Esperanza, the singing hotel housemaid"Esperanza Sings" on World Vision Report, produced by reporter Todd Melby (duration 3 min 57 seconds)
Amidst protests against firing housekeepers of a hotel, reporter Todd Melby makes a wonderful discovery. While he is staying at a luxurious hotel in Arizona, he meets housekeeper Esperanza who sings beautifully while she works. This feature is the story of this encounter, in which he describes his emotions and thoughts about meeting Esperanza. This feature almost has the format of an audio diary and Melby doesn't shy away from using many natsounds and painted language that create images in the listeners' heads. Melby also interviews Esperanza and tells the listener about the detailed process of getting an interview with this maid. The piece ends with Esperanza singing and leaves behind a strong impression.
This feature was definitely very interesting. I actually think, I'll never forget it. Even though it was not particularly newsworthy, it offered a ray of light amid the darkness of today's unemployment figures. It illustrates, how some people are happy with what they have - simply, because that is what they can get. The use of natsound and interviews, as well as the Melby's narration make this piece unforgettable.
The quality of sound was great. But what impressed me the most in this feature was how Melby used his natsounds. He has natsounds of the fake waterfall in the hotel lobby, the elevator bell when he reaches his floor and you can even hear him getting closer to the source of music, when he approaches the room that Esperanza was cleaning while she was singing (or the other way round). The interviews were genuine and as a listener, I feel like I met Esperanza in real life.
The announcer's and the reporter's voices were very clear and the quality of sound was superb. Melby had natsounds backing up his narration, which didn't affect the quality of sound at all.
All in all, this feature had the perfect length. It feels like you went to a party and left when it was at it's best. It feels like, you want to stay but you know you shouldn't because from that point on, it'll just get boring.
World Vision Report - Week of October 3, 2009 - Esperanza Sings
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I have done my World Vision report review on the SAME story, and I simple love how you put it describing the feel this piece give you. I agree with you on the a-ma-zing use of NAT sound. Melby didn't leave out a chance using a NAT sound. You pointed out to the script, I too found it very creative. Good job!
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