“Shut Off the Raging Dialogue of the Story of the Week”

Fascinating talk, thanks for posting, Al!  Kudos to Noha Atef too.  An idea struck- I suppose it would be a good thing to have a video camera around in case any use for it comes up suddenly, you never know.  Are there any recommendations for type?  It would be a fun thing to try out.

Ann - There are collaborators here much more experienced at purchasing cameras than I. They'll probably have some questions for you about your needs and then they'll give good recommendations.

So, ok kids, step up to the plate!

After pondering it more, I realize that the key is probably to just start with video practice, with anything at hand, such as a cell phone or mini-camera. After one has tried it, and perhaps been bitten by an enthusiasm bug, the next step would become clear- with help from google searches and the like.

I note that Al was sure to ask each person who was going to use a video camera in the video above if they knew how to use it.  A key point!  I've noticed mention of Final Cut Pro as software used at the Authentic Journalism School to put the videos together.  But, in a pinch, and to get started, free or somewhat free utilities on one's pc or mac might be a good place to start.  My mac has something called iDVD that I haven't got around to looking at.

I guess stories are everywhere.  Here in sleepy Boulder, Colorado, for example, one could do stories on marijuana legalization, the economy, community organizing techniques and trends, and more.

While I don't claim to be an expert, I know a bit about video/cameras.

It sounds like you are just starting out and planning on making more viral-style videos/documentaries than "production" pieces.  If this is the case, then a FlipVideo mini camcorder is both mobile and can take passable video, for about $200-250.  If you want a little better sound...move up to a true "digital camcorder".  It may cost you an extra hundred or so, but you'll get better sound and more flexability (such as zoom).

If you really want to get into "production" after a while...search "prosumer camcorders" or look into "DSLR Video".  The first are basically suped up digital camcorders, the second are (near) professional still cameras that now record video.  But honestly, both of these options would probably require more money/training than it sounds like you're looking for right now.

I work in "the biz" and have helped people get started over the years.  It's amazing what can be done with cellphone video nowadaze, so things are certainly evolving quickly.

I'd suggest really thinking about what kind of recording you'd be doing at first.  Recording public hearings and other governmental-type events?  Documentary-style in completely unstaged and uncontrolled situations?  Highly controlled "talking head" interview based video or webcam-type video?  These all benefit more from different kinds of equipment.

One common mistake that people starting out often make is not thinking about audio.  Good audio can make or break any video.  However you answer the above questions, be sure to find out about the microphone capabilities of the camera(s), and make sure you get a decent mic that can actually plug into that camera.  Maybe a long extension cable for the mic or a wireless mic system.

Quality cameras have become so inexpensive in recent years.  You could go with a miniDV camera which records on little tapes for really cheap right now, since everyone's moving to Flash memory cards instead of tapes for recording.  You can get some great memory card cameras too.  Hopefully you have the option of a locally owned camera store that can help you pick one, or any big box will have many nice options for you.  HD cams are surprisingly cheap, and you'd probably want to start with an HD camera now that they're taking over!

Editing:  I wouldn't mess with Final Cut Pro unless you plan to get really serious about it and spend tons of time learning.  I assume your computer also has iMovie, and that would probably work just fine for you.  It exports to Internet friendly formats, and works well with iDVD for when you need to burn projects to DVD.  I've seen some incredible work done on iMovie.  Good craftspeople don't blame their tools after all!

Hope this helps!

Many thanks to you, Travis and Bonkers.  That's all very helpful and interesting advice!

Thanks Al,

This is truly great. I will watch the video, as you know. Thanks for making it free! Sinceremente.

Saludos,

Tonya

Thanks, dear Ann, for asking the "low to no" tech questions concerning video creation.

Thanks also to Travis and Bonkers, for the kind and helpful advice.

You are such an inspiration to me, Ann.  I eagerly read your posts and notebook entries because The Field has been and continues to be a refuge from the storm.  You see the poetry in the moment.  Co-Publishers like you ask great questions,  sometimes the very ones I am having at the time.  Other Co-Pubs and welcome guests, provide excellent advice freely, without being unkind.

And to Al, my friend:  May I say that this years graduates of the School and the organizers that helped them, are stellar.  Thanks for bringing us this excellent video of how powerful 'authentic' really is.

Oh, one more thing, while I've got some to share...$$ to our continuous, creative, Fund for Authentic Journalism.

Al,

The immigration debate in the US (and the racial issues just beneath and occasionally above the surface of that debate) has gotten a good deal more heated and strident in the past couple of weeks. Hope all is well and I'd love to hear more on the issue if you have the time, especially as we get closer to the midterm elections here in the US.

Hi, Al:

Where are you?  I miss your regular posts.  It's been a month since we've heard from you.  Are you okay?  

Karen

Did I miss an announcement or something? Is Al ill, involved in a project or on vacation?  Meanwhile, there's some really great stuff in Narco News, particularly an article about what's behind the 24,000 killed in Mexico, but I miss Al's unique twist to the current scene.

Hi Nancy, Karen and all,

While I did take five days vacation this summer I have been working hard the rest of the time, bringing two new staffers into the team, constructing Narco News TV and some other projects y'all will hear about when ripe.

In the summer, Internet readership is significantly lower and so we've taken the opportunity to re-tool and have our "training camp" for the fall offensive.

What's more, is that since I wrote this story, I can't say that there has been a single "news story" in the United States during the summer doldrums that has caught my fancy to write about or comment upon. That was kind of the point of some of my remarks above, and in some other recent posts here.

Meanwhile, on the pages of Narco News there have been excellent stories from Latin America all summer long which I've edited and assisted with.

Soon enough I'll be caught up on the preparatory tasks and back to blogging and reporting again. I thank you for your interest and patience. best,

Al

We all need our Al G fix man, this ain't roight!

(in all seriousness though, looking forward to the re-tooled stuff, including NN TV!)

Heya techies,  I can't comment on Bill Conroy's latest notebook entry, it keeps saying "comment field required" even though I had entered a comment. Maybe thats a bug related to the retooling efforts?

The wrath of Gibbs, ...echos from The Field, ...autumn we foretold.

Hi schpooky toof,

Thanks for your feedback. We have installed an updated editor that should resolve your comment posting problems.

Please try posting your comment again on Bill Conroy's latest article. If any problems persist please email me directly at dave@narconews.com.

Regards,

David B. Briones