Video Journalism: Storytelling Techniques

Follow along with a digital media producer and former TV news reporter as he plans and shoots a complete human-interest story.

Introduction

• Welcome
• Using the exercise files

1. Choosing the Message

• Meeting the clients and setting expectations
• Scouting locations
• Identifying the audience
• Drilling down to the central message

2. Selecting Strategies to Prove the Message

• Agreeing on a story outline
• Planning the production
• Selecting appropriate video, audio, and lighting gear

3. Getting Visuals and Sound to Support the Message

• Basic video shooting tips
• Shooting multishot sequences
• Getting establishing and closing shots
• Responding to unexpected developments

4. Using Good Miking and Lighting Techniques

• Miking and lighting tips
• Getting great sound bites
• Lighting tips

5. Organizing Your Assets

• Previewing and organizing media assets
• Selecting effective sound bites
• Cataloging natural sound
• Creating a rough-cut version of the story for client review

6. Scripting Your Story

• Writing tips
• Writing in the active voice
• Telling your story through people
• Keeping the client in the loop

7. Putting It All Together in Post-Production

• Audio editing tips
• Video editing tips
• Selecting exporting options

Conclusion

• Next steps

Bonus Chapter: Edited Sequences

• Santa Barbara Rock Gym
• Steve Axtell
• Sticky Fingers Bakery
• Santa Barbara Rock Gym quick cut story