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How to Make Your Own Weathercast

Making your own weathercast highlights concepts learned in both science and public speaking classes, in addition to being a rewarding hobby. The weather reports seen on local news stations are glossy productions with big budgets, but a do it yourself weathercast doesn't have to break the bank. You probably already have many of the items necessary to produce an excellent and entertaining summary of the local weather. As you become more comfortable working behind the camera, this hobby may provide you with a following of fans and supporters.

Things You'll Need

Table or desk
Chair
Green screen material
Video camera
TV monitor
Digital editing software

Instructions

- 1
  Construct the set. This may include nothing more than a table and chair. Carefully consider the background. A mural of the city skyline is typical of news and weather reports. If working on a budget, a flat wall is fine also.
- 2
  Drape the green screen material adjacent to the main set. Position the TV monitor facing the green screen, but out of the camera's field of view. Set the video camera on a tripod aimed toward the desk and chair.
- 3
  Obtain a local weather forecast for your region. Local news stations and the National Weather Service produce local area forecasts. Write down the essential details of the forecast -- high and low temperatures, wind, precipitation chances and any headlines events such as a hurricane or snowstorm.
- 4
  Consult an almanac to determine long-term average weather for your locale. This information serves as a good comparison to the actual weather forecast.
- 5
  Write a rough script for the weathercast. Be sure to include the current weather and the forecast for the next five to seven days. Download relevant maps that display with images the story you plan to tell in words.
- 6
  Make a storyboard for the weathercast. Decide which elements you want to deliver in front of the green screen, and cue the appropriate maps or graphics on the monitor. You'll use the digital editing software to fill the green areas with the images in post-production.
- 7
  Deliver the weather cast in a natural, clear tone of voice. Don't read directly from the paper or stare at the desk. Avoid monotone speech, and employ natural hand gestures when working in front of the green screen. If you don't exude excitement and interest, your audience will soon become bored.
- 8
  Publish your finished weathercast. Upload it to a video sharing site or your personal website. Community access television also provides an outlet for locally produced information and entertainment productions.

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