Monday, January 18, 2010
A talk with Indira Nooyi (An imaginary interview)
India has a long history where women’s have shown that they are not only the homemaker, however, with their sheer strengths and courage, they have ruled over India from the Medieval History period of India take the example of Razia Sultan, then Rani Laxmi Bai, then Sarojini Naidu, then Indra Gandhi, then Ashiwarya Rai and latest entrant in the block is the Indira Nooyi, a superwomen, who has been placed 4th in the list of worlds topmost influential women’s by the Forbes Magazine.
Would you please tell us something about yourself?
I belong to the Southern part of the country and was born and brought in Chennai. I graduated from Madras Christian College (MCC) in Chemistry, Physics and Math. And later I went to Indian Institute of Management “Calcutta” for my Masters in Finance and Marketing.
In 1974, after your graduation in Science what drove you to the management?
I always wanted to prove myself and make myself proud of me. Genuinely speaking Management at that time was not that popular as it is now, but I thank my family for being with me and supporting me with my decisions.
Was being a girl a problem for you for achieving your success?
Initially no, but off course I had to persuade my Parents for going to Yale and receive my second Masters in Public and Private Management.
How did you begin your carrier?
I joined ABB and then Johnson and Johnson (J&J) in Mumbai. Before landing in the Pepsi, I also worked with Boston Consulting Group and Motorola.
How did PepsiCo Happen?
My career at PepsiCo began in 1994 as senior vice-president of Corporate Strategy and Development and since then I have been shaping PepsiCo’s current focus on the convenient foods and beverages business, influencing the company’s $ 3.3 billion acquisition of Tropicana, the juice company, in 1998, among other achievements.
Forbes Magazine has ranked you 3rd in the 100 most powerful women how does it feel?
It really feels good when people appreciate you, and your work is recognised by people across the globe.
A very few Women have managed to built their name globally, you are one of those fortunate women, How do you think this is?
It was not that easy as it seems, in a country like India where women are regarded as Devi, Laxmi etc, but at the same time is tied with the knots of culture and traditions. Women in our country are not fostered to pursue their carrier seriously. But I am pretty sure once given the opportunity women have proved themselves, and I do know may women who have reached very dizzy heights. I very strongly feel that any women in the world can do it, if they all have faith in themselves, and secondly because they have had this support from their family and friends.
I think women in general do face lots of problems because they don’t have enough of confidence in them. I keep telling people if I can do it any one can.
You are known for merging and acquiring other brands, how does this helped you?
I always emphasize in the merges and acquisition. The company in my tenure acquired Tropicana and Quaker fruit juice brands which bolstered them as well as our company. I predicted that there will be a slowdown in the popularity of aerated soft drinks in the markets worldwide.
There is always a turning point in everyone’s life, so what do you call the turning point of life?
In the business world where for a woman it is extremely difficult to leave any mark on the corner room office of the big conglomerate. I meticulously planned for the foray of Pepsi into the spot drinks market in association with Gatorade. In 2007 I was given the post fifth CEO after replacing Steve Reinemund.
You spend most of your time in U.S. but still you very well carry yourself in Indian traditional attire?
I had a very progressive family and that’s why I got where I got to. I was very close to my father. He is the one who always motivated me and encouraged me in whatever I wanted to do. My mother also went along with my father and agreed to all his decisions pertaining to my Education and carrier. I had a very wonderful upbringing and a childhood, where my parents exposed me to many cultural aspects not only of India but other parts of the world too. But my mother was also very much fascinated by her very own Indian culture and tradition, It was she who inculcated the Indian values and morals in me.
Your entrepreneurship has inspired many young ladies of the new generation, is there an advice you would give them?
The first and foremost thing is to aim high. And never allow your gender to become a barrier in the way of you and your success.
I would advise them to aim high and put your heart into it, what is important is trying to be the best and working to get there. And that is how you fulfil your potential. There is always something to learn, if you really keen to learn there is a scope of learning in each and everything. So never stop learning.
Always keep that natural curiosity of a kid, a curiosity to learn a curiosity to know. And ask questions from yourself, ask yourself for an explanation and justification before everything you do. Go out and move people interact with them.
Always keep your mind open, it is a multicultural world out here and we all have to interact with people who are different, success comes with reaching out and integrating with the community and giving back to the communities and neighbourhoods, more than what you took out of them.
One of very important key to sucess according to me is “be yourself.” Never forget your roots and never hide what makes you.
I would here sum up the keys success with simple ideals, perspicacity and conviction.
Would you please tell us something about yourself?
I belong to the Southern part of the country and was born and brought in Chennai. I graduated from Madras Christian College (MCC) in Chemistry, Physics and Math. And later I went to Indian Institute of Management “Calcutta” for my Masters in Finance and Marketing.
In 1974, after your graduation in Science what drove you to the management?
I always wanted to prove myself and make myself proud of me. Genuinely speaking Management at that time was not that popular as it is now, but I thank my family for being with me and supporting me with my decisions.
Was being a girl a problem for you for achieving your success?
Initially no, but off course I had to persuade my Parents for going to Yale and receive my second Masters in Public and Private Management.
How did you begin your carrier?
I joined ABB and then Johnson and Johnson (J&J) in Mumbai. Before landing in the Pepsi, I also worked with Boston Consulting Group and Motorola.
How did PepsiCo Happen?
My career at PepsiCo began in 1994 as senior vice-president of Corporate Strategy and Development and since then I have been shaping PepsiCo’s current focus on the convenient foods and beverages business, influencing the company’s $ 3.3 billion acquisition of Tropicana, the juice company, in 1998, among other achievements.
Forbes Magazine has ranked you 3rd in the 100 most powerful women how does it feel?
It really feels good when people appreciate you, and your work is recognised by people across the globe.
A very few Women have managed to built their name globally, you are one of those fortunate women, How do you think this is?
It was not that easy as it seems, in a country like India where women are regarded as Devi, Laxmi etc, but at the same time is tied with the knots of culture and traditions. Women in our country are not fostered to pursue their carrier seriously. But I am pretty sure once given the opportunity women have proved themselves, and I do know may women who have reached very dizzy heights. I very strongly feel that any women in the world can do it, if they all have faith in themselves, and secondly because they have had this support from their family and friends.
I think women in general do face lots of problems because they don’t have enough of confidence in them. I keep telling people if I can do it any one can.
You are known for merging and acquiring other brands, how does this helped you?
I always emphasize in the merges and acquisition. The company in my tenure acquired Tropicana and Quaker fruit juice brands which bolstered them as well as our company. I predicted that there will be a slowdown in the popularity of aerated soft drinks in the markets worldwide.
There is always a turning point in everyone’s life, so what do you call the turning point of life?
In the business world where for a woman it is extremely difficult to leave any mark on the corner room office of the big conglomerate. I meticulously planned for the foray of Pepsi into the spot drinks market in association with Gatorade. In 2007 I was given the post fifth CEO after replacing Steve Reinemund.
You spend most of your time in U.S. but still you very well carry yourself in Indian traditional attire?
I had a very progressive family and that’s why I got where I got to. I was very close to my father. He is the one who always motivated me and encouraged me in whatever I wanted to do. My mother also went along with my father and agreed to all his decisions pertaining to my Education and carrier. I had a very wonderful upbringing and a childhood, where my parents exposed me to many cultural aspects not only of India but other parts of the world too. But my mother was also very much fascinated by her very own Indian culture and tradition, It was she who inculcated the Indian values and morals in me.
Your entrepreneurship has inspired many young ladies of the new generation, is there an advice you would give them?
The first and foremost thing is to aim high. And never allow your gender to become a barrier in the way of you and your success.
I would advise them to aim high and put your heart into it, what is important is trying to be the best and working to get there. And that is how you fulfil your potential. There is always something to learn, if you really keen to learn there is a scope of learning in each and everything. So never stop learning.
Always keep that natural curiosity of a kid, a curiosity to learn a curiosity to know. And ask questions from yourself, ask yourself for an explanation and justification before everything you do. Go out and move people interact with them.
Always keep your mind open, it is a multicultural world out here and we all have to interact with people who are different, success comes with reaching out and integrating with the community and giving back to the communities and neighbourhoods, more than what you took out of them.
One of very important key to sucess according to me is “be yourself.” Never forget your roots and never hide what makes you.
I would here sum up the keys success with simple ideals, perspicacity and conviction.
The Non Ending War
The Non Ending War
Naxalbari means a mass uprising of the poor and labouring peasantry. It does not mean isolated violent actions here and there or some sensational armed exercises. It also does not mean revolutionary talks and storms over tea cups in Metropolitan cities, Universities those big cafes, and malls.
Naxalbari is a big movement of the marginalised and underprivileged sections of the society, it is not only fulfilment of local demands. Today as rural India reels under a deepening agrarian crisis, as peasants and agrarian labourers fighting for their land and livelihood face the brutal onslaught of the state.
In 1960s and early 1970s were the stormy years for the communist party, as the Indian state tried all the means at its command to crush the uprising of the communist party specially the CPI (ML) that was emerging.
Illegal detention and third-degree torture, fake encounters and organised massacres – every method of repression was freely practised by the state in its war on Naxalism.
The killing of Comrade Charu Mazumdar in the police custody at Calcutta’s (now Kolkata) Lalbazaar lock-up, made the Indian state feel that they have overpowered the scourge of Naxalism. The Indian state heaved a huge sigh of relief.
But after Singur and Nandigram, the CPI (M) has once again started blaming Naxalites for all its troubles. Even after thirty years of uninterrupted rule, the CPI (M) clearly has no respite from the spectre of Naxalbari!
Here one needs to understand that the main reason for naxalbari movement to start at that time was solely economical. But now after the long fight, success and failure It has moulded itself a bit and also turned political.
On my visit to Jharkhand I noticed that these Naxalites hold a respectable position in the hearts of labourers and daily wage earners. But on the contrary there were few who also claim that these Naxalites are more of a political goon.
One should also remember that their turning a political goon is not a claim, they have been seen campaigning for Bahujan Samaj Party in Chattisgarh state.
What so ever be the claim and what so ever be the assurance from all the left, right and liberal wings. This Naxal war between the state and the Peasants seem to be never ending. For this to end a complete structural change needs to happen on both the sides.
Naxalbari means a mass uprising of the poor and labouring peasantry. It does not mean isolated violent actions here and there or some sensational armed exercises. It also does not mean revolutionary talks and storms over tea cups in Metropolitan cities, Universities those big cafes, and malls.
Naxalbari is a big movement of the marginalised and underprivileged sections of the society, it is not only fulfilment of local demands. Today as rural India reels under a deepening agrarian crisis, as peasants and agrarian labourers fighting for their land and livelihood face the brutal onslaught of the state.
In 1960s and early 1970s were the stormy years for the communist party, as the Indian state tried all the means at its command to crush the uprising of the communist party specially the CPI (ML) that was emerging.
Illegal detention and third-degree torture, fake encounters and organised massacres – every method of repression was freely practised by the state in its war on Naxalism.
The killing of Comrade Charu Mazumdar in the police custody at Calcutta’s (now Kolkata) Lalbazaar lock-up, made the Indian state feel that they have overpowered the scourge of Naxalism. The Indian state heaved a huge sigh of relief.
But after Singur and Nandigram, the CPI (M) has once again started blaming Naxalites for all its troubles. Even after thirty years of uninterrupted rule, the CPI (M) clearly has no respite from the spectre of Naxalbari!
Here one needs to understand that the main reason for naxalbari movement to start at that time was solely economical. But now after the long fight, success and failure It has moulded itself a bit and also turned political.
On my visit to Jharkhand I noticed that these Naxalites hold a respectable position in the hearts of labourers and daily wage earners. But on the contrary there were few who also claim that these Naxalites are more of a political goon.
One should also remember that their turning a political goon is not a claim, they have been seen campaigning for Bahujan Samaj Party in Chattisgarh state.
What so ever be the claim and what so ever be the assurance from all the left, right and liberal wings. This Naxal war between the state and the Peasants seem to be never ending. For this to end a complete structural change needs to happen on both the sides.
Marathon to White House
Sarah Palin had pulled off another one of her unusual moves that perhaps only like-minded people can truly understand. As everyone knows Palin very recently resigned from the post of Alaska’s Governor.
Why has she done it? Was she dropping out of politics altogether? These were the few big questions in the people’s mind. But Palin answered the entire questions later on by posting a message on her Facebook page which as Chuck Todd and friends say made her "sound like someone with dreams of the Oval Office dancing in her head." Most political observers think Palin has, at the least damaged her prospects, and some predict she has utterly destroyed her chances at the presidency forever. But on the contrary this move of her had definitely helped her for a run in presidency in the future.
John McCain shocked everyone on August 29, 2008 when he formally announced Palin as his running mate for the presidential post. Palin till then was not so popular outside Alaska. It raised a debate among experts about the McCain’s decision of choosing Palin and also about its effect on McCain himself. But the reality is that it helped Palin more than McCain himself.
Republican Party had no choice but to pick Sarah Palin for Vice President. During her acceptance speech, Palin exuded an image of strong yet feminine and independent yet submissive politician. One of the reasons why Palin was an option is that Most of the republicans secretly agree to the necessity to shape a future face of their party which McCain was certainly not.
At 44, Sarah Palin brought a much needed face lift and freshness to the ticket. She certainly could be a future party leader for Republicans; A young female who was arguably inexperienced, but crucially less so than Obama.
McCain very cleverly played the ball, by choosing her his running mate. Palin is no doubt a beautiful, pretty lady as also a “Bible Believing Christian”. This helped the republicans in gaining the “Conservative Vote Bank.”
After her resignation as the governor of Alaska, people speculated that she may be setting up a track for her 2012elections. Gallup poll conducted a survey for estimating the popularity and probability of Palin being nominated in the 2012 elections. About 19% of U.S. voters said they are “very likely” to vote for her. 24% of them agreed that they are “somewhat likely” to do so. While 41% of the voters said they would be not at all likely to vote for her.
Here the thing is that even if Palin decides to run for the 2012 elections, her high profile and her celebrity status might help her in taking a role of a major political figure. Even if her resignation from the post of governor had surprised many of the political observers, the data shows her decision to resign from the governorship did not affect how most of the Americans feel about her.
Palin holds many of the values that can work on her favour. She represents whole of women and their family values. She is a devoted wife and a mother of five children which to an orthodox following would be highly recommending. While on the other hand her relatively independent and active political life has kept her in the favorites among the modern and outgoing women. Her son is deployed in Iraq, which many people believe is enough for her to showcase her patriotism. A politician dedicated to her Country’s welfare and giving it everything from her career to her family is just how the Republican party would want to position its future Presidential candidate.
Although she did not win the presidential elections in 2008, but it did not quite affect Palin and her image. Out of the 4 presidential and Vice president Nominees, Palin was the only one with executive experience as the governor of Alaska while others have legislative experience. Some political observers even see her resignation from her Governorship of Alaska as a very intelligent and timely move. As per Bill Kristol, now Palin could “can do her book, give speeches, travel the country and the world, campaign for others, meet people, get more educated on the issues — and without being criticized for neglecting her duties in Alaska.” Furthermore she gets time space to rub her presence in for the next Presidential campaign and emerge as a recognizable political force in 2012.
Even to Democrats she has affinity as she embodies values that they hold in esteem. Her acknowledgement of women’s struggles in her acceptance speech she referred to Geraldine Ferraro and Hillary Clinton, as also referred to 18 million cracks in the proverbial glass ceiling, thanks to Hillary’s efforts. She has also the history of fighting with corruption by protesting (and finally resigning) as head of the Alaska Oil and Gas Commission over alleged ethical violations by the state Republican chairman. Finally, Palin could be the answer to Obama’s Change campaign, as what more change could there be for republicans to select a woman for its presidential drive. She could also become the new younger face of republican experience.
However she would have to take care of some issues before she sets herself for the track for presidential campaign. Firstly, she is under investigation for the abuse of power by the Alaska State Legislature. Secondly there are 2 other women who appear to be more qualified than Palin;
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Sen. Olympia Snowe. Finally, palin would have to meet Bidden quite a few times in the debating arena. Bidden being a seasoned politician having years of experience and force of conviction.
Thus, Palin’s bag of odds have both positives and negatives that she would have to either to use to her advantage or dodge carefully to succeed in the race to Washington D.C. Otherwise Palin’s whole drive from the resignation from Governorship to her books published may end up in vain.
Why has she done it? Was she dropping out of politics altogether? These were the few big questions in the people’s mind. But Palin answered the entire questions later on by posting a message on her Facebook page which as Chuck Todd and friends say made her "sound like someone with dreams of the Oval Office dancing in her head." Most political observers think Palin has, at the least damaged her prospects, and some predict she has utterly destroyed her chances at the presidency forever. But on the contrary this move of her had definitely helped her for a run in presidency in the future.
John McCain shocked everyone on August 29, 2008 when he formally announced Palin as his running mate for the presidential post. Palin till then was not so popular outside Alaska. It raised a debate among experts about the McCain’s decision of choosing Palin and also about its effect on McCain himself. But the reality is that it helped Palin more than McCain himself.
Republican Party had no choice but to pick Sarah Palin for Vice President. During her acceptance speech, Palin exuded an image of strong yet feminine and independent yet submissive politician. One of the reasons why Palin was an option is that Most of the republicans secretly agree to the necessity to shape a future face of their party which McCain was certainly not.
At 44, Sarah Palin brought a much needed face lift and freshness to the ticket. She certainly could be a future party leader for Republicans; A young female who was arguably inexperienced, but crucially less so than Obama.
McCain very cleverly played the ball, by choosing her his running mate. Palin is no doubt a beautiful, pretty lady as also a “Bible Believing Christian”. This helped the republicans in gaining the “Conservative Vote Bank.”
After her resignation as the governor of Alaska, people speculated that she may be setting up a track for her 2012elections. Gallup poll conducted a survey for estimating the popularity and probability of Palin being nominated in the 2012 elections. About 19% of U.S. voters said they are “very likely” to vote for her. 24% of them agreed that they are “somewhat likely” to do so. While 41% of the voters said they would be not at all likely to vote for her.
Here the thing is that even if Palin decides to run for the 2012 elections, her high profile and her celebrity status might help her in taking a role of a major political figure. Even if her resignation from the post of governor had surprised many of the political observers, the data shows her decision to resign from the governorship did not affect how most of the Americans feel about her.
Palin holds many of the values that can work on her favour. She represents whole of women and their family values. She is a devoted wife and a mother of five children which to an orthodox following would be highly recommending. While on the other hand her relatively independent and active political life has kept her in the favorites among the modern and outgoing women. Her son is deployed in Iraq, which many people believe is enough for her to showcase her patriotism. A politician dedicated to her Country’s welfare and giving it everything from her career to her family is just how the Republican party would want to position its future Presidential candidate.
Although she did not win the presidential elections in 2008, but it did not quite affect Palin and her image. Out of the 4 presidential and Vice president Nominees, Palin was the only one with executive experience as the governor of Alaska while others have legislative experience. Some political observers even see her resignation from her Governorship of Alaska as a very intelligent and timely move. As per Bill Kristol, now Palin could “can do her book, give speeches, travel the country and the world, campaign for others, meet people, get more educated on the issues — and without being criticized for neglecting her duties in Alaska.” Furthermore she gets time space to rub her presence in for the next Presidential campaign and emerge as a recognizable political force in 2012.
Even to Democrats she has affinity as she embodies values that they hold in esteem. Her acknowledgement of women’s struggles in her acceptance speech she referred to Geraldine Ferraro and Hillary Clinton, as also referred to 18 million cracks in the proverbial glass ceiling, thanks to Hillary’s efforts. She has also the history of fighting with corruption by protesting (and finally resigning) as head of the Alaska Oil and Gas Commission over alleged ethical violations by the state Republican chairman. Finally, Palin could be the answer to Obama’s Change campaign, as what more change could there be for republicans to select a woman for its presidential drive. She could also become the new younger face of republican experience.
However she would have to take care of some issues before she sets herself for the track for presidential campaign. Firstly, she is under investigation for the abuse of power by the Alaska State Legislature. Secondly there are 2 other women who appear to be more qualified than Palin;
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Sen. Olympia Snowe. Finally, palin would have to meet Bidden quite a few times in the debating arena. Bidden being a seasoned politician having years of experience and force of conviction.
Thus, Palin’s bag of odds have both positives and negatives that she would have to either to use to her advantage or dodge carefully to succeed in the race to Washington D.C. Otherwise Palin’s whole drive from the resignation from Governorship to her books published may end up in vain.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
1. Briefly describe the following terms
Depth of field:
Depth of field is the range of distance within the subject that is acceptably sharp. The depth of field varies depending on camera type, aperture, and focusing distance.
The depth of field does not abruptly change from sharp to unsharp, but instead occurs as a gradual transition.
Eg- When in a movie an actor is shown standing on the stage with crowd in the
background and crowd is not clear. This is called as Depth of field when certain things in an
area are sharp and other things are not.
Aperture:
Aperture is referred to an opening of the camera lens. It controls the amount of light to be entered in the camera, resulting in the formation of image. The image formation can take place either on film, or Charge Couple Device (CCD).
It is controlled by a Diaphragm calibrated in f- numbers.
Colour Balance:
Colour balance relates to the lighting under which a colour film is designed to record subject colours accurately. Typically expressed as daylight balance (5500K) or tungsten light balance (3200K).
Filters:
Filter of a camera is an optical device to remove or absorb selected wavelengths or a proportion of all wavelengths.
Filters are responsible for contrast, sharpness, highlight flare, colour, and light intensity, either individually, or in various combinations.
Composition:
Composition is the arrangement of subject, object or the things in the frame. It is basically a visual process of organising the components of the scene in a pleasing arrangement.
The five elements of Composition are: - pattern, symmetry, texture, Depth of field and lines.
2. What is the difference between a cut, dissolve and fade?
Cut, dissolve and fade are different types of transition used for video editing. These different types of transition are also instrumental in setting up the moods of the audiences.
Cut:
It is the simplest kind of transition used in the editing. Here the second scene starts immediately after the end of the previous scene. It is very quick and sharp.
Dissolve:
Dissolve is a kind of transition where one scene overlaps another scene. And then slowly the first scene dissolves into the next scene. In the process of dissolving the first scene starts dying and the second scene grows slowly. It is soft in comparison to the cut.
Fade:
In fade to the image slowly vanishes to reveal the next shot. In FADE, one frame freezes while the next frame seems to grow out of the centre of the screen.
3. Describe the history of News Gathering on television with special Reference to India?
Television in India was introduced in 1959. Television broadcasts started from Delhi in September 1959 as part of All India Radio's services. Only an hour twice a week was allotted for the programmes to be broadcast.
At this point of time television and radio were considered as the boon in facilitating the developmental process. Later in 1982, TV began with national coverage and as a result, Doordarshan was started. With the emergence of Doordarshan the earlier aim of television which was social and economic development, got diluted.
As a result of privatisation and the liberalisation of the economy in 1991 the Indian broadcasting encountered a transformation. The first International satellite television was introduced in India by CNN through its coverage of the Gulf War in 1991.
This brought competition in news removing the monopoly of Doordarshan, however even till now the TV broadcasting was under Government’s monopoly. The government's monopoly was challenged in the Indian Supreme Court in 1995 after which the Government can now only regulate the Broadcasting.
4. If you were given an assignment to shoot a News story, what are the things and order you would follow till the story goes on air as a reporter?
Pre-production: -
Research:-
Research is an integral part of any news story. Research provides credibility and authenticity to the story. A well researched story speaks for itself. Research also helps in overcoming anticipated problems.
Fixing dates/appointments: -
Fixing dates and appointments beforehand helps in preparing the questions to be asked. But a backup is also a must in case the person with whom the appointment was fixed did not turn up.
Storyboard: -
A rough storyboard of the assignment should be decided in this stage itself.
Production/shooting: -
The reporter must reach the site before time to get the best place for the shooting. This also provides ample of time to the reporter for the camera/mic check, sound checks etc.
The reporter must ensure that the shot is taken in sequence in order to avoid the work at the editing table. The reporter must also ensure that he/she get the best possible shots for the story. The duration of shoot should not exceed thrice the duration of the package planned. And the reporter should immediately dump the recorded material.
Post-production:-
The reporter should sit on the editing table to keep a check on the editing process and make sure that nothing important or relevant is being discarded from the story. The reporter must see the final package himself/herself before it goes on air.
In case of breaking news apart from these the reporter should also concentrate on reaching the office soon.
5. Briefly describe the different departments in the news-room and their functioning?
There are primarily four departments in a newsroom-
a) Assignment desk:
Assignment desk is responsible for distributing the assignments to the reporters.
b) Programming department:
Programming department decides the program slots, features ides and assignments.
c) Input department/Production Control Room:
Here reporters submit their raw products after the shoot. And then the product gets edited in the PCR. The PCR produces the final version of the story which is also supposed to be seen by the reporter first.
d) Output department/ Master control room:
The MCR is responsible for putting the package on air. . The final cut which reaches the MCR has to be carefully checked before the broadcast, though some editing is possible in the MCR.
6)What are the things that should be kept in mind before writing a TV script?
1) Script must support the visual but should not repeat it.
2) Grammar must be checked.
3) Phrases like, “What you are seeing here...” should be avoided.
4) Every page of the script should have a slug for identification. The slugs should include a brief description of story along with title and date. This allows the anchor or the reporter to easily locate the story.
5) Attribution should be used to have credibility.
6) Active voice should be used
7) The script should have short and concise sentences for easy comprehension for the anchor.
8) Conversational style should be used for writing, it helps the audience in getting involved.
9) Difficult word must be avoided. If such words are necessary then proper
explanation of the word must be given.
10) Ideal bites of 10 to 20 seconds must be used.
11) It must be looked in that all the sides of the story are covered in the script. The story must not be biased.
7. Briefly describe the art of anchoring to be followed for any TV programme?
Anchoring requires skills and intelligence and not merely reading out the story. The following points should be kept in mind for an anchor to deliver a good TV programme:
To get as much variety as possible, one must listen to news anchors from different news
channel. Overall, balance in authority, personality, and warmth makes a good anchor.
1. The anchor should not be biased
2. They should follow the ethics of journalism.
3. They should not mingle their own opinion in the story.
4. They should try to provide complete and authentic information.
5. The anchor must have greatest sence of responsibilities.
6. They must exercise care.
7. They must try to find all sides to a story.
9. They must not influence by fear or favour.
10. An Anchor must be spontaneous.
11. They must have a clear knowledge of subject.
12. They must have a good presentation.
13. They must have good language proficiency.
Depth of field:
Depth of field is the range of distance within the subject that is acceptably sharp. The depth of field varies depending on camera type, aperture, and focusing distance.
The depth of field does not abruptly change from sharp to unsharp, but instead occurs as a gradual transition.
Eg- When in a movie an actor is shown standing on the stage with crowd in the
background and crowd is not clear. This is called as Depth of field when certain things in an
area are sharp and other things are not.
Aperture:
Aperture is referred to an opening of the camera lens. It controls the amount of light to be entered in the camera, resulting in the formation of image. The image formation can take place either on film, or Charge Couple Device (CCD).
It is controlled by a Diaphragm calibrated in f- numbers.
Colour Balance:
Colour balance relates to the lighting under which a colour film is designed to record subject colours accurately. Typically expressed as daylight balance (5500K) or tungsten light balance (3200K).
Filters:
Filter of a camera is an optical device to remove or absorb selected wavelengths or a proportion of all wavelengths.
Filters are responsible for contrast, sharpness, highlight flare, colour, and light intensity, either individually, or in various combinations.
Composition:
Composition is the arrangement of subject, object or the things in the frame. It is basically a visual process of organising the components of the scene in a pleasing arrangement.
The five elements of Composition are: - pattern, symmetry, texture, Depth of field and lines.
2. What is the difference between a cut, dissolve and fade?
Cut, dissolve and fade are different types of transition used for video editing. These different types of transition are also instrumental in setting up the moods of the audiences.
Cut:
It is the simplest kind of transition used in the editing. Here the second scene starts immediately after the end of the previous scene. It is very quick and sharp.
Dissolve:
Dissolve is a kind of transition where one scene overlaps another scene. And then slowly the first scene dissolves into the next scene. In the process of dissolving the first scene starts dying and the second scene grows slowly. It is soft in comparison to the cut.
Fade:
In fade to the image slowly vanishes to reveal the next shot. In FADE, one frame freezes while the next frame seems to grow out of the centre of the screen.
3. Describe the history of News Gathering on television with special Reference to India?
Television in India was introduced in 1959. Television broadcasts started from Delhi in September 1959 as part of All India Radio's services. Only an hour twice a week was allotted for the programmes to be broadcast.
At this point of time television and radio were considered as the boon in facilitating the developmental process. Later in 1982, TV began with national coverage and as a result, Doordarshan was started. With the emergence of Doordarshan the earlier aim of television which was social and economic development, got diluted.
As a result of privatisation and the liberalisation of the economy in 1991 the Indian broadcasting encountered a transformation. The first International satellite television was introduced in India by CNN through its coverage of the Gulf War in 1991.
This brought competition in news removing the monopoly of Doordarshan, however even till now the TV broadcasting was under Government’s monopoly. The government's monopoly was challenged in the Indian Supreme Court in 1995 after which the Government can now only regulate the Broadcasting.
4. If you were given an assignment to shoot a News story, what are the things and order you would follow till the story goes on air as a reporter?
Pre-production: -
Research:-
Research is an integral part of any news story. Research provides credibility and authenticity to the story. A well researched story speaks for itself. Research also helps in overcoming anticipated problems.
Fixing dates/appointments: -
Fixing dates and appointments beforehand helps in preparing the questions to be asked. But a backup is also a must in case the person with whom the appointment was fixed did not turn up.
Storyboard: -
A rough storyboard of the assignment should be decided in this stage itself.
Production/shooting: -
The reporter must reach the site before time to get the best place for the shooting. This also provides ample of time to the reporter for the camera/mic check, sound checks etc.
The reporter must ensure that the shot is taken in sequence in order to avoid the work at the editing table. The reporter must also ensure that he/she get the best possible shots for the story. The duration of shoot should not exceed thrice the duration of the package planned. And the reporter should immediately dump the recorded material.
Post-production:-
The reporter should sit on the editing table to keep a check on the editing process and make sure that nothing important or relevant is being discarded from the story. The reporter must see the final package himself/herself before it goes on air.
In case of breaking news apart from these the reporter should also concentrate on reaching the office soon.
5. Briefly describe the different departments in the news-room and their functioning?
There are primarily four departments in a newsroom-
a) Assignment desk:
Assignment desk is responsible for distributing the assignments to the reporters.
b) Programming department:
Programming department decides the program slots, features ides and assignments.
c) Input department/Production Control Room:
Here reporters submit their raw products after the shoot. And then the product gets edited in the PCR. The PCR produces the final version of the story which is also supposed to be seen by the reporter first.
d) Output department/ Master control room:
The MCR is responsible for putting the package on air. . The final cut which reaches the MCR has to be carefully checked before the broadcast, though some editing is possible in the MCR.
6)What are the things that should be kept in mind before writing a TV script?
1) Script must support the visual but should not repeat it.
2) Grammar must be checked.
3) Phrases like, “What you are seeing here...” should be avoided.
4) Every page of the script should have a slug for identification. The slugs should include a brief description of story along with title and date. This allows the anchor or the reporter to easily locate the story.
5) Attribution should be used to have credibility.
6) Active voice should be used
7) The script should have short and concise sentences for easy comprehension for the anchor.
8) Conversational style should be used for writing, it helps the audience in getting involved.
9) Difficult word must be avoided. If such words are necessary then proper
explanation of the word must be given.
10) Ideal bites of 10 to 20 seconds must be used.
11) It must be looked in that all the sides of the story are covered in the script. The story must not be biased.
7. Briefly describe the art of anchoring to be followed for any TV programme?
Anchoring requires skills and intelligence and not merely reading out the story. The following points should be kept in mind for an anchor to deliver a good TV programme:
To get as much variety as possible, one must listen to news anchors from different news
channel. Overall, balance in authority, personality, and warmth makes a good anchor.
1. The anchor should not be biased
2. They should follow the ethics of journalism.
3. They should not mingle their own opinion in the story.
4. They should try to provide complete and authentic information.
5. The anchor must have greatest sence of responsibilities.
6. They must exercise care.
7. They must try to find all sides to a story.
9. They must not influence by fear or favour.
10. An Anchor must be spontaneous.
11. They must have a clear knowledge of subject.
12. They must have a good presentation.
13. They must have good language proficiency.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Residents in Delhi learnt a lesson while getting entertained
Residents in Delhi learnt a lesson while getting entertained, recently -- a lesson about how to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Volunteers used street theatre and songs to communicate with residents in slums of Delhi. While such outdoor performances are deeply rooted in traditional India, they're used these days to discuss social and political messages.
The Delhi State AIDS Control Society collaborated with the Amity Humanity Foundation, a CSR unit of Amity University, on a two-day program in Sanjay Gandhi Camp and Madanpur Khadar, which included a street play, a movie screening and on-the-spot counselling.
People taking a look on the happenings, on the way back to their homes.
“One cannot think about the development without going and working in the field,” said Nishant Ojha, a spokesman for the Rajasthan based NGO Srijan, who participated in the project.
“Folk media and street theatre can be a few of very important tools for creating awareness and sensitizing people,” said Aftab Pasha the director of the play.
"Development is not about wearing T-shirts with developmental and motivational quotes,” added Ojha.
A sum total of approximately Rs. 15000 was spent for this two-day awareness camp, which was enough to cover all the expenses in organising the play and also distributing free condoms among the people.
Organizers worked hard to make sure that the street plays were short and to the point. The play contained humour, an important part of the street performances to bind the audience.
The project was organised under the aegis of Delhi State Aids Control Society (DSACS). “When I was a student I used to participate in such events. This provides a real experience of working with people,” Said Sibghat Usmani, a faculty at the University.
Volunteers used street theatre and songs to communicate with residents in slums of Delhi. While such outdoor performances are deeply rooted in traditional India, they're used these days to discuss social and political messages.
The Delhi State AIDS Control Society collaborated with the Amity Humanity Foundation, a CSR unit of Amity University, on a two-day program in Sanjay Gandhi Camp and Madanpur Khadar, which included a street play, a movie screening and on-the-spot counselling.
People taking a look on the happenings, on the way back to their homes.
“One cannot think about the development without going and working in the field,” said Nishant Ojha, a spokesman for the Rajasthan based NGO Srijan, who participated in the project.
“Folk media and street theatre can be a few of very important tools for creating awareness and sensitizing people,” said Aftab Pasha the director of the play.
"Development is not about wearing T-shirts with developmental and motivational quotes,” added Ojha.
A sum total of approximately Rs. 15000 was spent for this two-day awareness camp, which was enough to cover all the expenses in organising the play and also distributing free condoms among the people.
Organizers worked hard to make sure that the street plays were short and to the point. The play contained humour, an important part of the street performances to bind the audience.
The project was organised under the aegis of Delhi State Aids Control Society (DSACS). “When I was a student I used to participate in such events. This provides a real experience of working with people,” Said Sibghat Usmani, a faculty at the University.
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