1. The Videographer Jack of all trades, master of none?

2. Who is he/she? • Videographer sometimes refers to any cameraperson, but more often than not the title implies a reporter who shoots and also possibly edits all their own SOTs

3. Role of the videographer • Unlike other camerapersons, the videographer must attend editorial/line-up meetings and pitch ideas to the producer • They may also be assigned stories not of their own choosing, but in either case they will have to research, shoot, interview and write their own SOTs • Most significantly, videographers have to figure out how to work themselves into the story with at least one or more stand-ups

4. Tricks of the videographer • Tripods are your best friend, but make sure the horizon is straight • Use your notebook or a piece of paper to both mark where you’ll stand and to get a WHITE BALANCE • Use your mark on the ground also to get your focus, then pan up and lock the tripod • Use the flip out screen facing you to see if your are framed properly and exposed properly • Don’t forget to mic yourself!

5. Tricks of the videographer • Do a minimum of 2-3 takes for each stand-up, you can’t see behind you! • Step into the frame using your mark on the ground if the background is interesting • Review the video in the camera (with headphones) to make sure it looks and sounds good BEFORE you tear down your set up • Use a window, mirror, Handycam or some other creative device to shoot your reflection • Dress well but keep in mind that you have to lug gear around and keep cool and comfortable

6. Why videographers rock • The ability to do it all is a HUGE selling feature for a prospective employer • Not only does it show a wide skill set, but it also makes you a very lean and efficient (meaning less expensive) news gathering team • Ability to jump into a story by yourself for spot news • If you go on to specialize as a cameraperson, reporter or editor, you’ll have a unique understanding of the difficulties and possibilities of each role • example