to young people. Then introduce your first character.
- CREDITS at the very end: read off the names of students who worked on the episode, your teacher, and your SRL Youth Media Producer.
Step Nine: EDIT your audio story using any audio or video software or app
Step Ten: SUBMIT the script AND rough cut to your teacher
- Get feedback from your teacher, ask clarifying questions, edit a fine cut
- Get additional feedback from your teacher and then edit a final cut