Out in the Field

“Video isn’t that hard,” proclaimed Rob Roberts, senior video editor at USA Today. After toiling in the DC heat, trying to get tourists to talk in front of a camera, I’m not so sure I believe him. In addition to getting compelling quotes, my partner and I had to be aware of how the shot was composed and that we were capturing quality audio.

Before sending us out to create our own stories, Roberts, with input from professors Josh Hatch and Jill Olmsted, explained how to create a video story that will compel people to  watch. His rules about shooting video include:

• It’s time-consuming.
• We have to know our audience and the medium.
• It’s all about the story.

Roberts explains his rules when creating an online story.

Video stories can provide viewers with a more engaging product because they can see and hear the story. At the same time, unless a reporter is willing to actively market the content, posting a well-made video online does not mean people will watch it. In order to build an audience, Roberts said, “In Web video, being fast is more important than being good.”

What it takes to be a videogropher

Roberts emphasized the fact that, in order to create good video, we have to be “pushy.”  Unlike in other forms of media, there is more gray area in what we can ask our interviewee to do. While we cannot tell them to do anything they wouldn’t do normally, we also have to keep in mind lighting and audio. The question, “Am I changing the situation; am I creating something that isn’t real?” should always be on our minds.

Putting Advice into Practice

After a quick camera tutorial, our professors assigned us stories and sent us out into the summer heat.  I was surprised by how willing people were to talk, but then clam up at the sight of the camera. I definitely need to work on my interviewing skills and discover ways to put my subjects at ease.

I appreciate the advice of professionals who have worked in the field, but these real-world experiences are even more valuable. What is said in the classroom remains an abstract idea until I am able to put it into practice.