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// VJ Tips

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When you on scene a news story location start shooting as soon as possible. On those types of stories things are changing quickly and you want to get the object that may change or vanish first. The ambulance will leave, the fire will be put out, the gun picked up by evidence collectors, etc. Get it before it’s gone!
Action/reaction is the basis for all news coverage. It’s not just the event, it’s the reaction of the people watching it. Their faces and actions tell the story.

If you listen and keep your mouth shut, people understand that you are interested in them as a person, not a story or a byline, and it’s then that they’ll open their hearts and lives to you.
Give you subject time to breath. People will open up and talk when there is silence.
When possible get your subject to paraphrase you questions. Your voice may not be in the final edit.

Have a good idea of what you want to shoot before you turn on your camera. Know the shots you need and the story your going to tell beforehand. Shoot to edit.
If you shoot handheld avoid strong vertical or horizontal lines in your composition. They give away movement.
Never go from a two shot to a two shot. Use some b-roll or get a single reactionary (a head nod for example) shot to break it up. A two shot to a two shot looks awkward.
Tripods are great but don’t get so tied to it your creativity gets limited.
Commit to your frame and do a ten count. You’ll need that extra room for editing later.
Allow people to walk in and out of a frame. Don’t pan unless you have a plan to get out of it during editing. Panning can be the devil if you don’t use it wisely.
This tip comes from Colin Mulvany – never start your video with a talking head. It’s the kiss of death.

How to Make Your Video Look Like Film

4. Lighting

White balance every time your light source changes. This is especially important when shooting outdoors.
Keep a 20 watt light bulb or two in your gear bag. Most people light their rooms with 60 or 100 watt bulbs and replacing them with a can help you control the lighting. Better yet pick up a dimmer switch and modify it to use on the outlets.

ALWAYS monitor your audio!!! Use headphones.
Nothing conveys a sense of place better than the natural sound of being there. Record natural sound all the time!
Music is as much a point of view as conversation is. Be careful with it in news or documentary.
Good audio can carry a bad picture but a good picture won’t carry bad audio. Monitor the levels when you shoot. You can boost audio but if it’s in the red you’re screwed.