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I wonder if this is the reason I’ve had messages from so many female assistant producers/producers from across the industry asking for my advice about getting into camera work. Is it because they’re struggling to compete for the next level roles and believe gaining camera skills will help. I’d be interested to know how many female Shooting PD’s are out there? Also this comment was interesting: “There are fewer and fewer opportunities to gain experience because they want to see that [their films] are in a ‘safe pair of hands’. And they are perceived to be ‘safe’ only in the sense that they are familiar.” Same could be said for News camera crews with editors, correspondents and producers using the same small group of senior staff and freelance camera crews over and over again on the higher profile and creatively more rewarding stories. This can leave little or no opportunity for junior staff to gain the valuable storytelling experience that the industry needs for the future.

How to Film News Videos Using Your Phone Shoot quality video on your phone using these handy tips from NBC News producers.

I was prompted to share my workflow, and despite having authored numerous books on the subject, I'll do my best to distill it here. Upon arriving at a location, my very first step is to question my purpose for being there. What is my personal connection to this place? Instead of immediately raising my camera and indiscriminately capturing images, I strive to establish a rapport, a connection—be it with a person or an inanimate object. I seek an emotional bond and frequently refer back to my list of emotional keywords to reinforce that connection. As a photojournalist, I initially found myself in competition with television, which, in my view, aimed and still aims to depict for its audience what they would witness if they were physically present. Therefore, when working as a journalist and seeing my images published the following day or month, I was determined not to replicate what viewers had already seen on TV. My enduring objective has been and continues to be revealing to the world what they would likely miss if they were not physically present. When I encounter something remarkable, I consider whether it has a stage and an actor or actors. I often come across beautiful scenes that lack a central figure. To me, an image should resemble a Broadway production, complete with a stage and a lead actor or ensemble. Once I identify what I'm seeking, I process it in my mind's eye and then strive to capture it with that vision in mind. Upon completing the photography session, I promptly initiate the following routine: I transfer the images to Lightroom and consistently execute this step each time. Upon import, I embed my copyright details and assign the file names in the format of yyyy_mm_dd_customname_0001 and so forth. These files are then organized into a corresponding folder named yyyy_mm_dd_customname. Subsequently, I proceed to caption and add keywords to the images, following which I assign them rankings. Images rated as "1" denote a commendable attempt but fall short of expectations, leading to the deletion of most. Those rated as "2" are earmarked for potential future review, with the majority also being deleted. A rating of "3" indicates a promising start—a solid image, albeit lacking a truly captivating essence. I opt to retain only a select few of these. A rating of "4" signifies an exceptionally strong image, while a rating of "5" designates a prospective addition to my portfolio. It is worth emphasizing that I embrace the act of deletion, recognizing its pivotal role in maintaining an organized and efficient archival system amidst the wealth of accumulated data. FOR THE REST OF THE STORY https://lnkd.in/eXZB2TGq

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FRIDAY ANECDOTE – DEFENDING GOOD JOURNALISM Few things enhance my work as a PR lawyer more than what I have learned by spending over 30 years defending good public interest journalism which I have done for print, broadcast, and electronic content. This just in from a courageous journalist client for whom I work pro bono: “I can’t explain how valued your advice is and how much I appreciate your support.” The recent Guardian about the vile scientology cult is an example of my being able to go further and assist an author and YouTuber client’s campaign to expose Scientology for the menace that it is. I have now legalled out several books/programmes about scientology, and this has drawn fire from its UK lawyers, Carter Ruck. Some years ago I legalled out for UK transmission the excellent HBO/Sky documentary about scientology, “Going Clear” (https://lnkd.in/dCXSPhie). I was instructed by Sky to do so because they knew that the Scientologists were likely to throw the kitchen sink at them, and I would do a robust job dealing with the gang of lawyers that would inevitably hired to prevent broadcast of the documentary. That proved necessary when Carter Ruck sent around 20 letters on behalf of the Church and some of its members threatening every imaginable form of retaliation if the programme were to be transmitted. This included Ofcom complaints, copyright claims, privacy, and defamation actions to name but a few. One of the expansive Carter Ruck letters included an enclosure which was so vast it had to be committed to a disk, whose journey time from my desk to my waste bin was less than a second since I knew it would merely contain voluminous scientology propaganda. I also received letters from US lawyers acting for this ugly cult. My advice was to ignore all of them, and not cut a second out of the UK documentary despite all the legal threats that came raining down from both sides of the Atlantic. At the time, the UK media was uniting in laying bare the wickedness of this cult, and so I found myself working with (inter alia) Associated Newspapers and the BBC in sharing intelligence and documentation. I strenuously encouraged them to stand their ground. It was such a privilege to do that work. As I had expected, after broadcast there was not a peep out of Carter Ruck (or any other lawyers engaged by the Scientologists) and the documentary went on to be nominated for seven Emmy awards, winning three, including Best Documentary. The sense of satisfaction in playing even a small part in facilitation top quality journalism is immense. My work as a PR lawyer poses no threat to good journalism – only bad journalism. The regulatory codes are unanimous: the public is ill-served by being fed false information, and the top priority of crisis PR should be to ensure that does not happen. Anything less ill serves both the client and the public.

"It's the best job in the world, but you have to work hard." Andy Thompson, senior news editor at SkySports News, has shared his top three tips for becoming a #journalist. Do you have any more to add? #journalism #sportsjournalism #sportsjournalist #studentjournalism #journalismstudent #journalismstudents #careergoals #careergoals✔️ #careeradvice #journalismcareer #journalismcareertips #choosenctj #toptips #journalismgoals

How to Use Your Voice to Make Socially-Driven Films https://ift.tt/2F6Qigs In order to set yourself apart in Hollywood, it's important to find you voice and to make movies and TV shows that you truly care about. That means figuring out what you believe in and fostering your ideas from there. Filmmakers Allison Norlian and Kody Leibowitz, the co-founders of the new production company BirdMine, do just that, making socially conscious stories that connect on many levels. We sat down with them to talk about their new company and what's in store for the future. Let's dive in. BirdMine Editor's Note: the following interview is edited for length and clarity. No Film School: What inspired you to start your own production company, BirdMine, and why did you choose to focus on socially driven films? Allison + Kody: We met as interns in college, with dreams of becoming reporters and journalists. We followed our dreams, becoming television news reporters and anchors and working in various markets across the country, and we remained friends during our respective journeys. As the years went by, we would discuss wanting to tell longer-form, more impactful stories—we wanted to take what we'd learned as journalists and become documentarians. Documentaries were the pinnacle; we'd have more time to investigate, research, and dive into the stories. But for a while, it was just talk—a pipedream that neither of us knew would ever come to fruition. And then, in 2020, everything changed. We decided to act and start BirdMine, our company that focuses on amplifying the voices and stories of underrepresented communities in socially driven films. It only made sense that our films would be socially driven, considering who we are as people and why we got into journalism and documentary work in the first place. Allison became a journalist and now a filmmaker because of her profoundly disabled sister. Growing up with a sister with developmental disabilities and a grandmother with physical disabilities because of Multiple Sclerosis, Allison became an advocate at an early age for the disabled community. She became a journalist with the hope of "changing the way the world views disabilities" and creating a more accessible and inclusive reality for people with disabilities and their families. Being immersed in two marginalized communities since birth—both the disabled and Jewish communities—Allison gained empathy for everyone and anyone suffering. She found her calling to help through journalism and now filmmaking. Kody spent much of his journalism career as an investigative journalist, holding public officials accountable and exposing racial injustice, political corruption, and wrongdoing by corporate or religious institutions. Growing up with a single mother who was a high school educator exposed Kody to the inequalities faced by so many in America—and people around the world. Kody also saw how illness and domestic violence impact a family at an earl...

Embarking on the journey of journalism has been a source of profound happiness and fulfillment in my life. It is a career that goes beyond the superficial layers of reporting; it delves into the core of human experiences, societal dynamics, and the pursuit of truth. Moreover, the dynamic nature of journalism keeps me engaged and excited. The ever-evolving media landscape presents new challenges and opportunities, pushing me to adapt and grow both personally and professionally. The thrill of chasing a breaking story, the satisfaction of conducting in-depth research, and the joy of connecting with diverse individuals make each day in journalism unique and enriching. Furthermore, journalism fosters a spirit of curiosity and continuous learning. In this field, every interview, every article, and every experience is an opportunity to expand my knowledge and understanding of the world. The intellectual stimulation derived from exploring various topics and engaging with different perspectives is a constant source of joy. #journalist #journalism #passion #job #crimenews #technique #videography #videoproduction #videoediting #photography

Dear Storyteller/Journalist, Know These Tips About Moon-watching It's night, and I thought I should share some perks about moonlight with you. As a rural journalist, you may be so cut off from social activities, that the only thing you're left with is sitting under the moon [at night]. Read this short list comprising of the pros and cons of Moon-watching: Pros: 1. Sitting under the moonlight, especially with locals, will allow you to engage with the community more. It will help build a sense of togetherness, and enhance the authenticity of the stories you want to get/share. Cons: 1. Outdoor sessions are susceptible to weather changes, risking exposure to extreme temperatures that can impede the storytelling experience. It's typically cold, and if you're not with any sweatshirts, you'd better remained indoors. 2. Rural areas lack adequate lighting or power sources, limiting the use of modern tools and technology, like your camera or bulb. You should consider investing in a HD night-focus camera. 3. There is a case for raised safety concerns, both in terms of your personal safety and the security of equipments you use. You may be cornered by reptiles or mischievous locals. Weigh the pros against the cons, and choose if moonlight times are a good option or not. If yeah, go rock it. If nay, stay indoors and wait for the morning to break. #shalomkasim #ruraljournalism #naijainthemix My name is Shalom Kasim, your rural journalism consultant.

🌟 Just Finished Watching "Bama Rush" on HBO Max: An Eye-Opening Documentary Experience! 🌟 I am absolutely thrilled to share my thoughts on the thought-provoking documentary "Bama Rush" that I recently had the privilege to watch on HBO Max. 🎬🍿 From the very beginning, "Bama Rush" gripped my attention and took me on an emotional journey that left me both informed and deeply moved. The documentary sheds light on the fascinating and complex world of sorority rush at the University of Alabama, uncovering the layers of tradition, friendship, and challenges that shape this unique experience. What stood out to me the most was the documentary's ability to capture the raw emotions of the young women going through rush. It offered an unfiltered look into their hopes, fears, and the personal growth they undergo during this intense process. The filmmakers brilliantly portrayed the evolution of relationships and personal discoveries, showcasing the power of unity and the importance of embracing individuality. The storytelling was impeccable (Rachel Fleit KILLED IT), blending personal narratives with insightful interviews and captivating visuals. It was clear that the filmmakers took the time to establish a genuine connection with the participants, which translated into authentic storytelling that kept me engaged throughout. As someone who values stories that provide insight into various aspects of society, culture and human experience, I couldn't recommend "Bama Rush" enough. It's not just about sorority life; it's about identity, empowerment, and the universal journey of self-discovery. Whether you're a documentary enthusiast or simply curious about the inner workings of this world, this film is a must-watch. Kudos to the entire team behind "Bama Rush" for delivering a documentary that sparks conversation, fosters understanding, and celebrates the strength of young women navigating their way through college life. 🙌📽️ If you haven't had the chance to watch it yet, I encourage you to grab some popcorn and tune in on HBO Max. Let's keep the dialogue going and share our thoughts! Have you seen "Bama Rush"? What were your key takeaways? Let's chat in the comments below! 👇👇 #BamaRush #HBOMax #DocumentaryLove #EmpoweredWomen #MustWatch