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Writing News for the Web: Ten Top Tips
November 27th, 2011
Before you write your next online story, watch this. And also learn about The New Prime Time.
Posted in Bob Kaplitz video, TV news training | No Comments »
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Multimedia Minutes: Overcoming a Big Challenge — No Action
July 24th, 2011
How do you overcome the challenge of virtually no action in a story? Say just a guy in a chair. Here’s one approach.
Learn more to create engaging storytelling. Click on the links to the right under “Recent Posts.”
Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | No Comments »
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So What’s Your Story?
July 11th, 2011
If you want to persuade a person to buy what you’re selling, focus on a great story about your brand.
This quote says it. And it’s so true.We remember stories, and we like to tell them. And people who are buying products and services remember them.
But you need to make your stories special. In fact, remarkable. You do want people to remark about them.
This is a point my colleague Regent Ducas I make all the time to clients ranging from business owners to multimedia journalists.
What stories do you remember?
What exactly was it about those stories that makes them memorable for you?
TAKEAWAYS
See if you can put these takeaways to work today…
Look for opportunities to tell stories to build your brand, including your personal brand.
Think of something you did that others would consider remarkable, or special, or at least memorable.
Use video so others can tell your stories through testimonials.
Learn from this blog, which includes the work of great storytellers. Watch this:
Great Storytelling that Captures an Unforgettable Guy
(The quote from Tom Durel came to my attention through material written by Michael Margolis, another great believer in the importance of storytelling.)
Posted in TV news training, Web Video | No Comments »
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Shootback Concept for MMJs
July 8th, 2011
Galen Culver, a colleague for AR&D’s MMJ training sessions, has developed a mount for a second camera, showing the photographer.
It’s a great way to include your questions or even narration. Yes, you’ll need to edit in the second camera video (Kodak Playsport), but it can save you the time it takes to set-up the tripod for re-asks.
The top image shows Galen’s concept and the image below how the final product looks on air.
Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, TV news training, Web Video | No Comments »
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Eye Catching Video
July 6th, 2011
Viewers love weather video. So look for opportunities not just to shoot it but also invite viewers to share their video. This clip appearing in KRNV/Reno’s website makes you feel you’re right in the dust storm.
Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | 1 Comment »
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A Loser’s Winning Moment
July 5th, 2011
Example of clever writing: A loser’s winning moment. Don’t you love this headline?
The article describes how gracefully a former Wimbledon chamnpion handed over the top honor to the new champ.
What you might appreciate most is this poignant image of the ex-champ applauding the new one. For many people who watched, it represent a defining moment.
How can you get these shots and write so well — especially if you cover everyday stories?Keep an eye out for contrasts — like a winner and loser in the same shot.
Consider how a person who lost rose to the occasion with many seeing that person as a winner in their own right.
Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, TV news training | No Comments »
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Don’t Get Left Behind
July 5th, 2011
How effectively are you using Facebook? Yes, you likely use it with friends, but what about from the business aspect? According to HubSpot, of businesses surveyed, over 92% were using Facebook as part of their marketing strategy, and 84% were using Twitter.
Whether you’re a business looking for qualified leads or a multimedia journalist connecting with your audience, take advantage of this free opportunity.You should see yourself as a personal brand, and social media represent powerful ways to set yourself apart from the pack.
For example:
Ask questions to get a better idea of consumer needs.
Answer questions to show your expertise.
Join groups — like those in LinkedIn — to learn from others.
Learn from others who are successful with social media — like WSPA-TV/Spartanburg anchor Amy Wood. For starters, Google “Amy Wood WSPA-TV.”
Posted in Power Tools for TV Journalists, Social Media, TV news training, Twitter | No Comments »
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Learn from Extreme Makeover
June 30th, 2011
You’ll find great storytelling elements here. See how many you can spot, then look at my takeaways. This moves fast, which is the point.
Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training, Uncategorized | No Comments »
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Heavy Up on Show and Tell
June 26th, 2011
Find someone to show and tell, so you can shoot it. In this case, Faith Cherry, a visitor to the Four Seasons Resort to watch part of the HP Byron Nelson Golf Tournament, is trying a so-called “QR” code. She scans the code with her iPhone, then a video optimized for mobile pops up about a new promotion.
The sequence is straight forward, starting with the scan, then reaction shot, then showing viewers the start of the video Faith sees.
My colleague Regent Ducas and I are developing QR codes and videos for clients like the Four Seasons Resort because they…
- Target the demos they want.
- Play to the considerable power of video storytelling over text.
- Can create a buzz as many people are curious about them.
Posted in Bob Kaplitz video, Social Media, TV news training, Web Video | No Comments »
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How to Avoid Getting Stuck
June 26th, 2011
It’s good to succeed and become efficient, but only it it really matters to your customers.
An MBA student in one of my international advertising classes at the University of Dallas Graduate School of Management said she was great at his daytime job, but she wasn’t promoted as she hoped. She was in her 30s, had international marketing experience, but was going nowhere.We discussed what her company saw as most valuable, but her traditional advertising contributions weren’t as important as leveraging the power of social media — especially video.
In short, rather than going right for the cheese, she got caught in a maze, doing today what she did yesterday.
Are you stuck in the maze? If you’re lucky enough to see a clear goal, what training do you need to get there?
Remember that what go you here, won’t get you there.
In working with students and executives, we help them clarify their goals based on the dynamics of the marketplace, then guide them to develop a social media marketing strategy playing to the power of video. It doesn’t come across as advertising to consumers. They see it as engaging storytelling. For example, this short story promoting The Four Seasons Resort during a major golf event which my colleague Emmy award winning Regent Ducas and I produced and shot.
Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, TV news training, Web Video | No Comments »
