Multimedia Minutes: Softballs Can Save Boring Video

Here’s another way to avoid running “wallpaper” video, generic shots that bore you and your viewers.

 In a story about marijuana for medical purposes, KVAL’s (Eugene, OR) Kelly Koopmans says a grower or patient can’t have more than 24 ounces of marijuana, which is the size of these four softballs.

Compare Kelly’s approach to simply using more video of marijuana. 

That would have been easier, but lacking the visual storytelling impact.

Here’s what you can do today.

 

TAKEAWAYS

  1. Plan your story to include only the most engaging visual elements.
  2. Work efficiently in the field by shooting only the most visual elements.
  3. Think of memorable ways to illustrate your point when the video isn’t strong enough.

KVAL ND Jenny Kuglin hired Kelly in May 2010 after she received an M.S. from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 22nd, 2010 at 9:10 am and is filed under Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training, broadcast journalism. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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