Developing the Intro - The Text

The text in the intro should play a key part in setting the scene, describing the issue in a little more detail. It should be informative, but not overly long. Too much text and I run the risk of boring my viewer with facts and figures, but just enough that cuts to the point and accompanies selected video footage, could work a treat.

It's important that I take the time to really plan this carefully.

So I went back over all my research into the issue, and all the factual resources available to me, and started to put pen to paper, or finger tip to keyboard anyway. I aimed for about 5-6 lines about the issue that let the viewer in on the subject matter, feeding them just enough to keep them hooked, and ideally leading into potential clips that help support the facts and capitalize on the attention given by the viewer.

Here is what I have so far...

"Every day, a freight train runs from Southern Mexico to North America. It is nicknamed "The Train of Death" by all who dare ride it.

Each day, hundreds of poverty stricken Central Americans risk life and limb to climb aboard the train as they seek a better life for themselves and their families in the United States.

For many, the journey runs over thousand's of miles, over the space of many days, and for all, it is long, gruelling, perilous, and full of danger.

For the train runs through gang controlled territory, where armed gang members frequently board and hold the exposed and completely helpless passengers hostage.

Kidnapping. Robbery. Assault. Rape. Mutilation. And even murder are all too common occurences.

Over 60% of the migrants who left their homes for the hope of a better future, never reach their destination."

It's a start. A little rough around the edges, and clearly open to editing as I use it, but right now it just gets down everything that needs to be said I think in relation to setting the scene.

Will probably need to be cut down some, as I do have a tendency to ramble a bit, as I'm sure you'll agree having read this far into my blog... :P