pineapple whip: Editing Assignment

VO/sot

For: Groups of 1-2
Difficulty: Intermediate

Objective
Students will learn how to assemble a VO/SOT (Voice Over / Sound on Tape). This is a stepping stone to learning how to compile an entire news package.

Points to emphasize

  • Write conversationally in a way that sets up the sound bite.

  • Write the voice-over in a way that compliments or “plays to” the selected b-roll.

  • Remember to turn down the natural sound to an appropriate level under the voice-over.

  • Find a quiet place indoors without echo to record the voice over.

Equipment: Computer, editing software, headphones, microphone for recording (use phone or laptop microphone if necessary).

Assignment

Students must select a sound bite (aka SOT) from the raw footage, then use the facts below to write and record a voice-over to introduce it. They must cover their voice over with relevant b-roll that sets the scene and compliments their voice over. Students must end their VO/SOT with “for (insert program name), I’m (insert student name), reporting”. The final video should be between 20 and 40 seconds. Bonus points for students who use a nat sound pop before their voice over starts.

Variation: A fun variation on this assignment is to have students stand at the front of the class and read their voice-over live instead of recording it. One student cues up and plays the project. The other reads the script aloud. This requires coordination and rehearsal.

FACTS

Pineapple Whip has returned for another year at the county fair.

Zach and his Mother Diana are working as a team.

Dan Fortner (Zach’s grandfather) started Pineapple Whip in 1974 at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. 

Dan grew up in southwest Missouri and attended Pleasant Hope High School.

The original Pineapple flavor recipe has never changed.

There are three locations in town.

Their other flavors are Mango-Peach, Strawberry-Kiwi, Grape, Orange, and Banana-Pomegranate.

The treat is fat free and dairy free. 

Everyone agrees that pineapple whip is the most amazing treat they’ve ever had.

They are only open during the summer months except for on winter’s solstice, when they open for one night. Zach spends the other months managing real estate.

Zach was a banker for 10 years before returning to help his parents run the business.

Zach was heavily involved in student council in high school.

Zach is now an owner and manages the business.

 

Example

A VO/SOT is a voice over (covered with b-roll) that introduces a sound bite. “SOT” and “sound bite” are two terms that may be used interchangeably.