Dave Davis 12/15/13 Dave Davis 12/15/13

ASB Storytelling Award Winners

A national panel of judges screened the entries and forwarded their nominations to the ASB Core Staff (none of whom had any connections to any of the entries) who, after careful review and discussion, made the final selections for the Fall 2013 ASB Storytelling Award. Congratulations to the winners.

"Flags & Guns"

Cypress Bay High School
Student: Jenna Workman
Adviser: Kurt Doster
Click Here to Watch

Why it won: The story a provides a wonderful example of "saving a surprise" for the viewer. The emotional punch provided by the piece is set up by establishing the main character, Laura, and showing her dedication to the flag corp. Natural sound pops and video sequences help get us into Laura's world, and about 45 seconds into the piece, when we thought the flag corp was the main topic, the father's story is woven into the narrative, foreshadowing the story's big scene. That scene is shot extremely well, with important action happening in the foreground and in the background. We see faces full of emotion as we hear the letter written by the father. When Laura says, "Life is full of surprises I guess," the viewer is fully prepared for the sequence that follows, which pays off in a big way. The story utilizes still photos effectively, avoids adding background music, and instead uses nat sound for texture throughout. The producers are to be commended for telling a powerful story with a clear beginning, middle and end. Great stories stay with you long after you first watch them. ASB judges say this one proves that point.

"What's the Catch?"

Waianae High School
Students: Shayla Ader, Kahunui Foster, Mahealani Nieto-Lopes, Crystal Cebedo
Adviser: John Allen
Click Here to Watch

Why it won: This story puts a local spin on a global fact: "Over three-quarters of the world's fish stocks are overexploited." The pristine visuals and creative sequences enhance the storytelling, as do the sounds and little "moments" captured on the beach and on the boat. Emil and Eileen, who fish recreationally and commercially, respectively, provide insight and passion, lending a human interest angle to what could have been a very dry topic. The expert is used sparingly, but effectively, and the simple joy of fishing is contrasted with concerns over what will happen to the world's fish stock in the next 30 years. Each interview provides a clinic in how to locate, frame and shoot soundbites. This piece, say our judges, is a beautiful example of teens tackling a topic made possible by geographic location, and making that story relevant to viewers anywhere.