NCTJ Offers Online Video Guide

A new online training film aims to help students and journalists get to grips with shooting video for news websites.

“Videojournalism for Websites” offers practical advice on the basics of producing online video, from the different types of shots to subject positioning and editing.

The film is produced by the National Council for the Training of Journalists and is presented by its chief examiner for online and video journalism, Lloyd Bracey.

Bracey told HoldTheFrontPage.co.uk: “You can’t pick up a camera and make watchable video from a standing start any more than you can pick up a violin and play a recognisable tune.”

He added that many of the film’s tips were borne out of his experiences assessing students’ videos.

“I’ve concentrated on the faults I encounter most commonly when I mark coursework videos - things that jar and make a story hard to watch.

“Of course, there’s a lot more to it that only experience and a critical eye, and ear, can teach, but it’s a start.”