Video Journalism: Storytelling Techniques

Course details

How you choose your shots, craft your story, and edit your footage is what draws attention to your videos. The ultimate goal is to use video to tell a good story. In this course, digital media producer and former TV news reporter Jeff Sengstack uses real-world examples to show you how to create compelling stories using video. He brings you right into the pre-production meetings as he and his clients choose their message and plan the production. Join Jeff as he scouts locations, shoots the video, and conducts interviews that support the chosen theme.

Jeff then presents scripting techniques you can employ to ensure your story engages and entertains your audience. Finally, walk into the production studio where he explains the tools and techniques he uses to edit videos.

Learning objectives
Choosing the message
Planning the production
Selecting and using mics
Lighting the location
Getting visuals and audio to support the message
Working with people to help tell the story
Writing a good story
Tools and tricks for editing video

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - Welcome
02 - Using the exercise files

1. Choosing the Message

03 - Meeting the clients and setting expectations
04 - Scouting locations
05 - Identifying the audience
06 - Drilling down to the central message

2. Selecting Strategies to Prove the Message

07 - Agreeing on a story outline
08 - Planning the production
09 - Selecting appropriate video, audio, and lighting gear

3. Getting Visuals and Sound to Support the Message

10 - Basic video shooting tips
11 - Shooting multishot sequences
12 - Getting establishing and closing shots
13 - Responding to unexpected developments

4. Using Good Miking and Lighting Techniques

14 - Miking and lighting tips
15 - Getting great sound bites
16 - Lighting tips

5. Organizing Your Assets

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

6. Scripting Your Story

21 - Writing tips
22 - Writing in the active voice
23 - Telling your story through people
24 - Keeping the client in the loop

7. Putting It All Together in Post-Production

25 - Audio editing tips
26 - Video editing tips
27 - Selecting exporting options

Conclusion

28 - Next steps

Bonus Chapter - Edited Sequences

29 - Santa Barbara Rock Gym
30 - Steve Axtell
31 - Sticky Fingers Bakery
32 - Santa Barbara Rock Gym quick cut story