The digital video revolution Impact, form, and project

Visual storytelling “The tools have changed but the game remains the same: visual journalism is about telling compelling stories that connect an audience with subjects, people, and issues. One of the most powerful types of visual journalism, video storytelling, is surprisingly easy to learn” (Briggs 208)

Impact of the digital video Around the US, thousands of students are receiving formal training in shooting and editing videos in school; those who go on to journalism school will graduate with a broader array of skills than most of the experienced journalists working today. Digital video and amateurs – In mid 2009, YouTube reported that 20 hours of footage was being uploaded every minute.

Versatile form: Perfection is not necessary VJs= video journalists (AKA backpack journalists) who serve as both reporter and videographer on assignment – Major news organizations have these roles and quality varies (the debate of quality vs. quanitity) – NY Times’ David Pogue VS. The Wall Street Journal’s Walter S. Mossberg (broadcast TV looking VS. simple, low budget approach) – Depends on goals of news organization and journalists YouTube has dropped our expectations on the level of quality; training is not necessary anymore

Plan and go The best way to build a solid video story is to think about it the same way you would think about writing. – How will the video tell the story? Use different approaches for different projects: 2 types – A full documentary-style video (YOU decide who to interview, what footage; more control) – Breaking news/highlight clips (interviews on spot and first available, essential footage; less control)

Storyboarding A storyboard is a visual sketch of the story, separated into different parts so it can be organized. – Pictures help you define the scope of the project, given the time and resources, so you have realistic expectations Forces you to think about the FOCUS of your story: what's the one main idea you want to get across to viewers? – You will ask this question before doing ANYTHING else because this will determine WHO you interview, WHERE, and WHY – A-roll= demonstration sequence (interviews) – B-roll= environmental footage to support the main idea

Storyboarding Start by writing the main idea at the top Then draw boxes in row from left to right, using more than one row if needed, with labels that represent each piece of the story. – Imagine boxes are the video viewer/screen and sketch a quick representation of what the viewer should see (stick figures-yes!) Even though the left to right format suggests a linear story form, you can rearrange the pieces to tell a more effective story. You can always update the storyboard, but before shooting, I would finalize

Mix the shots Consider different vantage points- some close, some far away, medium shot…. – The best way to capture these different views is to think of them as separate shots and reposition yourself each time. – “Zoom with your legs, not with your lens” – Do not overdo the zooming and the panning (I do not want to throw up…)

Wide shots give viewer the full scene

A medium shot fives the viewer a normal view

A close-up focuses on one subject

Build five-shot sequences Your video story should include something interesting actually happening- for example, someone doing a specific task as part of a daily job, which illustrates the main idea of the story you’re trying to tell. Identify the task and then prepare to shoot it as a five shot sequence. 1.Close-up on the hands: Shows the needle applying ink to the woman’s arm. 2.Close-up on the face: Shows the man’s concentration. 3.Wide-shot: Shows the two together and a view of the room where this is taken. 4.Over-the-should-shot: Shows the view that the tattoo artist has of the process. 5.Creative shot: Shows the rooms from behind a table (another look at the main subject). “The Five Shot Rule,” BBC Training, n.d.

Close up on hands

Close up on the face

Wide shot

Over-the-shoulder-shot

Voice in video Because most journalists are already comfortable with the practice of telling stories with words and interviewing people, these should be the key building blocks to base video stories on. And, besides, it’s easier than learning documentary video flair.

Learn effective video interviewing One of the basic forms of video journalism is the interview. – First, select the right location. Pick an environment the subject will be comfortable in and one that complements the topic of the story. (ask permission to tape on private property!) – Think sound and lighting first (mics, shadows, etc.) – Have several questions pre-written (can share with them first; also remind them to stay quiet while you are talking; not saying “uh-huh”)

Use stand-ups The on-camera stand up, a staple of the evening news, can be uncomfortable, but it is necessary at times. Why do I do with my hands??

Control your story with voice-overs Recorded for an overlay on a video story – Scripts – Warming up – operative words

Accessories Tapes and batteries Microphones Tripod Headphones Lighting

Shooting good video Focus – Automatic focus feature Zoom – Set the zoom before beginning to record and then zoom only when necessary- and as slowly as possible. If you are shooting someone talking, NEVER zoom! Exposure – Most cameras have automatic exposure, which gives you appropriate lighting. Try switching to manual if you are shooting in low light.

Aim for solid, not spectacular, clips Be selective in shooting- do not waste time or film Avoid panning and zooming- do not adjust while shooting Hold your shots- hold each shot at least 15 seconds Be silent when you shoot- camera picks up EVERY sound! Framing and composition- Follow “rule of thirds”. Imagine a 9-square grid overlaid on the frame, dividing the horizontal axis and vertical axis into 3 equal parts. Then compose the shot so the most important subject in the frame is aligned with one of the 4 axis points in your imaginary 9-square grid. **If you are shooting a person, leave some space- or headroom-above the person’s head, but not too much that they look too short.**

Rule of thirds

Get good audio If you cant hear what people are saying, there is no point in watching the piece.

Some reminders Define your story in the first 20 seconds; hook the audience Make sure you have a beginning, middle, and end Don’t let the viewer have a chance to be bored. Use short clips, the more the better Focus on one central idea and stick with it Remember that characters make stories. The better your characters, the better your stories will be. ** Visuals that connect to your narrative are important**

Publishing online: go viral! Vimeo YouTube Tube Mogul Interact narratives Cowbird MediaStorm B-roll.net