Online Journalism Blog

The digital video revolution

• A versatile form of journalism

1. Two journalists, one goal
2. Perfection not necessary

Plan your video and go

• Use different approaches for different projects
• Try storyboarding
• Mix your shots
• Build five-shot sequences

1. Close-up on the hands
2. Close-up on the face
3. Wide shot
4. Over-the-shoulder shot
5. Creative shot

Voice in video:

• Learn effective video interviewing
• Use a stand-up, even if you don’t want to

1. Content
2. Write a script and warm up
3. Be stable, breathe easy
4. Don’t be afraid to talk with your hands
5. Control your story with voice-overs

Gear up and get out there:

• Array of camera choices
• Video camera shopping questions

1. What media type?
2. Do I need high def?
3. What software will I be using to edit this footage?
4. What accessories do I need? (Tapes and batteries, microphones, tripod, headphones, lighting)

Shooting good video:

• Focus
• Zoom
• Exposure

Aim for solid, not spectacular clips

• Be selective in shooting
• Avoid panning and zooming
• Hold your shots
• Be silent when you shoot
• Framing and composing

Get good audio:

• Built-in mic
• Wireless mic
• Shotgun mic

Working with digital  video files:

• Keep it short
• Choose your editing software
• Practice visual storytelling

Publishing video online:

• Do your own compression
• Seek viral video distribution

Audio journalism — a microphone, recorder and free software (plus a computer and internet, of course) are the only tools needed to create an audio form of journalism.

Why is audio journalism important?

It has characteristics that cannot be matched by other forms of media such as:

• Presence
• Emotions
• Atmosphere

How do news organizations use audio?

• Reporter overview
• Podcasts
• Audio slideshows
• Breaking news

The basics of audio journalism:

• Interviews and voice-overs
• Natural or environmental sound
• Imported sound clips, including music

Get started with audio:

• Recording interviews

1. Choose your location
2. Gather natural sound
3. Prepare your subject
4. Watch what you say
5. Try delayed recording
6. Mark the best spots

• Doing voice-overs

1. Write a script
2. Warm up
3. Find operative words
4. Keep it conversational

You can use a digital recorder, your computer or an external microphone to help.

Editing digital audio:

• Understand digital formats
• Get ready to edit
• Editing with audacity
• Try advanced editing techniques (fade, cross-fading, established music, segue, transition)