Student Life

V58 E1 Pitch List!

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V58 E1 Pitch List The Innis Herald

Form for pitch pickup: https://forms.gle/8EtZZTpDv6r3UtzU9 

SERIOUS AND SOURCES (500-1000 words) 

Arts and Culture (Call for Photographic Pieces, Written Work, Video Visions)

Best of the 47th Annual TIFF: The Toronto International Film Festival is one of the largest film festivals in the world and its public attendance attracts over 480,000 people annually. The 10 day event in early September, since its introduction in 1976, continues today and acts as a permanent destination for film culture at the TIFF Bell Lightbox in Downtown Toronto. As the festival screens 300 to 400 films from around the globe and is a platform to promote and popularize new films among the industry and fans alike, it is an important moment in the media. Which films are worth the watch? Which actors are underrated? Which experience is better — standing near the red carpet or sitting down in movie seats?

Marvel’s Phase 4: Multiverse Saga, Oscar Isaac, Wakanda Forever, and Everything in Between: The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), alternatively the Wong Cinematic Universe (WCU), has once again expanded. During early September, fans at Disney’s D23 Expo officially said goodbye to the Infinity Saga and learned about the Multiverse Saga — Phases 4-6. Phase Four in particular and its releases such as Loki and Spider-Man: No Way Home are almost over… but what’s next for the MCU? What’s current for the MCU? Is Marvel Phase 4 good? Bad? Is Marvel dead? Or only getting started?

Affordability …or Lack Thereof… in Toronto: Do you have a house hunting story you’d like to share? Perhaps a terrible experience with a horrible landlord? If not an inability to find a place of your own to rent let alone afford groceries to put inside? Or a rare success story that’ll inspire hope? Share your tips (or your warnings) with other prospective house-hunters! 

Sports (Call for Photographic Pieces and and Written Work)

MLB MVP Race of 2022: Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge: As the MLB season of 2022 nears its end, the debate as to who is the MVP grows bigger and bigger day by day. However, out of the many shining players in the league, two players stand out from the crowd: Shohei Ohtani on the Los Angeles Angels and Aaron Judge on the New York Yankees. Both athletes are breaking an insane amount of records this season. So who exactly is more likely to become the MVP of the MLB season of 2022? Let’s dive in and take a look together!

Sports, Sports, and More Sports: At this moment of the year, look around. You are destined to see at least one sports fan whether they are wearing a team jersey or leaving a sold out stadium. As this is an intense period, consider: World Series and MLB playoffs, NBA and NHL start of seasons, NFL in full swing, college basketball kick offs, college football rivalry matches, soccer and its matches, Rugby world cup, and beyond. Delve deep into predictions or results. Are you, too, rooting for the Raptors as they open the season at home versus the Cavaliers on October 19?

Politics (Call for Photographic Pieces and and Written Work)

  1. “London Bridge is down”: The Royal Family and the Role of the Monarchy: In a turn of events, the 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II as Britain’s longest-serving monarch has reached an end, as did her life, when she died at the age of 96 on Thursday, September 8, 2022. Rest in peace to Her majesty as she was a worldwide wonder whose existence broke records… but fear not! Alive and well is the royal monarchy as it is a continuous line of royalty whose existence breaks laws. Cover this story in any angle and share your Condolences, Conspiracies, or critiques!
  2. Who you gonna call? Probably not the RCMP: With a rise of police brutality as well as an abuse of power more frequently exposed in the media, the Mounties felt the need to commission a recent tracking poll to figure out Canadians’ satisfaction with the The Royal Canadian Mounted Police. RCMP internal polling shows a decline in trust and confidence in the national police force and its performance therefore by extension the organization’s integrity. Cover this story and contribute to the ongoing conversations about the law enforcement agency perspectives in society ranging from all cops are bastards to blue lives matter along with anything in between.
  3. The Planet and its People: Environmental Prompt: Let us reflect on the most troubling issue of this decade and the most impacting issue of this century: climate change. Global warming and the effects of environmental degradation have been, and continue to be, an important aspect of the planet and its people. Interview an activist, shed light on community fridges, or cover this story any other possible way in order to keep needed attention on the conversation of climate and environment. 

Science and Tech (Call for Photographic Pieces and Written Work)

  1. “More Ads!” YouTube Demands: Are you a victim of buying YouTube premium? Or are you close to falling into the trap? If you said no to both questions: Congrats! You are surviving the YouTube testing of five unskippable ads instead of its usual two before watching a video. Cover this story and research the why? who? how? when? what? … did I mention WHY? … of YouTube Free and its consequential YouTube advertising formats.   
  2. The Downfall of CGI: In this age of technology, almost all visual media we consume contains visual effects and special effects — for the better or for the worse. Almost a decade ago, 2014’s Interstellar was a ground-breaking moment in cinema with a compelling sci-fi storytelling and eye-catching cast and crew, wherein a jaw opening CGI made all its greatness even greater. Then we take a look at 2021’s Black Widow who Florence Pugh could not even save. Cover this story and discover the past, present, and future of computer generated imagery. 
  3. It’s Not Rocket Science… or Is It?: Let us review the science industry and take a peek at what scientists have been up to: the animal ecosystem, new NASA exploration, spread of illnesses, and so on. Cover this story to examine notable scientific updates (and show off your knowledge). 


STUDENTS AND SERVICES (NO MIN.-750 words)

  1. Student Life (Call for Photographic Pieces and Written Work)
    1. WELCOME TO INNIS:  Hey Innis! (Hey, what?) Are you a part of the Innis Community? What is Innis to you? To us all? We need Innisians to try to explain the vibes at Innis for newcomers, that is the first years and the acting principal Karen. Send a statement, share a paragraph, submit a word. This is Innis by the Innis Community for the Innis Community.  
    2. Orientation Recap: Meet the Orientation Coordinators Rhea and Yash up close and personal, hear what the two have to say, and read this double feature to relive the highlights of O-Week. 
    3. Student Stories from Orientation: Calling all attendees of Innis Orientation 2022! We want to hear your stories! Tell us about your favourite event such as CINSSU Movie Night or share how you met your new group of friends such as those who connected during karaoke at the annual Harold’s House. Send us your photos, your thoughts, and your thanks. Of course, feel free to send us your feedback and/or critiques too.
    4. CINSSU: Intro to ITH and CINSSU plus FFF Schedule
    5. ICSS: Promos and Events
    6. Club Space: Event posters or other announcements
    7. IRC: Residence life Ads and Events
    8. The Innis-ider: We are searching for people to cover specific events and stellar happenings around Innis as well as the broader city. Contribute a short summary of what went down or contribute a long write-up of descriptions, opinions, and maybe even interviews. This edition calls on those who can cover:
      1. Student Consultation for Innis’s Renewal & Expansion – Tuesday, September 20th, 2-3pm, Innis Residence Events Room
      2. ICSS Democracy Night for Innis College Student Society – Wednesday, September 21st, 5-7pm, Innis Residence Events Room
    9. Student Stories: Anecdotes, photo submissions, randomness 

School Services (Call for Photographic Pieces and Written Work)

  1. Campus Opportunities – Accessibility Services registration, mental health support navigation, First Year Council, University of Toronto Students’ Union…  Pitch your own! 
  2. Return to In-Person [POTENTIAL OPINION PIECE] – Lecture hall naps, COVID-19 anxieties, screen time changes, meeting people face-to-face…  We want to showcase your thoughts! 

Creative (Call for Photographic Pieces and and Written Work)

  1. Satire – Regardless of comics, advice articles, whatever… Pitch your own! 
  2. Fiction – Whether it is poetry, short stories, a personal essay, a photo essay, whatever… We want to showcase your work!
  3. Quote of the Month – Comedic college student quote(s) by students for students

INTERACTIVE

  1. Small, Simple, and Somewhat Stupid – The Herald wants to listen to what you have to say
    1. Haiku – Write a haiku about anything from your first week of classes
    2. Less than 50 Words – Describe who you think should replace the Queen on the 20$ and why
    3. Poll Question – Vote (either via email or via form): which power is the best for a superhero to have?

COLUMNS (NO MIN.-500 words)

  1. Changemakers Corner
    1. From its founding in 1964 to its standing in 2022, Innis College is largely defined by its members — the powerfully influential and influentially powerful staff and students. Within Innis, there are countless individuals who have done, are doing, or plan to do incredible work both inside and outside of the U of T campus. This column strives to highlight and celebrate such work. Whether they are faculty, alumni, or students, conduct an interview and write a profile on someone who you believe belongs in this “hall of fame”. Start off the school year by lifting up our community!
  2. 6ix in the 6ix 
    1. Is it the pollution from TTC train stations? Can it be the aura of maple syrup in the air of grocery stores? Or is it CO2 emissions from Drake’s private jet up in the sky? Whatever it is, there is always something special in the Toronto air. Torontonians, native or not, should go explore the very city they call home. Recommend visits to landmarks such as the CN Tower and suggest events to participate in such as the Free Annual Pass for 14-25 year olds to go to the AGO. This column lists six current significant opportunities to take part in around the 6ix. 
  1. Rates and Reviews Report
    1. Are you a film buff? A bookworm? A concertgoer? All of the above? Your rate and review can range from that latest video game you played, or that newly released album you listened to once and never again, to that tv show you binged in a day. This column reports what Innis Contributors have been up to and how down they are to do it again. 
  2. What’s Hot, What’s Not
    1. Is it in, is it out? Is it a hit, is it a miss? The effect of cancel culture and its consequences are real and live in the flesh. This column looks at the way we will look, act, and have fun tomorrow. Keep up!
  3.  Letters to the Editor
    1. Dear Reader,

This is your opportunity to write an open letter to me, the Editor of the Innis Herald. Pitch your latest big idea. Share a fun anecdote. Tell me about a book you just read or a new recipe you failed to follow. Write a love confession, or an angry rant. Send me a joke you found funny (or didn’t find funny). 

Roommate almost burn down the house? Tell me about it! Make an interesting observation on campus? Tell me about it! Have an incredible obsession about racoons and want a platform to express your love for the fuzzy friend-shaped fauna? TELL ME ABOUT IT! 

Shower us in praises or give us some not so constructive criticism. Tell us what else you want to see in the Herald, or maybe even what you definitely don’t want to see more of. Ask me a question (only if you don’t want a sincere response).

I am very bored. Please write to me. Please. I am very bored.

Love,

Your Absolutely AMAZING Editor

PS: Please deliver all written letters, signed and sealed, to room 108 at Innis College while Electronic Letters (aka emails) may be sent to exec.herald@gmail.com

  1. Hear with Herald
    1. Time for leaves to change colours then fall off trees, for turkey to eat then pumpkin spice lattes to drink, for people to dress up in costumes then party or trick or treat, for… well you get the gist of it. It is Fall season — or Autumn season if you want to be pretentious — and what better way to celebrate the spooky season with a playlist that gets you comfortable and cozy after Summer and before Winter. This column connects the community through beats, lyrics, and songs. 
    2. Any other themed playlists are absolutely welcome e.g. Thanksgiving, Halloween, etc. 
  2. Taste Test Time 
    1. If you crave a guilty pleasure and need a sign to give you the go ahead to order it, look no further. Do you enjoy a certain drink or a specific food? Are you willing to travel around to different franchises in order to taste along with test flavours as well as spots for such a drink or food? This column ranks a drink or food of your choice — judge the yumminess, aesthetic, price, all of them in combination, your call!   
  3. What’s Cookin’: Recipes  
    1. We’re busy, we’re broke, and we’re bored of instant ramen. So help a hungry student out! That plate you recently put down on the table smells good, looks good, and tastes good. Want to showcase those talents? This column provides a guide full of a set of ingredients and directions to follow along with to make a meal. Share your gourmet extravaganza of a dish – or even that simple sriracha smothered struggle meal! This column recommends pictures (for all the ‘visual learners’).

Video Essay/Film/Animation Pitches:

VIDEO SUBMISSION FORM*video submissions are encouraged, but a written piece will be accepted too and vice versa

  1. Campus’ Red Carpet: Within the past few weeks since school started, students (especially first years) have raised the standard of “university outfits”; no sweatpants nor sweatshirts here! In this pitch, we ask you to explore the fashion here at U of T through video interviews. What outfits have you noticed that you liked? Would you ever dare to wear such “Pinterest” inspired clothing? (Be sure to obtain consent if you include students in the video). 
  2. Fall Film: When I think of fall, I think of death and rebirth; coffee, pumpkin spices; sweaters; and a bunch of books as the rain pours outside. This interpretive pitch calls for you to create a short film which conveys the theme of fall. You may use these previously listed images, or create your own. 
  3. Bill C-11: Canadian Youtube?: In case you are unaware, Canada is currently in the process of passing Bill C-11 — a bill that seeks to expand the Canadian Government’s control and amplification of Canadian content from the radio and TV into what we watch and create on Youtube — a site that is arguably full of freedom as we know it. Canadian Youtubers such as  J.J McCullough  have voiced concerns about the issue. On one hand, do you think the government of Canada should dictate what is considered “Canadian Content” on platforms? On another hand, should Youtube remain as a free platform where Canadian youtubers grow their audiences based on merit? 
  4. Film Critic: This year has brought an interesting mixed bag of films. Here is your chance to compose a review on one film you viewed that was released this year and offer your opinions. Be critical or be complemental. 
  5. TedTalk Parody: We all know what a TedTalks is, whether it be an intellectual one, a comical one, or a heartfelt one. But for most TedTalks, they deal with serious topics ranging from Climate Change to Poverty or Cancer etc.We call on you to perform your own TedTalk, but one that lightens up the room a bit as it is a parody. Take a silly, but argumentative debate (ex: pineapple on pizza) and make a TedTalk about it! 
  6. The Tutorial: Create an educational tutorial or documentary style video about any topic you wish, whether it is a very specific niche, a unique talent, or simply an interesting statement you learned in your lecture! Share the knowledge (regardless of its usefulness if any). 
  7. Commuter Vlog: The commuter population tends to not be at the forefront of attention especially when it comes to the return to school. With this, we will consider the number of train/bus/streetcar rides or transfers we must overcome to get to our destination: campus. In this video pitch, take us along in a vlog showcasing a day in your life. 
  8. Cinema Studies Submissions: Hey upper year Cinema Students! This pitch is for you to show off your directing skills! If you worked on a short film as an assignment for your program, or expanded your own personal portfolio, and wish to publish them, feel free to submit! The only limit is your imagination (and a 1 hour cap). 

Nothing catches your eye? Create your own pitch in the Google Form option. Happy Creating and Happy Writing!