Multimedia Story Critics

One-Armed Soccer Kid:

I think the photographer does a great job at introducing the video. Pictures of the kid's uniform and kicking the soccer ball show that Lucas can play soccer just like any other soccer player in his age group. The voice over of Lucas speaking about his love for soccer matches with his images - and this works because it is Lucas voice that is first heard at the beginning of the video. Then the voice over transitions to the photographer/reporter, and this works because he introduces information about Lucas.

However, there is lack in the variety of shots in the video. I would have loved to see his interaction with his teammates on and off the field by having the photographer capture "moments". This method would be effective enhancing the love that Lucas has for the sport because is also shows through his relationships with his peers. There is also some footage that moves - which I found annoying - because the photographer was running to the field.

Teachers Boot Camp

I do not think this video was focused on the teachers participating in Boot Camp. The video presents information on why it is important for high school teacher to understand why high school graduates choose to enlist in the marines. But I think that the video lacks presenting visuals on the activities that teachers do at Boot Camps, and relating the teachers Boot Camp experience to the Boot Camp experienced by enlisted perspective marines. The beginning of the video starts with NAT sound - which is great! BUT then transitions to a slide full of text - BORING! I would replace it with more images of teachers at Boot Camp - whether they are shooting with a gun, getting up early in the morning, and/or training.

This video has a great topic - BUT the execution failed to match it :(

Love at the Zoo

This video is awesome because it is a timeless feature about how animals express their affection to each other.
The video shows how male monkey's, zebras, and Red Panda's deal with love when the opposite sex is not to into love at the moment. The video captures unique moments of each animals frustration for fulfilling their "love" needs. I like how there is footage showing the Red Panda male desiring some action, BUT the female is not wanting anything, and instead sleeps. So the images captured show that the animal experiences what humans experience with regards to love.

Ballroom Dancing

The video did have some good images of participants dancing, and there was an interview with the Dance instructor included in the package, however, the package as a whole was not creative, entertaining and attention grabber. It simply looks like the photographer put the video together in about two hours, or less. The packaged could have included interviews with participants to find out why they attend ballroom dancing, and find out how often they come. But overall, the video was simple, and it could have been more creative.

Night Skiing

I really enjoyed this video. There is great footage showing people skiing during the late hours of the evening and into the night. The video includes NAT sound to give the audience a better "feel" for the skiing activity. I like how different people talk about why they enjoy skiing at night throughout the entire video. I really like the ending where the photographer is skiing as the package ends. This was a fun activity for the people skiing at night, and the photographer does a great job at portraying the fun/adventurous mood everyone is in during the night.