Video journalism - where do you start?

Ok So what is it?

1. It's a journalist with a video camera. You don't have to be a journalist per se. but there are legal, and policy issues to consider which most TV journalism courses make you aware of. Vj's need both reportge and camera legal training.

2. It's not new. You can trace its origins to the birth of cinematography, and the absence of a director. In the 60s, there were camera/ directors working at the BBC wth Bolex cameras whom you could describe as video journalists.

3. It's relevant now because it allows low entry into broadbandcasting. If you're a skilled visual essayist or experimental - world's your oyster.


How does it work?


1. You don't need gear costing you hundreds of pounds - a lap top and good camera and you're off.

2. It's not television and why would you want to compete with television. It's a more intimate language in its own.

3. There are techniques that will set you up to understanding video journalism. The rest is about inspiration.



Why do I need it?

1. Ad revenue for video on some sites are mooted to fetch up to a 1000,000 UKP.

2. We naturally watch television. If it's no good we'll turn off.

3. You're creating a new history for your publication with archive that may soon recoup some of your money.

4. It'll equip your newsroom with next generation journalists, ie is versatile journalists who can make films, news packages, podcasts and more.

5.You're making your own shows - Here at viewmagazine.tv - The Ferrari, War Games, and Brodcastcast quality international reportage -are all part of the portfolio



Can anyone learn?

1. Sure, commitment from you and your bosses.

2. Dedication and determination. As Rob Montgomery would say its's technique not technology.

3. TV and non TV alike. Visual skills from television or photography will come in handy. Truthfully my background working for some of the best news progs around at e.g. BBC Newsnight, Reportage, and Channel 4 News helps in differentiating between TV and V Jism.




So what's the fuss about?

Managers are led to believe it will costs hundreds of thousands of pounds. It doesn't.

Managers think it's crappy? Well everyone's entitled to their opinion CNN, Sky, BBC, FT, Press Association - all use shoots from VJs.

Print journalists take to it faily easiily because they're not burden with the dos and don't of TV. In my next film, I'm going to "cross the line" ( an imaginary180 degree line ) but the cut works.

Pictures by Rob Montgomery from Visual Editors


Soon - a VJ shoot from the "City of the Dead".