Gain a competitive advantage by utilizing the new phones capable of shooting and transmitting video.
This producer shot a story on the iPhone he just bought, then plugged the phone into his computer for editing. My comments are on the bottom of the screen.
Look for several brands of phones capable of shooting and sending video later this year. And remember the importance of strong storytelling.
Limited video doesn’t have to be a limitation. It can be an opportunity. On-camera storytelling can be the answer — but you have to do it the right way.
My comments are on the bottom of the screen of this Learning Video featuring the collaboration of KVAL-TV/Eugene news director Jenny Kuglin and reporter Addison Taylor.
July 5, 2009 Update from Bob: This creative approach has generated many positive reactions from clients and readers of my blog. Several news directors have shared it with their staffs, even using the information to plan “day of” stories. The overriding reaction: This is a simple and clever approach to get away from meaningless “filler” video.
Viewers depend on anchors and reporters to ask the tough questions. They see it as part of their job. Yet, you’ll rarely hear tough questions in newscasts. Viewers complain they do hear softball questions.
With that in mind, we collaborated with our Albany, New York client to create a proof of branding promo. It grabbed the attention of viewers and turned many into believers because it rang true.
http://www.screencast.com/t/o5UCs98iwo
Delivering on tough questions just doesn’t happen. It takes planning, the crafting of questions, and anticipating answers to allow for follow-up questions. And it requires focus. You obviously don’t need to tough question a well-intentioned Girl Scout selling cookies that cost more this year than last.
Not incidentally, WRGB scored its best ratings in recent years in the May book.