Chernihiv media workers honed their smartphone filming and video editing skills during a workshop organised by the Institute of Mass Information’s regional hub Mediabaza Chernihiv on 25 October.
During the theory segment, Chernihiv-based photographer Irene Brynza discussed frame composition. In particular, the importance of placing the central object along the grid lines or intersections so as to leave as much space as possible for the visual elements specific to various social networks. The person filming the video should also pay attention to the background so that nothing “cuts off” the subject’s head or shoulders.
Irene Brynza said that the optimal video runtime for any social media is 15 to 60 seconds. One should open with something exciting to interest the viewer.
“An exciting opening is a hook for social media, which is crucial. You should also introduce variety and shot dynamism even in a 15-second clip, such as [alternating between] general, medium shots and close-ups. The shots should change every 3 seconds, but if the video is 60 seconds long, then you can switch them up every 10 seconds,” the photographer said.
Close-ups can be used to highlight details such as hands, clothing items and other small things.
In general, the video structure should include exposition (opening), beginning, rising action, climax, and resolution.
Irene Brynza also focused on camera movement. It is important to move smoothly, and if you are using your hands to hold the camera and not a tripod, you need to “slide” with your body, not your hands, then the picture on the video will be less jerky.
After the theory segment, all workshop attendees had the opportunity to practice what they had learned and film their own short interviews for social media. They edited the footage during the workshop as well, using the free mobile app VN. It allows users not just to “slap together” a picture, but to add voiceover, music, subtitles, and improve the sound quality.
The Mediabazas are a network of regional hubs created by the Institute of Mass Information to support the work of independent journalists amid Russia’s full-scale war on Ukraine. The Mediabazas offer journalists safety gear lease free of charge, classes and workshops, work space with stable power supply and Internet connection, etc.
Svitlana Bilous, communications officer of the regional hub of the Institute of Mass Information “Mediabase Chernihiv”
