Registration Open for 3-Session Video Storytelling Seminar

A three-part series for reporters or Web producers will explain the how-tos of adding a video component to stories. The classes are March 11 and 26 and April 2 in the Bloomberg Center for Electronic Journalism . Costs vary and must be paid in advance; see details below.

The sessions will offer practical tips for producing video, whether you're using a Flip camera, an iPhone or more sophisticated video equipment.

The primary instructor is media trainer/coach Mary Coffman, associate professor of broadcast and video storytelling at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. She will discuss the pros and cons of different kinds of video storytelling, including ways to tell stories without narration, and teach the skills needed to master each technique.

The sessions can be taken as series or as individual classes.

The sessions are:

Thursday, March 11, 7 to 9 p.m. Free to NPC members; $35 for non-members

Coffman and Ivan Meyers, multimedia producer and former director of AV teaching technologies at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, will focus on identifying stories best told in video; writing broadcast-style copy for narration; avoiding narration pitfalls; and interview techniques.

Friday, March 26, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.; $60 for NPC members or $100 for this session plus April 2. Non-member rate is $120 per class, $200 for both.

This session will offer hands-on tips for shooting video with various equipment. Topics are framing and composition; tips on shooting video in different circumstances; tips for getting good audio; shooting exercises. Coffman will critique participants’ video.

Friday, April 2, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.; $60 for NPC members or $100 for this session plus March 26. Non-member rate is $120 per class, $200 for both.

This session will offer hands-on training for editing video. Topics are tips for editing video; sequencing shots; tips for using transitions and not over-using them. Coffman will critique participants' edited video.

The editing will take place on the laptops provided by the Eric Friedheim National Journalism Library. Bring video that you shot.

Participants are encouraged to bring their camera and indicate what kind it is when registering. Cameras can be provided for participants who do not have one.

To register, please contact Nicole Nottingham and [email protected] or (202) 662-7523