Entertainment Writing “Critical reporting”

“Critical Reporting” Critical reporting refers to the coverage of drama, music, art, and literature by print media. Despite its name, coverage of these fields is less critical and more like a review, the writers focus upon reporting and interpreting the work

Types of Entertainment Articles Features Columns Reviews –Movies –Books –Music –Plays –Concerts –Art

Columns Columns are features that regularly appear in the newspaper. Some columns can focus on entertainment news, focusing on hobbies, concerts, music, movies, fashion, cars, etc. Column should focus upon a topic that has a wide audience, is interesting, can appear regularly, and has an eye-catching title. –Types of Columns: »Personal or Interpretive »Humorous »Lifestyle »Gossip

Personal or Interpretive Column Observes and interprets issues from the perspective of an insightful writer. Can be on anything from everyday occurrences to tragedies

Humorous Column Uses humor to heighten awareness about an issue. To do this: –Think seriously about the appropriateness of humor to your subject –Try out your humorous scenarios on your staff members first. –Be willing to take a hint and revise, or try something else next time.

Lifestyle Column Light-hearted Inform readers about popular trends Focus on evening hot spots, fashion, new activities, music trends, restaurants, etc.

Movie Review Consider character development! Consider its overall success as a film: –What did the film aspire to do? –How effective were the dialogue and script? –Did the central characters develop throughout the film? –Were the actors immersed in their roles, or did they appear to “walk through” the film? –How were the transitions form one scene to the next? –What about the cinematography – how visually appealing was the film?

Movie Review Questions, cont. –Did the film contain unnecessary levels of violence or sexual content? –Was the film’s length appropriate? –Was the plot somewhat original, or was it a Hollywood formula movie? –Did the musical score enhance the power, or drama, of the film? –If the film was a sequel, how did it compare to the original? –Did the film have artistic merit, or did it seem made primarily to showcase a major actor or actress and generate huge profits.

Book Review Should be more than just a summary of the plot. Tell only enough of the plot to arouse interest or curiosity. What was the author’s purpose? Has it been achieved? Questions to address: –Is the writing clear and concise? –Is the writing modest or does it draw attention to itself, thereby making it difficult for the reader to comprehend? –Does the book move logically through chapters?

Book Review Questions, cont. –Are the characters well drawn and developed? –Are factual assertions documented? –Is the author credible? –Is the author original? –Is the topic important enough to keep the reader interested? –Does the author treat the subject matter in a complete manner? –Is the tone of the book professional or highly emotional? –Does the writing smack of hyperbole? –On the whole, is the book worth reading?

Dramatic and Musical Productions Frequently have an advance story announcing the event. Review should... –Provide coverage of the actual performance –Comment on individual performances –Include audience reactions –Describe the physical aspects or setting –Provide some of your impressions

CD Review Consider: –How is the overall sound? –How are the transitions form one song to the next? –How many songs are on the CD? Enough to warrant its cost? –Does the CD show originality and distinctiveness? –How are the song lyrics? (funny, stupid, poetic, etc.) –Is it better or worse than previous work by the group? –How does it fit within the genre? –Has the band made any recent changes in personnel? –How does this work compare to similar bands?