Created by Maddy Ting
Whether you're a fresh-off-the-boat MAS kid, a seasoned veteran, or somewhere in between, I bid you welcome. Welcome to Multimedia Madness, a name that I came up with on a whim and (at the moment) does not have any significant meaning tied to March Madness. Whether that's a good or bad thing, I'll leave it up to you to decide.
So why are you here? Are you bored and have nothing else to do? Are you staring at the board in the minuscule chance that Raisner actually sees this and thinks it's good? Are you lost in a world of words, looking for one actually helpful guide to making multimedia?
All jokes aside, I hope this guide helps you. If it does, AWESOME! I have fulfilled my purpose in this world and I can die peacefully now. If it doesn't...well, I hope it does. Even if you learn that I'm a sarcastic bird who really doesn't know what she's doing, that's good enough for me.
This is my own spin on the "Something More" sheet that Raisner always gives out at the beginning of the year, which, frankly, is very boring and not aesthetically pleasing in the slightest. You'd think as the supervisor of Carlmont Journalism that he'd picked up tips regarding graphic design along the way...but then again, maybe not.
Even if you decide to quit reading halfway through this guide, I hope you enjoy the little concoction I've cooked up for y'all. I'm including everything that I can possibly think of regarding making multimedia to help you. Requirements, ideas, links...you name it! I've also included "Pro Tips," which are little tricks and tidbits that I've picked up just from my first semester of being in Media Arts.
Well, now that my introduction is over with, let the party begin!
Multimedia...?
"So," you ask, tapping your pencil impatiently against the desk. "What is multimedia?"
If you don't know what multimedia is, I won't judge. I didn't know either until...yeah I'm pretty sure I still don't know what it is. Why did I make this guide again?
Simply put, multimedia is the fancy little extra stuff that makes your beat or feature more fun and less boring to look at. They can also convey information and/or add a layer to your story that might have been left out if you had decided to forgo making multimedia.
If you want the vanilla definition, it's "the use of a variety of artistic or communicative media," according to our good friend Google.
Why should I?
Making multimedia is more than a chore, and certainly more than a simple requirement. While the story itself might be good content, it is the responsibility of the writer to bring their writing to the next level and do "something more."
Multimedia can be the deciding factor for judges and readers. No one likes looking at blocks of text; that's where multimedia comes in. It gives our eyes a welcome rest and also gives us a chance to convey information in fun and creative ways. We can tell stories differently using multimedia, which comes in handy when you're looking for something fresh and new.
If you need even more incentive, just imagine what our articles would look like without multimedia! "Something More" is a requirement for a reason, kids. We don't like seeing cookie cutter black-and-white screens, we like seeing bright and bold multimedia!
Requirements
The official requirement listed on Raisner's MAS rubric is "some extra multimedia element," also known as "Something More." Easy, but also very vague. You thought Raisner was above being vague? Well you thought-
For Journalism, the Multimedia Package has a whole rubric dedicated to it. You can check it out here.
Common Core standards require you to "integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make informed decisions and solve problems, evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source and noting any discrepancies among the data." Did you get that? I didn't.
Fulfilling these requirements is easy. Y'all can do better than that!
Qualifications
"If you're going to force me to make multimedia, can you at least tell me what qualifies as multimedia?"
Certainly! Multimedia is a beautiful and diverse art form, but the ones you'll want to pay attention to are the: infographic, slideshow, pull-quote, and poll. There's also interactive timelines, photos, charts, and maps! You can also embed a tweet, gif, or YouTube video.
Do note that if you're making a Multimedia Package for Journalism, you'll be combining several of these elements, along with an article, into one page.
Confused? Don't worry, I'm going to go over what each and every one of those options entails right now!
Point System
But first, I need to talk about the point system, which is especially important for MAS kids, so listen up!
Each multimedia option is worth a certain amount of points, which can be subtracted from if the multimedia is not up to par. The "Something More" requirement on the MAS rubric needs 5 multimedia points in order to be fulfilled.
If the multimedia you made is not a 5-pointer, then you will need to combine multiple options to add up to 5. Going over the 5-point requirement is perfectly fine! I'll be listing the points during the guide, starting from the 5-pointers down to the 1-pointers.
The Options
And here's the part you've all been waiting for: the part where I finally talk about what qualifies as multimedia in the Scot handbook!
In addition to explaining each multimedia option, I'll also give you some ideas on what option could work well for you depending on what you're looking for in your story. This can also be helpful if you know what you want but don't know what to do with what you have.
I'll also be linking some helpful sites that are great for creating multimedia, if applicable, and listing requirements to make the multimedia option properly, if applicable. Helpful sites are listed (generally) in order of popularity / most to least used among Scot Scoop writers.
With that being said, let's get right to it!
Table of Contents
5 pointers
- Infographic
- Slideshow
- Interactive Elements (Timeline, Photo, Chart, Map)
2 pointers
- YouTube video
- Pull-quote
- Gif
1 pointers
- Poll
- Tweet
Journo multimedia
- Adobe Spark
- Animation
Infographic - 5 pt
If you have a bit of research you weren’t able to stick into your beat / feature or statistics that would help emphasize your idea, you can always make an infographic out of it!
Infographics are probably one of the most common multimedia options you'll see running around on ScotScoop, and for good reason! They're easy to whip up and very effective, especially at conveying qualitative data. In addition, you can also get pretty aesthetic with the infographics using pictures and fancy fonts.
PRO TIP: It's always good to be on the lookout for numbers you can convert into an infographic while on the scene. It makes for both a good backup plan and a good primary plan!
Here's some examples that are on ScotScoop right now that have great infographics! This one utilizes Infogram in both infographics and this one uses Piktochart.
slideshow - 5 pt
If you have lots of artsy photos related to your beat / feature (eg. from your event), a slideshow is a great way to show them off!
Slideshows are probably the second most common multimedia option seen around ScotScoop. It's...well, I don't think it needs any introduction. The slideshow is a perfect way to visually take readers directly into the action and show them what they're missing out on.
Requirements: You're going to need at least 4 photos in order for the slideshow to count for the full 5 points. In addition, you need to properly credit the photographer (put your name if you took the photo) and make sure ALL photos are horizontal. Raisner and the editors won't be happy if your slideshow is portrait-style.
PRO TIP: The slideshow is also a great primary / backup plan because you're going to be taking photos anyway since you need a featured photo!
PRO TIP 2.0: Your captions should highlight the key idea(s) of your photos and be complete sentences - basically, what’s the point of the photo? What are you trying to illustrate? What’s happening in the photo? A person, concept, place, etc.?
Want to see great slideshows on ScotScoop? Check out this article and this article!
Interactive elements - 5 pt
"What? You're combining the interactive timeline, photo, chart, AND map? BLASPHEMY!"
I know, I know, it's kind of mean. But I'm trying not to waste your time here, so here goes nothing!
The interactive timeline is mainly used when one has a series of historic events that all lead up to or surround one's topic. I mean, it is a timeline after all. This is very effective in showing change over the years and how history is different from modern day.
The interactive photo can be used for many things. If you're looking to annotate a photo in order to describe to your reader what's happening, you're in the right place.
Interactive photos can also come in the form of Juxtaposes. Now before you ask, Juxtapose allows you to combine two photos and create a slider that the reader can use to switch between the two. This is especially for comparisons and before-afters.
The interactive chart works similar to an infographic because both excel when displaying statistics. However, the reader interacts with the interactive chart in order to make the statistics appear (e.g. scrolls over a certain part of the chart to make data appear), whereas all of the infographic's data is displayed right from the start.
Need an example? You can head over to this article and check out the interactive charts there (first and last photos). The author used Piktochart, which is able to combine both interactive charts and infographics into one! Very handy indeed.
An interactive map is used to display a bunch of locations that all relate to your topic. Like the timeline, it's great for comparing and contrasting, especially different cultures and traditions from around the world. It can also be used like a timeline, but instead of focusing on the dates, the writer draws the reader's eye to the location of the event.
youtube video - 2 PT
Is there a YouTube video out there that fits your story perfectly? Perhaps even records an event that is related to your topic? You could embed that YouTube video into your story!
YouTube videos are all over the internet because, well, YouTube! (no duh) The video must add a new layer to your story, so you can't just embed a random video just for the fun of it (unfortunately).
Here's an article that uses a YouTube video to great effect!
pull-quote - 2 pt
Do you have a really stylish, storytelling quote? Consider using a pull-quote to draw readers’ attention to it!
Pull-quotes take specific quotes from your story and enlarge them in order to call attention to the quote. They're pretty easy to make, but only use them if the quote you have is actually worth blowing up to a large scale.
Requirements: You'll need the interviewee's name, the quote, and a high-quality photo of the person quoted (facing front) in order to get the max 2 points.
PRO TIP: Many people forget the photo of the person quoted, which is a problem because without the photo, the pull-quote loses credibility, overall looks worse, and you only get 1 multimedia point for it! I'd recommend taking a photo of your interviewee right after the interview against a plain background, landscape-style, to ensure that you have the photo when you need it.
You can find pull-quotes pretty much anywhere on ScotScoop, but specifically, you can look here to get a glimpse of what a pull-quote should look like.
gif - 2 pt
If you've got a really cute mini (1-10 seconds) video, you should try turning it into a gif!
Gifs, also spelled GIFs...well, I think we all know what they are. They're essentially small videos on a never-ending loop. Just make sure the gif actually relates to your topic and isn't a random meme.
Requirements: In order to get the max 2 points, the gif has to be your own!
Examples? I got you. Check out this article (yes I know it's mine) to see a handmade gif!
poll - 1 pt
If you have a topic that concerns a controversial idea, you can ask your editor (politely) to help make a poll for you that you can embed into your beat!
Polls are used to get a feel for the readers' opinions after they read your beat / feature.
Requirements: This will require you to talk to your editor because they are the only ones who can make a poll for you, so be nice! Just kidding :p don't worry, the editors are very nice and want to help you make your topic shine, so don't be shy! Before contacting your editor, make sure you have your question and three to four answer options ready.
Want to see examples of polls? Look here!
tweet - 1 pt
Do you have a topic that focuses on a few high-profile people? You can snatch tweets from their Twitter(s) that relate to your story to embed into your beat / feature!
Tweets are...posts on Twitter. Raisner is especially fond of Twitter, which I'm pretty sure is the only reason why you're allowed to use tweets. No Instagram or Facebook posts here. Reminder to make sure they relate to your topic and add to your story in some way, shape, or form :)
Here's an example of embedded Tweets!
Journo Multimedia
If you're a MAS kid, you don't have to worry about this section. You can skip on down to the next part! If you really want to stay for this part, I appreciate your curiosity.
adobe spark
Adobe Spark is used to create pages (such as this one) while utilizing photos, videos, and unique layouts to craft a story. It presents stories in a new and refreshing way that engages the audience, and graphic design comes into play in order to make the multimedia package aesthetically pleasing.
The entire Adobe Spark page is considered to be multimedia, and the end result is embedded into a post on ScotScoop to be published. Note that Adobe Spark pages are not eligible for Best of SNO awards because they technically contain less than 300 words in their body (the embed code is the entire body).
However, this type of multimedia is known to win awards, such as the First Place Multimedia News Story Package award won by the ScotScoop staff in 2018.
animation
The animation is the multimedia option closest to my heart because I created one for my own feature :) so I think I'm pretty qualified to talk about the animation.
The animation is a multimedia option shrouded in mystery; as far as I can tell, the animation is rarely used on ScotScoop. Obviously, this is for a reason - the animation takes a long time and a lot can go wrong.
"What qualifies as an animation?" you might ask. As far as I'm concerned, an animation is like a video of your own making. Instead of recording action, you're drawing or otherwise manipulating photos, then putting those slides together to tell a story.
If you are considering making an animation, your animation should convey the idea of your topic in a special and unique way. Your style should be evident; everyone has their own drawing style, so let yours shine! You can't rush an animation, and the best ones have lots of love put into them. And time. And energy. And...you get the idea.
If you don't want to make an animation or don't have the time to, don't worry! You have plenty of other perfectly amazing multimedia options (scroll up to see them again if you forgot).
Warnings
Before you go rushing off to create some multimedia madness of your own, there are a few things I should warn you about. Don't worry, they're super easy to avoid if you know what to do. Which is why I'm here!
for the grade
Number one on the list is making multimedia just to make multimedia (aka only for the grade). This is a soulless thing to do and you should be ashamed of yourself! You're killing your own creativity if you make meaningless multimedia, not to mention the whole purpose of making it in the first place!
Readers can tell when a multimedia element has no meaning behind it other than to get the grade. Your audience will notice, the editors will notice, and especially Raisner will notice. So just don't do it. Make your multimedia element worth looking at.
Warnings
just in case
My second warning is, "Don't make extra multimedia 'just in case.'" While this may seem like a good idea at first, chances are it’ll backfire, and most likely, they’ll be half-assed and not as good as one perfectly amazing 5-pointer.
If you are going to make extras, make sure you're putting the same effort into it as you did with your primary plan. I personally don't think extras are necessary since it's just more work for you, but it's your choice.
Warnings
Over-cluttering
My final cautionary tale warns of over-cluttering your article. If you make too many multimedia elements, the reader's attention will be drawn away from the actual story itself, which is not what you want. Multimedia is meant to enhance the story, not overload it.
I don't think you'll have any trouble with this one since it's pretty simple to follow. Less is more if you put your heart into it!
Pro Tips
As we near the end of our journey, I want to share a few last pro tips I've picked up to help you on your way to journalism stardom.
combinations
If possible, you should always combine different elements of multimedia together! If you don't have the time, I understand. But if you do, great! Multimedia is meant to help enhance your story, and building layer upon layer creates depth and interests readers. Make your multimedia worth your time, and make it worth the reader's time.
Pro Tips
crediting
I can't stress this enough: NEVER FORGET YOUR CREDIT!
Seriously, I’ve seen perfectly good articles get shot down by SNO because they were missing credit for their featured photo, whether it was simply your name (if you were the photographer) or proper sourcing to prove you were allowed to use the photo.
This also applies to multimedia - whether it's crediting the data collector in an infographic or the quoted person in a pull-quote, don't forget about your credit!
Plus, it doesn’t look as professional without credit, and Raisner will be very disappointed in you. Check the posters on the walls of Raisner's room for guidance on how to source properly! :)
Things to Look Forward To
On a happier note, let's talk about some things that you should look forward to when creating your multimedia!
Spicing Up Your Story
Everyone loves a good multimedia element, especially your readers! While the infographic is arguably the flashiest and most versatile out of all of the options, all multimedia is designed to make your story shine. Take advantage of that!
Impressing Raisner ;)
Ah, Raisner, the god of our grades. We all love him, but you know what we don't love? Missing easy points for not making multimedia properly (or maybe not making it at all!). But don't worry, this guide is your one-way trip to impressing Raisner...that is, if you read it thoroughly.
Awards...?
While I do not claim to guarantee you awards, it is my ultimate goal to help you and your story ascend to that god-level tier that is made up of the best award-winners. Let's hope we can make that happen.
Having Fun!
Yeah yeah, this is a cliché, but it is true. I know I named this guide Multimedia Madness but for star's sake, it won't drive you mad! In fact, it'll do quite the opposite; making multimedia is an enlightening experience that not everyone gets to have. While frantically typing on your keyboard at 1 a.m. in the morning might not be your idea of fun, trust me, it all pays off. The finished result is always worth it.
Unless you accidentally refresh the page and have to start from scratch. But we don't talk about that.
Bragging Rights
Hey, did you see that awesome Multimedia Madness guide that just came out? Yeah. That was me.
Goodbye
Well peeps, it's finally time for me to close out this guide and say goodbye. Thank you for being here with me; I love you all, and I hope you learned something from Multimedia Madness.
So guess what? You can't say you don't know how to make great multimedia now, and Raisner can hold you accountable since he knows you read this! Or maybe he doesn't, who knows.
While this may seem like a bad thing, it really isn't. You are no longer the person you were when you first started reading Multimedia Madness. If you ever begin doubting your ability to make awesome multimedia, just remember this...
you are a multimedia god.
Now go out into the world and make some bomb multimedia! Make me proud.
About The Author
Madeleine Ting, better known as Maddy, is a very curious individual who loves to draw dragons and write fiction. She's a part of the ASB Publicity Commission (Activities Council) and Carlmont's varsity swim team.
Her spare time is usually spent perfecting her Smash Ultimate game (ask her who she mains), being a dedicated Pokénerd (it's unhealthy how much she knows), and occasionally working on something other than her homework (cough Multimedia Madness cough).
Maddy had been wanting to find ways to write beyond the simple required beats while also helping other writers with their own articles. She began dreaming up Multimedia Madness in the middle of the first semester MAS English final when she accidentally pulled out her "Something More" sheet instead of her notes and noticed it could be improved. The guide itself was a work in progress until February 2019, when she got an appendectomy and was stuck at home recovering. During this time, she finally found the time to make her dream a reality and bring to you Multimedia Madness.
If you have any questions regarding anything mentioned in Multimedia Madness, or if you just want to chat, you can text Maddy at (650) 241-5084. Don't be shy! She loves meeting new people :)
Instagram: @mt.loveardent
Twitter: @MaddyTing
Credits:
Created with images by Nitish Meena - "cherry-blossom-focus-seattle" • gayulo - "nature flowers spring" • LoggaWiggler - "almond blossom cherry blossom japanese cherry trees" • Pexels - "bloom blossom blur" • TOMOKO UJI - "untitled image" • Sissi Zhang - "樱" • Yustinus Subiakto - "Sakura Blossom" • Hugo_ob - "cherry wood branch flower" • Pexels - "blooming branch bright" • LoggaWiggler - "almond blossom cherry blossom japanese cherry trees" • Gaddict - "flowers natural plant" • ricky9950 - "cherry blossoms spring plant" • Couleur - "japanese cherry trees flowers pink" • photogrammer7 - "cherry blossoms cherry pink" • Ian Schneider - "branches-close-blossom" • Couleur - "japanese cherry trees blossom tree" • shell_ghostcage - "plant spring flowers" • Kendal Husband - "Beginnings of Spring" • Alex St - "Spring" • pixel2013 - "japanese cherry trees japanese flowering cherry spring" • Frame Harirak - "sakura flower" • MabelAmber - "cherry blossom flower cherry tree" • Ester Marie Doysabas - "untitled image"