Pulitzer Questions

Steve Sapienza:

• When did your love of human exploration first begin
• What has drawn you to focus on more global issues rather than domestic 
• What did it mean to you and your career to win multiple CINE Golden Eagles
• Where did the inspiration for Live Hope Love come from
• What was it like to work with heavyweights like Fareed Zakaria
• Did your time spent at Azimuth media allow you to hone your skills as an eventual multiple award winning producer

Micah Fink:

• When did you first realize you wanted to mainly profile environmental changes and issues
• What was it like to produce for former Vice President Al Gore
• Where did the idea for Common Good Productions stem from 
• Do you believe your previous affiliations have given you a diverse style when approaching new projects
• Has your numerous awards and honors in the past allowed you to branch out a bit more with your content than you would have otherwise  
• What is the one common element in all of your films that you want the viewer to come away with

Pulitzer Questions

Steve Sapienza Questions

11)   Covering so many stories in global hotspots, was there any time that you felt your safety was in jeopardy, and if so, why?

22)   “Easy Like Water” presents an interesting idea. What was it like working on that project? Do you think the ideas presented can be sustainable in the long-run, why or why not?

33)   What draws you to cover a certain topic or event?

Micah Fink Questions

11)   A lot of your work is about the environment. That said, is environmental protection a cause you feel strongly about, and if so, why?

22)   Have any projects you worked on in the past shaped what projects you work on now and plan to pursue in the future? If so, which ones and why?

33)   Throughout your career, what was the most memorable project you’ve worked on? Why?

Pulitzer Questions

Questions for Micah Fink:
1. It is no surprise that homophobia is a human rights issue in Jamaica, but what else does the documentary, Abominable Crime elucidate rather than just homophobia and violence?
2. While filming the documentaries, what are some of the risks or challenges that you had to face?
3. How did you react and what did you think about the majority of opinions and reactions towards the homophobia issue in Jamaica?
4. From the documentaries that you have filmed, do you think that justice can ever be truly served?

Questions for Steve Sapienza:
1. While exploring the HIV crisis in Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, what were some of the interesting research that surprised you? What were some of the differences you found out about in each country?
2. How did you become the chief cinematographer for the independent documentary feature, Easy Like Water? What was the experience like?
3. Having written and produced 45 documentaries on diverse topics, how do you feel about gaining further knowledge about other countries? How has that influenced your life?

Pulitzer Questions

Steve Sapienza

1. How much preliminary work goes in to choosing a subject and location?
2. What draws you to topic you want to cover and do you purposely choose variety of locations and subjects?
3. How does your equipment change depending on location?

Micah Fink

1. How do you shed new light on a commonly reported issue?
2. Is it difficult to get your subjects to open up when talking about sensitive issues?
3. Whats the most powerful image you've ever captured?

Pulitzer Questions - This is what Everyone wants to know!

Steve Sapienza
1. Prior to working in the field, did you watch a lot of documentaries?

2. What made you decide to use this medium to express yourself?

3. To what extent do you try to incorporate things to please the audience as you work - if at all?


Micah Fink

1. When did you start to feel that you needed to shed light on environmental issues?

2. Is there one person that you look up to, or inspires you, in regard to the environment?

3. If you could change one thing in this world - what would it be - and why?

Pulitzer Questions

Steve Sapienza

1. How did you get started in your field of work? What interested you?

2. Which project touched you the most?

3. What does the future hold for you? Whats your next project?


Micah Fink

1. What interests you most about environmental issues?

2. What do you want people to know about environmental issues?

3. If you could partner up with any other producer who would it be and why?

Jeneva Taylor



 How long did you go to school for filming before you became successful?
What inspired you to do documentary films instead of regular shows or movies?
What are the advantages of doing documentaries instead of commercial films?


For Steve Sapienza:
1. Have more people gotten involved since you have broaden the issue to a larger audience?
2. What made you want to address such a serious issue like HIV since this is a subject most people try to ignore?
3.How did making experience affect your perception after leaving Jamaica?
4. how did you go about finding the poems on your website, are they from those how are suffering with HIV?
5.Has religion and hope kept their environment positive?


For Micah Fink:
1. Did you come across confrontation addressing gay rights in Jamaica?
2. Are there any laws being passed now to help stop the violence done on homosexuals?
3. for the climate changes, was it dangerous capturing footage of floods and storms?
4.How are families evacuating from these areas where roads are flooded are there helicopters or are they stranded?

Pulitzer Questions

Micah Fink:

1.      Out of all the things to choose from what made you to deiced to focus on environmental issues?   

2. What are the current effects on global warming today?

3. What is the new teacher survival series about?    

Steve Sapienza

1. Why do Children in Sierra Leone become soldiers at such young ages? 

2. What kind of stories do you contribute to the PBS news hour?

3. What kind of stories did you shoot and produced for broadcast television and online distribution for over 15 years?  

Pulitzer Questions

Steve Sapienza
1. Where was your favorite location to film?
2. How do you decide that you want to film this particular issue?
3. How did you find out about the status of Haitians in DR?

Micah Fink
1. What's your favorite type of documentary
2.Why did you get into the field?
3. Whats your favorite documentary of all time?

Pulitzer Questions

Steven Sapienza

1. How do you decide which projects you want to work on?

2. Do you feel that there needs to be more public discussion on the issues presented in the projects you have worked on?

3. Has there been a personal impact from working on these projects which depict people in such encumbering circumstances?

Mica Fink

1. What have you learned about climate change and the future of our society from working on the "Cost Of Carbon" series?

2."24 Hours of Reality" used twitter and other social media as a tool for spreading the message of climate change. How large of an impact have you witnessed social media have on journalism?

3. Corporations dumping toxic waste is something that occurs daily around the world. Why do you think there isn't more coverage on this issue?

For Both

1. Why does the mainstream media choose not to provide coverage on important issues such as these?

2. Are you content with the way mainstream media covers stories or are you more supportive of alternative media sources?

PULITZER CENTER CAMPUS CONSORTIUM VISIT ASSIGNMENT: DUE 11/21/13

1) Check out the links and work of the two journalists from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting who will be in class with us on Thursday:

n  *Award-winning news and documentary producer Steve Sapienza

n  *Award-winning producer, director and writer Micah Fink

2) Come up with at least 3 questions for each of them and be prepared to ask them on Thursday: a good question will relate directly to their work. Apply what we've learned about interviewing to your questions.

 
3) Post a blog entry with your questions by Thursday's class meeting. USE THIS LABEL: PULITZER QUESTIONS


4) Come prepared and ready to be engaged. ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY

The love of the game

I sat down with my fellow classmate Gaspar Cruz to talk to him about his love for basketball. At a very young age Gaspar started playing basketball, with basketball being around in his family for years he grew to love the sport. One of Gaspar's favorite teams in the NBA is the New York Knicks.





To learn more about the New York Knicks and how their season is starting off..

A hardcore New Orleans Saints fan From Connecticut

Here is a taste of the New Orleans Saints  

A Book Lover in the Digital Age

Teresa Lulgjuraj has a love of books that is uncommon in todays fast-paced age of technology

The world of literature has so many facets, its no wonder so many people find ways to lose themselves.  Authors like Shel Silverstein speak directly to these wondering souls, and form impressions that can last a life time.

"Did you get my thoughts?" One man's passion for news & it's future.

Nicholas Girodano brings us into the world of News and shares his ideas on how media can continue to change.



To get a little taste of Nick's passion, visit his favorite news site.

A New Era of Clothing Design.. Caked Up Clothing

Caesar Tejada is a man on a mission when it comes to achieving his dream of designing his own clothing line..
When considering a future in fashion design, there are many things to consider, such as the future of the industry, if it's the right field for you, and what is necessary to get you there. Caesar Tejada knows its where he wants to be!

Branden on Crack

Crack the Drug is bringing people to new highs all over America - conversely, Crack the Skye is bringing people to the depths of a philosophical music that otherwise wouldn't be known. Passionate metal music consumers like Branden Sherman conveys the deep meaning intertwined within this genre.




If you're intrigued by Brenden's fascination, explore your own potential love for Mastodon at their website.

Rock on, and enjoy!

One girl's passion for Bachata and Merengue

I got a chance to sit down with Katherine Chunchi to discuss with her her love for her cultures music, Bachata and Merengue. She's very proactive in her community and discusses how the music itself has influenced her.

For more information on this kind of dance check out the history of Bachata and Merengue in the Dominican Republic as well as the music that accompanies this interview below.

Bridging the Gap Between Jamaican Music and its Culture

How has music and culture influenced your life? Jamaican music portrays Kadejah Howell's individuality and nationality all in one jar. She elucidates the jamaican artists that have influenced her life and gives her opinion on the crossover into American culture as listeners recite lyrics without fully understanding. If you'd like to learn more about Jamaican music and Kadejah's favorite artist, Tarrus Riley, you can visit the links below.

• The history of Jamaican music
• Jamaican music at it's finest
• Tarrus Riley - One of the most promising artists of the second generation of Jamaican roots.

MMJ Terry's Driving School

Science Fiction's Future Author

Josh Simon tells his interest in writing complex Sci-fi stories...

Why are sci-fi stories becoming so popular to our world? Click on the alien to find out why!

For additional information about science fiction click this link.

School or Work? Kevin Dushold Embarks On A Journey To Find His Answer

If you are wondering whether or not it is better to go to college or go directly to full time work after high school, Kevin Dushold tells us his tale and where it has led him. He gives us his perspective, what he has learned in his experience, and gives advice to those questioning themselves in this area of their lives. For more advice on whether or not to take time off after high school.

Healthy Living

Being active is a vital part of living a healthy life, Gina's Gym is state of the art, with ravishing machinery and activities that will set you up for the journey of a healthy life.

Future International Soccer Star

Manny dreams of someday becoming a soccer star.

For more information on Real Madrid click here.

You have a tattoo WHERE?!

Maggie Griswold worked at at a tattoo convention and had an interesting experience to say the least.

She met all sorts of people when she worked the information booth that weekend. Most of these people had tattoos all over their bodies.

A children's musician is born

I spoke with Janeva Taylor about her beginnings in music and how she got started writing music for children.


For some other children's Musicians, while we wait for Jeneva's big break, take a look at Time Out New York's 25 best bands for kids

A Fan's Feelings on METALLICA

   Who is YOUR favorite band? Andy Wallach LOVES the band, Metallica. He sat down with me to talk everything METALLICA! This classic heavy metal band is very popular, and he discusses everything from his favorite song, to his most memorable concert moments. If you'd like to learn more about Metallica you can visit the band's website, where they include media, news, and tour dates.