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Using
video to tell your story
The great thing about computers and the Internet is that almost
anything is possible. With the right equipment, we can put still
photos and even moving pictures on the Net.
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SNN reporters can use video clips or segments to help tell their
stories. You see it on the CBC, on Much Music or on the Sports
Network. The announcer will read an introduction to a story,
then she pauses to play a piece of video tape that helps tell
the story. Sometimes it's a scene of a sporting event, a parade,
an accident or a news conference. Other times, it's a segment
that features one or two people talking about the issue. |
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1. Here's an example of a SNN story that includes several
video clips:
Prime
Minister greeted by protesting students and workers (September 1998)
2. Here's an example of a SNN story that includes video
images, interviews and text read by a journalist - the kind of
story that a television reporter would produce for the evening
news:
Ireland
and Newfoundland share culture and history (August
1998)
3. Here's an example of a SNN story that includes an
excerpt from a video interview:
Newfoundland
writer makes mark on literary world (June
1999
Here are some tips for using video in your story:
- Once you start writing your story, think about the video-taped
images and interviews you have recorded and consider how they
could fit into your story. For example, a shot of an event might
help you show the audience exactly what it was like to be in
that particular place at that time. Or a person involved in the
event might be able to explain something better than you could
say it yourself!
- When you're writing for an online publication like SNN, try
to present your story so that everyone can read it -- whether
they can play the video or audio elements or not. That means
including the information that appears on video and audio in
your written version of the story.
- If you select a piece of video tape to include in your story,
try to keep it short -- about 20-40 seconds in length.
- Perhaps you'd like to include a part of interview with one
of the people involved in the story. It's best to use a section
that includes clear recordings of both the questions and answers.
If the questions can't be heard very well, it's better to just
use video of the person's answers to expand on a point made in
your story.
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