Target: Journalists who want to use their smartphone to produce online video narratives. The journalists should all have internet and video capable smartphones that are on either the Android or IOS platform. Other platforms will not be covered here.

Benchmarks: The first goal is to improve the quality of thinking behind the videos and VRs. Then we focus on the technical skills that will improve composition, lighting and audio.

Introduction: As online video consumption exponentially increases, news gatherers must find a way to utilize and satisfy this thirst for online content. Video is increasingly the way to keep the public informed and engaged. Tools to produce video have become cheaper and easier to use— in fact everything you need can now fit in the palm of your hand. This workshop is designed to teach reporters to produce videos and VRs using their mobile phones for online consumption.

Day 1

INTRODUCTION:

Your smartphone is everything. Examples of outlets using their smartphone to cover everything from live events to making documentaries to 360 VRs.

WHO’S YOUR AUDIENCE: Every video must have purpose. Identifying your audience.

TELLING STORIES: What makes good video stories? Examples at other outlets. Dissecting a video piece.

STORYBOARDING: Planning before a shoot helps eliminate production time.

PRE-PRODUCTION: Familiarizing yourself with the gear (smartphone setup).

COMPOSITION: The rules of video composition in interviews and action shots +hands on exercise

LIGHTING: Using available light and understanding color temperatures

INTERVIEWS: Getting sound bites + hands on exercise

AUDIO: Using your gear for the best possible audio quality, understanding the different types of mikes.

SEQUENCING: shooting visual sequences that tell a story + hands on exercise

SHOOTING IN THE FIELD: a hands-on exercise, shooting an interview

Day 2

NARRATIVE STRUCTURE: What to put in the beginning, middle and end of your piece? Learn about the different ways to grab the audience’s attention. What makes a video viral?

CRAFTING AN EDIT: Learn the different types of cuts, sequencing and transitions and when to use them.

EDITING: Using apps or available editing software, a tutorial

IN THE FIELD: Hands on-exercise to shoot, and edit an assignment and upload it according to the company’s workflow.

360 VRs: When to capture 360 VRs.

PRODUCING 360 VRS: Using the new Google VR capture app+ a hands-on exercise.

TAKING VRS TO THE NEXT LEVEL: A demonstration on how goPros are used for VRs and how to view VRs using a headset or and google cardboard.

DE-BRIEF: What’s next? How to apply what you’ve learned

Note: This module can also be offered as company training.