The Way to Backpack Journalism

Not quite television news and not exactly cinema either, Backpack Journalism is a multimedia phenomenon unique to our times. Its practice draws on skill-sets delivered historically by a “crew” of news personnel – cameraman, sound person, producer and reporter. As the name implies, advantages of Backpack Journalism lie in going light – cost-wise and in the size and amount of equipment for the job. Backpack journalists are more mobile, flexible and responsive to the moment - everything it takes to compete in a media world, where even video-savvy mobile-phone users pose competition today. Comprehensively designed, this online multimedia course will supply you with the basic techniques, methods - and practice - to begin your journey into this exiting and rapidly growing field of visual journalism.

View from Above

• Designed for an Introductory Skill Level - with knowledge of video camera basics and non-linear digital video editing experience recommended
• Learn how to set up and conduct interviews
• Learn shooting techniques and techniques for proper sound recording
• Learn editing approaches, encoding techniques and web display.
• By course end you will have created a compelling 2-3 minute video package to add to your portfolio.

Toolbox Needs

• Knowledge of how to import footage from your digital video camera onto your computer
• Digital video camera – must have external microphone input of some kind
• 1 lavaliere microphone
• Tripod
• Computer accsess and non-linear digital editing software
• Plenty of storage space on your computer or external hard-drive