Step Up at the BBC
7 May 2010
HND Communications and Media student, Lauren McCann blogs about her placement on the BBC's Step Up Programme.
Week 1 17th January 2010
Wow! If you had asked me if I would be working with the BBC for 12 weeks this time last year, my answer would be "I Wish". But that's right I've been picked to take part in the BBC's Trainee Step Up Scheme, doing TV work sounds absolutely amazing. Started today and will be doing a Thursday per week for 10 weeks and then 1 full week for a production week. Bring it on. Today was really about getting to know each other and finding out all about Step Up. Can't wait till next week to see what's happening.
Week 2 24th January 2010
Atholl, who is the Head of News & Current Affairs came down to give us a talk on how to pitch a news idea. He gave us a pitch brief with 3 types of stories he would like to appear on TV, Radio or Online. We could either come up with a story about public spending, the environment or a Hey Martha. I have chosen to do a story which comes under the category of the public spending squeeze. My story is about facilities which are not or are available to disabled students in Scotland. I will include Cardonald, get interviews with students and find out what can be done to make facilities better.
Week 3 21st January 2010
As I picked to be in the TV team I got Practical Z1 Training with John Brookes, it was good but quite hard to remember all the buttons and to actually do everything before you start recording. If I was told to record something never would I think to do "white balance, check your iris and gain?" So it was very interesting to be able to work a camera the real way. After learning about the camera's we were given log in's to use "Avid Newscutter" which is the BBC's editing software to cut their reporting Scotland and other TV shows. I got a quick play about with it by trying to edit a news programme about the Renfrew ferry.
Week 4 28th January 2010
This Thursday I started to work in my group with our TV team leaders. They gave us a talk on how to write a news story and bulletin suitable for Reporting Scotland. Then in the afternoon we had practical activities to do to give us training on the Video Equipment. We paired up and filmed each other doing a "piece to camera" for a news bulletin. Tonight I stayed behind to see Reporting Scotland transmitted live. It was amazing and it is so different to see how it all comes together rather than sitting watching it in the house.
Week 5 4th February 2010
We took part in ‘safeguarding trust' online training today which anyone who has a job in the BBC has to do. You have to receive a pass at the end of each section to complete the training. It was good fun and allowed us to use our own knowledge by being asked questions about a dilemma in TV journalism. We have a mock press conference coming up later today so are being given tips on how to act at a press conference to get the news story. Before lunch we went to the viewing theatre to could get the camera equipment set up before the conference starts.
The press conference was fun. We didn't follow any leads to get to the bottom of the story, but it gave us new ideas and tips for the next time. After the conference I had to produce my news package on Avid to show everyone else. We had a 4.30 deadline and the leaders gave us their reviews and critique.
Week 6 11th February 2010
In journalism it isn't all about getting the news story and there are a lot of laws which may not always be looked at. Today we learned about the laws in journalism in relation to producing packages for TV, Radio and Online. We were then told about what happens when reporting from courts and were given copies of the BBC's editorial standards. This was very informative and allowed us to know what could happen if something was wrong, etc.
We had our pitches today and my story was put forward. Atholl and the other heads of news will pick the two best to go through for production week. Afterwards we practiced with the equipment as our production week is coming up soon.
Week 7 18th February 2010
The two stories which were picked for TV, radio and Online were a story about Guerrilla Gardening and Downhill Mountain biking. We were asked to go into a group for the story we wanted to cover. I picked to film the Guerrilla Gardening Story as it sounded fun and was something I didn't know much about.
Week 8 25th February 2010
Today is all about getting ready for production week next week. We had a chat with our manager to get the equipment booked and make sure we have everything we need before going to our shooting site. I am going to Townhead in Glasgow to film a "dig" which is happening. The Guerrilla Gardeners are going to transform a neglected piece of land just next to Glasgow Royal Infirmary. They go out at night so no-one sees them but they have agreed to be filmed.
Week 9 Production Week
Monday
Our filming is not until Wednesday so today we are just planning and writing up a shooting schedule of what I want filmed and to remember to take lots of cut aways.
Tuesday
We have a meeting with the Stevie Scott from Lands Services at Glasgow City Council. We got a great interview with Stevie which I filmed but we will probably only use about 20 seconds as our full piece is only to be two minutes long to make is suitable for Reporting Scotland.
Wednesday
Tonight we are at Townhead filming the dig. As the Guerrilla Gardeners come out at night I have taken my car with me to use headlights for extra light. Filming went well and I can't wait to watch it back. We got good interviews with the founder member of the Guerrilla Gardeners and everyone working at the dig. I took my tape down at 8pm after the dig to be so it's ready to be edited tomorrow.
Thursday
Today is our first day with Editor Tim Martin who will work with us to get the tape ready and see if it's good enough to be aired.
Friday
Finished our editing and completed the story before our 4pm deadline. The production week was so much fun, even though everyone was nervous and stressed and I'm sad that our journey is nearly over. But it was a great experience to actually go out and film something which might make the air. Fingers crossed.
Woohooo! Guerrilla Gardeners Piece Transmitted on Reporting Scotland on Monday 15th March at lunchtime and 6.30pm. It was weird to watch as I know I filmed it. Now I have a disk which I can take to potential job interviews.
You can view the Guerrilla Gardners video here.
Well that's it over. It's weird to think I just completed three months with the BBC. Would I recommend Step Up? Of course! It was the best experience I have ever taken part in and really gave me an understanding of what it would be like to work in Journalism. So, Step Up has made my mind up: Yes I do want to work in Journalism and definitely in TV either in front, or behind the camera
Tuesday 16th March was our showcase night. Brian Taylor, who is well known in politics, awarded certificates for our work in the BBC. It was a great round-up and let us enjoy and celebrate our success.
I have now been asked to work at the General Election on the 6th May as an outside broadcaster which means I will be at a count representing the BBC and phoning in results to London. Some doors are opening and so many opportunities are arising. Hopefully in the near future you'll see me as a member of staff at BBC Scotland.
Lauren McCann
HND Communications & Media
Cardonald College Glasgow.