Planning
Plan how you are going to tell the story who, what, where, when, hook – why. A lot of this information will be available before you film or write the story so pre-prepare.
- Write up notes from the events page for background information and links before the event – e.g. speakers correct names
- Who is the audience? Set the style and tone to suit – how do you want your story to feel – authentic, fun etc
- Where do you want your story to be shared? Portrait or landscape? Which social media platform is your audience?
- If the background or location is important shoot in landscape
- How long do you want the video? 60 seconds or less
- What is the key message? What is the goal? Who can make change?
- What is the call to action and what will result from the action
- How will you tell the story – use description, senses, real people, emotion.
- How do you want to present the story – show not tell – photos, graphics, voiceover, interviews, music or all in layers?
- Who will you ask for a quote?
- Focus on a small moment to tell a big picture.
- Eyeline – do you want people to look directly at the camera or to something in the distance
Photo and video tips
- Clean your lens
- Get in close, don’t rely on digital zoom
- Utilise natural light – it should be soft and even – best times – early morning or late afternoon. Avoid direct sunlight and dark shadows. Sun best behind you.
- Check the background – get rid of Nanna bags!
- Shoot from different perspectives – crouch down, find a high spot
- Shoot signage and anything that tells the story
- Edit – enhance image brightness, contrast, colour etc
- Ask people to spell out their names for your report
Photographs
- Send photos to Signal – Sydney Media. If you are not on Signal, let us know.
- Send best photos only – don’t dump all your photos
- Close actions shots of us having fun are popular
- Think creatively, try to highlight personalities.
- Support other groups. Attend events in areas when travelling and post photos.
Videos
MP4 is the format of videos taken on your phone or camera. When they go onto a social media platform the format changes, making it hard to post them on other platforms.
- Send MP4 videos to Signal – Sydney Media. If you are not on Signal, let us know.
- Send best video only, preferably edited – don’t dump all your videos
Video tips
- Set up shot – check framing and horizon/level
- Take close shots for beginning and end
- Vary angle of shots – close up, mid shot, wide.
- Keep camera stable. Hold arms close to body to avoid shaking. There is a stabiliser in iphone 16 and later in video settings.
- Start filming early and leave some time before stopping for easy editing
- Leave space at top and bottom for text if filming in portrait
- Don’t video speakers at events. Ask them to come with you to a quiet place and ask them one question. “If you had 10 seconds to get your message across, what would you say?” Then film.
- When interviewing, remember how you feel in front of a camera. Chat and put talent at ease.
- Film interviews in chunks of 30 seconds max, then repeat so the interviewee needs to only remember 3 things without prompt notes.
- When using phone mic to record you must be close up. (Duck down in front or get close to speaker)
- Ask people for their responses or why are they here?
Learn online video production – framing and composition 5:31 mins https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKM3jkEOpuE
How to shoot a protest (3:32 – 6:— what to shoot) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SATs34GHGfQ
How to film better videos on your iphone https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZoVL1FbaSys
1 hour smartphone filming tips for beginners https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaqAkxHR-DM
Editing videos
Nannas are using editing programs/Apps – CapCut (easy for TikTok reels) or Canva. KineMaster has also been recommended. Instagram editor is not as good with layering and you don’t have the control.
- Put close shots at the beginning and end
- Layer photos, audio, music (people watch longer), and/or other videos over the top of someone talking or a song
- Use fade animation between cuts or put layers over them.
- Change images after 5-10 seconds – don’t be too quick
- Reels have to be under 60 seconds with a maximum of 12 shots
Editing videos 10 x faster using AI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tR2RCzEJn7w