Tuesday, June 23, 2009

iNews

Friday was an interesting day at the WFOR newsroom. The new iPhone 3GS came out, and a few producers and reporters were excited about getting their new gadget in the mail. The I-Team producer, Gio, had gone to the Apple store in the Falls to pick up his iPhone.

In the morning editorial meeting, a bunch of producers were discussing the new video capability on the iPhone. The News Director, Adrienne Roark, suggested that Gio get some interviews and sound bytes for the story using the phone.

This is the result. (Keep in mind that this was completely shot using the iPhone. Sound was captured using the Voice Memo capability).

The story's been getting a lot of buzz in the industry lately. The Poynter Institute, a school and resource for journalism, brought it up in a recent blog regarding the impact of technology on citizen journalism. Check it out.

PLUS, for all you iPhone junkies out there, Gio posted a new iPhone challenge on his twitter page. Shoot a video response to his story using YOUR iPhone, and email it to him at gbenitez@cbs.com. Who knows-- it might just be broadcast on the air!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Best Day Ever

Yesterday was probably one of the best days I've ever experienced.

I had the opportunity of heading out on the field with Michael Williams, CBS4's political reporter, a veteran of the news biz (today is his 29th anniversary), and one of my personal heroes in the field. The man is an amazing journalist. But more on that later.

Besides being able to shadow one of my heroes, we headed out to Hialeah Park, where Governor Charlie Crist was taking a tour of the abandoned park. Earlier in the day he signed a gambling bill which hammered out a deal with the Seminole Tribe of Indians for casinos (one of the stipulations in the agreement is that Hialeah Park be revitalized to bring horse racing, and eventually slots and poker, to the historic park.

(Watch Michael's story here)

It was my first real political/photo-op experience, and it was amazing. The energy that this business brings is unreal. Here are some pictures from my BlackBerry:





I didn't really interact too much with the Governor; it was a quick visit. But just watching everything going on around me was such a great experience. And yes, his tan is really that great ;)

I learned so. much... about writing, interviewing, researching, and just journalism and the industry in general. I was so happy to find that Michael Williams is so nice and genuinely helpful; it never felt as if I was bothering him or anything, he was always available to answer any questions I had. As I taped my sign-off for my resume tape, he told me I had a good camera presence, and gave me some tips on writing news stories. Later in the day, he offered to help me get my foot in the door in some smaller markets around Florida, and mentioned that I have a "natural talent". I was floored. This is Michael Williams! I know a lot of you might not know him, but to me, he's huge. I grew up watching him on NBC6!

God has really blessed me in tremendous ways. Just getting this internship was something that I never really expected. But I'm there, and I'm constantly around some of the best talent in South Florida. I'm constantly amazed by the caliber of people that work in this business, and I've gained a newfound respect and passion for the craft of storytelling. If you watched the piece above, note Michael's vivid imagery and use of words. I know, this is the nerd in me. Don't judge.

One of the questions I posed to Michael yesterday was whether or not he suggested starting off at a small market to gain experience, or if I should find a job in a larger market such as Miami. He suggested that I start off small, so that I can make my mistakes and become a better reporter. This is something every reporter has advised me to do during my time so far, and I'm seriously considering it. Pray for me as I make these decisions in the future... I'm excited to see what God has in store.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

new look




What do you think?? :)

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

the juices are flowing

if you follow me on twitter, you know that i've been in a creative mood today. I came across my friend's blog, which directed me to this awesome site, which inspired me to create cute stuff again. Thanks, Kristel!

I've secretly been wanting to open a clothing boutique for a while now. Random, I know. But I figured, I love clothes and I'm organized. Why not share it with others? It would be a great business plan, if it weren't for this terrible economy. {Wah Wahhh} Anyway, I think I have it all mapped out. My mom used to be a buyer for Neiman Marcus back in her single days, so she knows a thing or two about merchandising and retail buying. She can be my partner. Gabby's dad is an accountant, so he can be our financial advisor. There's my administrative help.

When I was a girl, I used to love coming up with "fashion lines"... I'd draw little models and create away. Well, I found some inspiration, and I spent a good hour in macroeconomics creating a modified version of my little models. These would be the logo for our store.

The only thing missing (besides a good loan, haha) is a name. I want something cute, fresh, and girly. Any ideas?

Besides that crazy idea, I have some friends' birthdays coming up (including my hunny!) and I've been short on cash flow recently, so in my burst of creativity, I'm thinking up some cute and inexpensive gift ideas. I'll blog a post with pics once they're done. :)

Hooray for creativity!!

While you're here, check out A Beautiful Mess: