NEWS PRODUCTION: ROUGH SCRIPT by Zak Wilkins

LEAD IN (10 Secs):

Today:
With numbers as high as 874 and growing, today we explore the growing homelessness crisis in the Medway area and the issues they face finding homes or dealing with life on the streets.

(Slow zoom in, ending on MS))

RUN OPEN

(30 Secs)

Hello and welcome to Short Attention Span News, tonight we’re looking at the care afforded to some of our most marginalised and vulnerable.
Twenty-two thousand one hundred people are recorded homeless in the South-East of England and with ever rising house prices and rapid benefit cuts that number grows every day. XX XXXX is at Homeless Care’s Maidstone conference, discussing what kind of support is being offered to Kent’s growing homeless.

((MS))

REPORTER AT CONFERENCE, TEXT: BEARSTEAD

Thank you XXX, I’m here at Tudor Park hotel where we’ve heard of hope for a better future for Kent’s homeless. But with the upcoming winter months being some of the toughest for people with nowhere for the night and Brexit seeing an increasing number of families losing their jobs and their homes, what’s being done to ensure any ‘at risk’ people in our community are given a safe place to stay?

CAMERA PAN TO INCLUDE JOHN LITTLEMORE
I’m here with John Littlemore, Head of housing for Maidstone Borough Council – Mr. Littlemore, in 2016 a report from shelter found the number of people living in temporary accomidation in Maidstone to be 234 the 6^th highest in Kent. Where does that number stand these days?

And how are you coping with that change in numbers?

Thank you Mr.Littlemore.

I now turn to Rick Henderson, CEO of Homeless Link. Mr. Henderson, with Brexit seeing many families at risk of losing their jobs and potentially their homes – what is being done to try and prevent Kent’s homeless crisis becoming any more urgent?

BACK TO STUDIO

CUT TO STUDIO:
Thank you, XXXX.
And now to XX, XXXX who is looking into The Homeless Period’s petition to help get homeless women access to free sanitary products.

(Shots of homeless women, sanitary products)

For one week a month, the challenges of living on the streets gets exponentially tougher for women all over the country. With limited or no access to sanitary products of any kind, women are forced to use scraps of whatever they can find or go without. With serious repercussions to their physical and mental health and men being granted access to razors and condoms through government support then why are our most vulnerable women being forced to suffer?

I spoke to XX XXXX from Homeless Period, a charity asking just that.

INTERVIEW WITH REP:

-How can people help?
-Sign the petition, get donating! Crowd funding.

-Your campaign got raised in Parliament last December – what progress have you seen since then?

-Onwards and upwards.

With the need for sanitary products so high, I decided to visit a local foodbank and bring a large donation for local women in need and find out just how useful this service is.

TAKING PERIOD PRODUCTS TO BANKS, INTERVIEW HOMELESS WOMEN: Q’s: How useful are these services? Where would you be without them?

With the harsher winter months close approaching, Kent’s ever growing homeless population are more vulnerable than ever. But with your help their hardship can get a bright spark of hope this Winter. Thank you and good night.

CLOSE

NEWS PRODUCTION: Research on pets affect to homeless mental health

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/p/pets-and-mental-health

Great motivator, encouraging owners to exercise – v beneficial for depression. Pets can be very calming too, stroking playing with and just being with a pet gives owners a chance to calm their minds. Gives day purpose and rewards and helps low people feel valuable and needed.

Dogs lead to conversation and social interaction, helping owners to stay connected and be less withdrawn. More social relationships and friendships tend to help with mental health.

Pets are great companions, giving owners company, security and someone to share routine with.

“We carried out a study with Cats Protection in 2011 which involved over 600 cat- and non-cat-owning respondents, with half of them describing themselves as currently having a mental health problem. The survey found that 87% of people who owned a cat felt it had a positive impact on their wellbeing, while 76% said they could cope with everyday life much better thanks to the company of their feline friends.

Half of the cat owners felt that their cat's presence and companionship was most helpful, followed by a third of respondents who described stroking a cat as a calming and helpful activity. “

http://www.scas.org.uk/mental-health-and-dogs/

Currently no charities that train dogs only for mental health problems

Psychiatric Service dogs are trained in some other countries, but not in the UK (Assistance Dogs UK)

https://www.thetrustypawsclinic.co.uk/about-us

Vet students providing clinics for homeless dogs

In partnership with charities in Glasgow, London and Liverpool

Once a month out of drop-in centres – all treatment by students under professional supervision.
Providing essential training to vets and raising awareness of homeless hounds to fresh faces of the profession.
Friendly and informal environment encouraged, letting dogs and owners feel more comfortable.

·       Vaccinations

·       Microchipping

·       Flea/worming treatment

·       Dog food, blankets, toys and more supplies

·       Referral for advanced veterinary care

London Branch partnered with west London Mission day centre


http://www.wlm.org.uk/wldc
Serving London’s homeless and marginalized since 1887.
Aiding people dealing with homelessness, personal issues, offending or chronic addiction.
Innovative projects with street homeless, ex soldiers and men with alcoholism.
Co-ordinates with Westminster night shelter to aid homeless:
2017 will be 8^th year, partnering 13 churches and a synagogue to provide accommodation for rough sleeper Oct – May
One of 90+ schemes cross country, groups of all faiths and religions  work together to help rough sleepers have a place to stay
“2015-2016, was a great year for the project. 63 homeless people used the service, with 39 guests moving into accommodation. 11 guests began paid employment.  6 users were reconnected to relatives in their country of origin, and our project workers at West London Day Centre are still working with the others.

https://getleashedmag.com/2016/05/03/homeless-people-and-pets-should-they-or-shouldnt-they-have-them/Can homeless people support pets when they seemingly can’t support themselves.

Homeless people can be lonelier and more vulnerable than most – pets can provide companionship and love.
 Can also display a more human side to homeless people, helping them get more aid from passers.
However, should that money be going to homeless individual?

“– 3.5 million¹ Americans are homeless and five to 10% of them have cats or dogs. In some areas of the country it’s as high as 24%. IN CANADA the number of homeless in any given year is between 150,000 – 300,000. IN TORONTO ALONE it is estimated that 10% of homeless people have pets.

I also found some pretty dramatic and interesting statistics on THE HOMELESS HUB:

-In one study of HOMELESS ADULTS IN CALIFORNIA, 74% said that their pet was their only source of companionship and love.

-In another, this time with HOMELESS WOMEN LIVING IN SHELTERS IN SIX CANADIAN CITIES, 51% said pets were a source of comfort and 82% reported a sense of loss when they had to surrender their pets in order to stay in shelters. Sadly, in all of Toronto, though, there’s only one shelter (FRED VICTOR BETHLEHEM UNION SHELTER) that allows pets other than service animals.

-In yet another, of 398 YOUTH IN LA, 23% had pets, 84.5% said they provided company, 79.3% said they made them feel loved and 70.7% reported their pets gave them someone to love.”

http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Woof-program-offers-second-chances-3781597.php (AMERICAN BUT GOOD AND INTERESTING PROGRAMME)
San Francisco based, seven week session teaching ex-homeless (supportive housing residents) how to care for problematic dogs.  Program called Wonderful Opportunities for Occupants and Fidos (WOOF). Participants get paid (small, weekly stipend) but must not beg for extra money on streets. 
Criticized by many media outlets, Week Magazine: "a classic bleeding-heart liberal approach to a social problem." 
PETA wrote to mayor commending idea: "Most former panhandlers are financially destitute because of because of struggles with substance abuse and mental-health issues of their own,' " PETA wrote. "It should be out of the question to play Russian roulette with these animals."
Rebecca Katz, director of Animal Care and Control says response is small-minded with hopes to prove critics wrong. Shelter is jam-packed with dogs brought by people made unemployed or homeless. 
"the small dogs are being kept in cat cages, rescue groups around the state have told Katz not to call them for help because they're jammed too, and more pets are being euthanized. The shelter is putting down 48 dogs per month, compared with 28 per month before the recession struck."
Euthanized animals could have been adopted but shelter has annual budget of $60 000 for all behaviour and training.
Pairing animals with formerly homeless keeps them from being killed.
Katz: "Homeless people and supportive housing residents sometimes make the best animal companions because they're with them 24/7, despite what PETA thinks"
Homeless are usually ignored but pets adored. 

https://www.kent.ac.uk/law/news/index.html?view=2220
Research from Prof Helen Carr suggests re-framing ideals towards homeless people and pets and understanding their relationships, negative perception of homeless companions could shift. 

Homeless people show collective responsibility for their pets and, due to relationship, collective responsibility for homelessness itself.
issue bought to light in James Bowen’s 2012 book, ‘A Street Cat named Bob’ and the 2016 film adaptation.
Carr explains similarities between book and face-to-face research among homeless people, many calling animals life changers, savers and formerly homeless people saying their pet kept them around.

NEWS PRODUCTION: Pre-Production (Article - Homeless man set alight and killed in Tunbridge Wells)

 http://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/homeless-man-set-alight-killed-493669

Giles Metcalfe, 43, died after sleeping bag doused in BBQ lighter fluid and set alight whilst sleeping in multi-storey car park in Tunbridge Wells.
Discovered by firefighters shortly after 3am, March 7^th
Allegedly committed by Dean Lewis, 34, and James Marshall-Gunn, 30

Seperated from wife and reportedly sent text to wife saying "Settling down for the night. It's all good xx."

Lewis, another rough sleeper, claims Metcalfe was acting strangely and poured lighter fluid over himself whist holding a cigarette.

Three and half times the legal drink drive limit, pathologist concludes - Metcalfe would have been oblivious to events

Open bottle of lighter fluid and two lighters found close to body
Traces of paraffin on Metcalfe’s jeans, upper clothing, socks and found on pair of shoes at Lewis’s address

Prosecutor Philip Bennetts QC says Metcalfe’s med records show no history or mention of suicidal thoughts, feelings or tendencies

Lewis and Marshall-Gunn on CCTV leaving car perk at 1:20 am, returning at 2:07am and leaving 6 minutes later. Prosecution elleges after setting fire to Metcalfe.
Fire could be seen on CCTV reflected on railway station shutter

Mr.Bennetts: “We make the point, for your consideration, why go into the car park for that short amount of time? Why, when they go into that car park for that short amount of time, does the fire start? And why, after being in the car park for that short amount of time, did they leave?

"We submit on the evidence for your consideration that you can draw a proper and safe inference that together they went in to kill Mr Metcalfe by fire. What other explanation can there be? In, fire, out."

NEWS PRODUCTION: Writing and Storytelling (Lecture w/HCurston)

Writing and Storytelling for News

BBC ACADEMY  - The principles of good writing with Alan Little (http://www.bbc.co.uk/academy/journalism/ article/art20130702112133594)

Have something to say.
Read books. Read poetry. Read. Understand and love word.

“We shall fight”
Not convoluted.
One syllable packs a punch.

Understand your medium.
Don’t say what you can see, you can already see it.
Be active. Use the present tense.

Listen to spoken radio.

Be aware of each sentence’s ‘burden’.
Be direct, short. More than 16 words a sentence is probably too long.
Be suspicious of adjectives. Filter scripts for tired, repetitive phrases.

Don’t use metaphors you don’t understand.

Write for the listener. Make it sound like a conversation.

Audiences only get one chance to hear your words.

Don’t simplify the thought you’re expressing, simplify the language you’re using to express it.

Avoid repetition – say it once, tease out thoughts and set them up, avoid saying what an interview is about to.
Don’t exaggerate facts, emphasise them!
Make comparisons relatable.

Precise
Use language correctly. Be aware of spelling and grammar. Be concise and write clearly.
Accurate
Check and check again. Ensure information is true and up-to-date. Facts should be dated! Beware statistics, they’re easily manipulated.
Germane
Is your information necessary? Is it relevant? Keep your story tight and don’t waste time. Know your story thoroughly. Clarify your thoughts into a single topline.
Equitable
Balance is key in journalism. View your stories objectively and give equal opportunities to all central parties.
Flow
Consider the logic of the writing, structure carefully and walk the viewer through the story. Use your script to naturally link or corner turn.

Think like a viewer – would you understand if you weren’t involved?

Write the LEAD-IN first (the intro to the story read by the anchor), then the PACKAGE and then your TAG (optional – additional info/facts read by presenter before the report)

Beware:
Don’t repeat the lead in your package
Beware wordy writing
Overkill of facts and figures
Leads and tags – brief and to the point – 10-15 sec intro, 10-15 sec 2-way, 10-15 live link
Facts and figure – simple – graphics good – ensure clearly communicated
Identify key questions for your anchor/reporter

Good leads and tags:
Grab attention. Distil info into a topline to clarify purpose. Audiences can decide relevance to them and if they wanna watch. Think of it as a logline you would pitch. Do no more than tease the viewer. (FIND LINK)

Concise and not overloaded with facts. Keep impact, maybe (pref not) one headline figure that is shocking. Keep tone engaging but general and easy to relate. Facts belong in the main body, leads draw people in with a gossipy style.  One sentence, one thought. Tell the viewer key elements they want to hear.

Seems fresh and new, creative and conversational in tone. Subject, verb, object. Draw audiences in by making them relate. Use the narrative to tell the story.

AVOID:
Journalese – exaggerated or embellished writing with well-worn phrases and clichés. It’s uncomfortable and unreal. Overly clinical references are also crap.

Look at the pictures before you start writing your final script.
Watch your rushes and make notes of what you want.

Listen to your rushes. Build pauses into your script, don’t edit them in.

Talk to your editor – find what they want and collaborate.

Be enthusiastic with your script, have some flair and enhance the pictures – don’t mimic them.

Speak your script, make sure it flows and the rhythm works.

Don’t be afraid to polish work, even on a deadline. Make sure you’ve watched everything through.

FIND LINK TO READ AND SUMMARISE

WRITING FOR LIVE NEWS/STUDIO CONTENT

Producer will do much of the writing and create running order for the script
Remain in gallery to oversee broadcast as it goes live – will editorialise whilst on air

Script using segue words. Meanwhile, and, well, back home.

Don’t forget the viewer, ‘You’ connects the audience to the piece.

Headlines and coming ups
Initial brief for selling your story. 
A menu of the main stories and delivered in order of newsworthiness.
Start with your best line. Or a quote or question.
Check that your script doesn’t conflict with what your interviewees etc are saying.

Scripting OOV/SOT
Requires the ability to discern good sound bites from an interviews and script in and out of them.
Studio scripts must indicate in and outs and it’s duration.
Ensure presenter is aware when to stop reading the VO and allow the OOV takes over.

Scripting your package
Work out key elements before filming
Work out shot list and scripted elements
Scripting lets you know what to shoot
Give your reporter a PURPOSE- make them active.

Almost an infinite number of ways to tell your story.
Make decisions based on: Access, Time, Duration, Angle, Essentials

Not a composition of facts and figures. What narrative thread holds your story? Story arc? Visuals? Style? What’s driving your story?

Structures:
Chronologically
Most up-to-date info first
Story through strong, central character
Answer the 5 W’s

View, log and transcribe your clips. Producer can take notes of good clips during filming.

NEWS PRODUCTION: Pre-Production [Idea Research - Homelessness in Kent]

Homelessness in Kent

Government care:

Source: https://www.kent.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/care-and-support/housing-and-care-homes/homeless

“Talk to your local district council about finding somewhere to stay”   

Asks for paperwork explaining reason for homelessness -  “Some councils may need to see specific documents, so you might like to check with them before you visit.”

Forwards to charities: Shelter and Porchlight

Links to support workers for people “having problems with current housing situations”

Housing-related support workers (floating support)

Source:  https://www.kent.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/care-and-support/housing-and-care-homes/help-to-live-at-home/carers-and-assistants/floating-support-workers

Short term support (>1 year) with flexibility to provide support where subject lives, opposed to accomidation based services).

Housing support for over 16s:

·         facing eviction

·         fleeing domestic violence or experiencing harassment

·         leaving an institution

Aiming to help maintain independence in own home.

The service can help you to:

·         set up and maintain a home or tenancy

·         manage finances and benefit claims

·         develop independent living skills

·         gain access to other services

·         ensure your accommodation is safe and secure.

Funding cannot be used for:

·         housing management, personal or health care

·         statutory duties, particularly under community care and homelessness legislation, or aftercare services following hospital discharge.

To apply, you can:

·         complete an online referral

·         print and complete a referral form (DOC, 1.2 MB) and send it to the appropriate provider listed on the form

·         visit one of our gateways

·         visit your nearest Citizen's Advice Bureau

Applications can be pursued by the subject or by a professional already involved with the case.

After applying, support providers will assess the case and decide whether support is given – a review can be given if support is not offered.

Applications only apply to those living in Kent.

Charities:

http://www.porchlight.org.uk

http://england.shelter.org.uk/ 

https://www.trusselltrust.org/

Local charities:

http://www.beyondhomelessness.org.uk/  

http://www.thebridgetrust.org.uk/

http://www.catchinglives.org/

Articles:

http://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/homeless-man-set-alight-killed-493669  

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/homeless-116640/ “Over 3,000 homeless in Kent according to new report by Shelter”

http://www.kentlive.news/this-the-sad-truth-faced-by-the-many-homeless-people-in-kent-says-porchlight/story-30021938-detail/story.html “This the sad truth faced by the many homeless people in Kent, says Porchlight”

Food banks:

Sou[DW1] rce: http://www.liveitwell.org.uk/recovery-resource/maidstone-foodbanks/#

·         Food For Thought: Maidstone Day Centre, 15 Knightrider Street, Maidstone, Kent. ME15 6LP 01622 674064

·         Food bank Collection Point: All Saints Church, Upper Street, Hollingbourne, Kent, ME17 1UJ 01622 880243

·         Sunshine Children’s Centre: South Borough Primary School, Stagshaw Close, Postley Road, Maidstone, ME15 6TL 01622 752285 (call in advance) 01622 752285

·         The Lighthouse: Go to their website by clicking here or following the link: www.lighthouseuk.org

·         Restoring Hands: Go to their website by following the link: http://restoringhands.org.uk

·         Family Food Bank: To go to their website follow the link: http://www.familyfoodbank.org.uk/how-can-we-help

·         FareShare Kent: To go to their website follow the link: www.fareshare.org.uk

·         Healthy Start Vouchers: follow the link for more information healthy-start

·         Apetito Meal Delivery: 01622 717155 www.apetito.co.uk.  Daily hot meal delivery to your home. You will need to contact you local council’s social services or home support services department in the first instance to see if you are eligible for a subsidised service.

“How do they work?

Care professionals such as doctors, health visitors, social workers, Citizens Advice Bureau staff, welfare officers, the police and probation officers amongst others identify people in crisis and issue them with a foodbank voucher. Foodbank clients bring their voucher to a foodbank centre where it can be exchanged for an emergency supply of food. Each foodbank accepts vouchers from different agencies and professionals and every foodbank has their own way of operating, please see the foodbank website for details of how you can get help.

Some foodbanks also run a delivery service, which takes emergency foodboxes to clients living in rural areas and those who cannot get to a foodbank.
So if you need emergency food please contact your care professional.”

https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/medway/

Medway Foodbank (https://medway.foodbank.org.uk/) 

PHONE: 01634 757057

"provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred .. in crisis"

part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust

founded by local churches and community groups