The video at the Times Picayune was directed and edited by Lynette Johnson and featured Hornets writer John Reid and columnist John DeShazier. In the video, Mr. Reid and Mr. DeShazier discussed the Hornets' recent success and reviewed footage of previous games. Watching the filming process was interesting, as it required multiple people "behind-the-scenes" to direct, tape, and adjust audio settings. I met Lynn Cunningham, both assistant to the editor of the Times Picayune and recently named Online Editor as well. I also watched Kevin Spain, another reporter for the Times Picayune, film the Hornets Mailbag video with Mr. Reid and Mr. DeShazier. The Mailbag videos are a new series in which the Times Picayune answers readers' questions submitted to the web. To view the video I observed filmed and edited today, click here: http://videos.nola.com/times-picayune/2011/01/hornets_gain_momentum_put_toge.html
After the filming process, which was surprisingly brief, due to the successful deliveries, I visited with Lynette Johnson and learned about the editing process. Ms. Johnson explained how the Times Picayune is a historic newspaper - it has existed for over 150 years - yet it is rapidly changing and adjusting to the modern multimedia aspects of the journalism industry. In the past two years, the Times Picayune has developed its website to allow more online coverage and easy access to readers. However, in the past six months, the newspaper has adjusted and learned the art of video; videos are becoming more popular in the journalism industry and are frequently viewed online. Ms. Johnson explained the importance of flexibility and willingness to learn as a journalist, due to the constantly-changing, fast-paced technological advancements.
I also met Dan Swenson, graphic design artist at the Times Picayune. In addition to creating an interesting website to promote himself, http://danswenson.com/, Mr. Swenson has created a multitude of innovative and interesting graphics for the web. Mr. Swenson learned graphic design programs such as Flash himself and is yet another example of how a journalist must adapt and learn new programs to adjust to the needs of the industry. One of Mr. Swenson's favorite graphics, http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/deepwater-disaster/index.ssf, features the oil spill and required a great deal of work, time, and research.
I ate lunch today at Katie's, a restaurant in Mid-City, with Mr. Donze, Michelle Krupa, and Bill Barrow. Mr. Donze and Ms. Krupa cover the city government news, and Mr. Barrow reports on state government and healthcare issues. Ms. Krupa, a graduate of Notre Dame University, was the editor of her college newspaper, the Observer. During lunch, we met Scott Shea, a New Orleans city councilman. Mr. Shea was one of the recent councilmen Mr. Donze covered, as he is actively involved with city governmental affairs.
After lunch, I attended a taping of the features writers' video. Mark Lorando, the features editor, conducted a "round-table discussion" with the movie critic, food writer, and fashion writer/art critic, Doug McCash. The food writer, Judy Walker, is a renowned writer for the Times Picayune and special favorite of my mother, a devoted fan.
After serving as the "second camera man," I learned a great deal about filming, cameras, and editing through the tutelage of Mr. McCash, who also filmed the group discussion. Afterwards, I followed Mr. McCash to a meeting with overseeing editors, discussing a long article he recently wrote concerning New Orleans architecture.
It was definitely a long day, but it was very informative and interesting. Having the opportunity to meet so many influential and successful people in the journalism realm of New Orleans is truly a special experience.
More tomorrow!
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