How To Get Started In Video Journalism

Video journalism is an exciting field that encompasses everything from documentary filmmaking to short films to content for TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. With the fluidity of the media, it’s always helpful to get some new skills. Here’s a guide on how to break into video journalism.

Think About How Your Journalism Skills Translate 

When shifting to a new field, it may seem a little daunting because you might not have years of experience. However, it’s important to note that many of  your skills as a journalist can actually translate to video journalism. 

Tamara Evdokimova, a multimedia journalist and producer, says that skills like social media and editing are needed in the “video journalism space” and to not feel discouraged if you don’t know every single granular detail about sound mixing or programs like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut. 

At the end of the day, video journalism, like written journalism, is about storytelling. As such, you should be prepared to conduct research and fact-checking. That being said, it’s also crucial to start reading up on which skills you will need to learn about to make the shift. 

Research The Type of Content You Want To Create

“The way that you tell a story with words is really different in the way you tell a story with video and visual storytelling, and it’s not necessarily a natural transition,” Evdokimova says. “What really helps is consuming the type of media that you want to be creating.” 

As such, you should start regularly watching the type of content you want to make to see what’s out there. This will also help when it comes to talking to people in the industry that you’d like to work with later down the line.

With Study Hall’s Opportunity Finder, you can get connected to new journalism gigs and opportunities.  

Network To Find Gigs

Sanjna Selva, a documentary filmmaker and journalist, recommends joining specific affinity groups to network to find new gigs and opportunities. Another way to find new gigs is by connecting with directors and producers on social media. 

As you get more gigs, you should remember to regularly check in with the directors, producers, and anyone else you enjoyed working with because you never know if they are currently looking for more help on a project. 

“Staying in touch with the people that give you your first game [and] staying in touch with being nice to everyone on set, staying in touch with the crew [is] so important because a lot of times you end up working with the same people over and over again,” she recommends. 

Evdokimova also recommends not limiting yourself to networking solely with people in the video journalism space. Rather, she believes that getting in touch with someone who works at the organization can help you land a gig. 

Showcase Your Portfolio

Selva stresses the importance of “building a portfolio” and “learning how to build a good website to showcase your best work if you’ve worked on a gig and making that front and center and having that be really readily available.” 

As you start getting more and more gigs, your website will be crucial for putting all your work in one space. Especially with videos, you will want to make your work as easily accessible as possible for prospective clients. 

With Study Hall’s Opportunity Finder, you can get connected to more top-notch journalism gigs.