Story
Visioning
How many times do you sit down to
edit a reporter and discover their story isn't even close to what you expected?
Perhaps a key interview is missing. Or the focus isn't quite on target. With
deadline looming, you find yourself running out of time to make the necessary
changes. We've all been there and it isn't fun.
The key takeaway from that
experience is that it's dangerous to assume you and your reporters share the
same vision of a story. If you follow this simple story visioning process,
you'll find a little work on the front end will save a lot of time - and
heartburn - on the back end.
Story Visioning Tools
These tools provide a useful framework for the story visioning process. They
give both reporters and editors a "common language" to use to develop
stories.
Basic Guidelines
- Ground Rules
- Content Questions
- Production Questions
- Reflective Practitioning
And Remember: Once you've set your vision, continue to check in with
your reporter throughout the research, reporting and writing process. Sometimes
a story changes once a reporter is in the field. Make sure you know how that
process is developing so you're not surprised at edit time.